Belfast-born former Connacht prop, John Andress, thinks Ulster have what it takes to come out on top in their United Rugby Championship quarter-final clash with Connacht in Belfast on Friday night.
The former player-turned-rugby agent is well placed to comment on the relative strengths of both sides, having once been part of both set-ups and now, in his day-job as an agent, keeps a very close eye on the players he represents at both provinces.
“I have guys in both camps, so I can’t be too partisan one way or the other, but I think you’d have to back Ulster on Friday given the calibre of players in that Ulster side," Andress said.
"Ulster this season are a top side. They had that period in the middle of the season when they had a dip in form that wasn’t great, but they’ve bounced back, and they managed to keep racking up points to come second to Leinster which is some achievement.”
Indeed, following a mid-season slump both sides of Christmas, Dan McFarland’s side finished the season one place higher in the table and nine points better off than last season with some memorable wins along the way – achievements Andress believes Ulster’s coaches deserve more credit for.
“Dan McFarland has probably over-achieved with Ulster – he’s done a good job and is a technically astute coach. Roddy Grant has made the Ulster maul incredible – it’s a really effective weapon.
"They got knocked out of the Champions Cup by Leinster. But Leinster are Leinster – they’re on another level. I still think Ulster have a good chance of reaching the final.”
However, Connacht have enjoyed a good run of form in the league themselves, with five wins out of their last six league games and will be boosted by the return from injury of key Ireland duo Bundee Aki and Mack Hansen who are both available for selection.
The former prop was quick to point out Andy Friend’s side would be a big challenge for his home province and reserved plenty of praise for how Connacht have gone about their business this season.
“Connacht are no easy team to play against. Both sides are well-coached. In particular, Connacht have a powerful scrum, exciting attack and strong and organised defence.
Saying that, I think Ulster have the edge and if I was to place a bet, I would have to say they’ll get the job done on Friday.”
One of the biggest concerns for Ulster will be the number of injuries they sustained in their attritional final game of the regular season against Edinburgh, during which a number of players hobbled off the pitch including James Hume, Mike Lowry, Rob Herring, Robert Baloucoune, Andy Warwick and Luke Marshall.
While it is hoped a number of Ulster’s casualties will have had time to recuperate in time for Friday’s game, Ulster are likely to be without Ireland internationals Iain Henderson and Tom O’Toole and Stuart McCloskey’s involvement is still in doubt due to a calf injury.
If Ulster can progress in the knockout stages as Andress predicts, they will also have home advantage in the semi-finals where they will host the winner between the Stormers and the Bulls. The home advantage in a prospective semi-final, he believes, is what could see Ulster go one step further than last season which saw them lose to Stormers in the dying moments of the semi-final in Cape Town.
“Home advantage makes a massive difference. I think no matter where this quarter-final was, Ulster should be aiming to win it, but in those big games like the semi-final coming up if they get there, the home crowd can definitely give you that extra few percent you need.”
