ULSTER welcome Leinster to the Kingspan Stadium tomorrow night in what is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated derbies for many a year.
Last November Dan McFarland’s side recorded their first win in Dublin in eight years and second row Sam Carter thinks that that victory can be the basis of another derby day win.
“There’s a few things we’ll take from that game,” says Carter.
“Obviously the confidence of being able to beat Leinster and do it down there.
“But again, playing twice in one season, they’ll be wanting to prove something as well coming up here and showing what they’re made of which is going to make a really good contest – that’s something I’m really excited for on Saturday night.”
As in all games, the battle for forward supremacy will go a long way to deciding the outcome.
With Ulster set to be down at least captain Iain Henderson and Rob Herring, Leinster could well be missing out on an entire first choice pack.
Despite a number of high-profile absentees, Leo Cullen will still be able to call upon players of the calibre of Rhys Ruddock, Devin Toner, Sean Cronin and a fit again Dan Leavy.
It represents the frightening level of depth that Leinster operate on.
Carter is once more looking forward to locking horns against the Leinster forward division. The Aussie, now in his third season at Ulster spoke highly about the Leinster front eight as they continue to perform at the top-level week in, week out.
“They have been the marker for the last 10 years really.
“If I were to put my finger on anything it’s the strength of the pack, the collective, the quick ball they generate, the little bits of skill they use to get on the front foot and lay a platform for their backs.
“Obviously defensively they work really well around the ruck, and they are good at slowing down the ball.
“So, I think it’s not one exact thing, it’s just a really good team together,” continued Carter.
While there is no longer a fear factor issue to deal with when coming face-to-face with Leinster like there has been in the past, the D4 side still continue to set the targets for the rest to reach.
While they may be chasing an unprecedented fifth league title in as many years, Carter feels that the gulf in class is closing between Leinster and the chasing pack.
“Leinster have been the benchmark for a while now.
“They’ve always been good. The strength of the team, the players they have, the quality they have around the pitch.
“Have they lost a little bit of their aura?
“I wouldn’t say that but I think the other teams have definitely caught up and are playing good footy. We see Munster playing good footy and a couple of the Scottish teams.
“Obviously we’re trying to make some moves and lay our marker down as well. To do that we got to play the best teams like Leinster and compete consistently.”
