THE DECISION TO leave Rory Best out of the British and Irish Lions side was one of Warren Gatland’s more controversial decisions.
However, on Friday night in Ravenhill, Ulster supporters made their opinions clear with a rousing welcome for the Ireland hooker at the start of the game, as well as a standing ovation when the 30-year-old left the field near the end.
Image: INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Two-try hero Andrew Trimble was quick to heap praise on the Ulster fans for their support of Best.
“I think that shows what Ulster Rugby is all about.
“It just felt like a family all putting their arms around Rory and just supporting him and some of the banners as well, and chants, that meant a lot to him and meant a lot to the rest of us as well.
“To know that supporters want us to do well, that says a lot and helps us know what we want to do out there.”
Image: INPHO/Morgan Treacy
The winger also thinks the province’s league campaign leaves them in good stead for the semi-finals of the RaboDirect Pro12.
“I’m very confident, I think we’re in a great position.
“We’re obviously just looking ahead to the Scarlets at the minute, we’ve got them at Ravenhill where we want them and, while they’ve obviously had a difficult night tonight (losing 17-41 at home to Benetton Treviso) they’re a side that, whenever they turn up, can prove a handful.
“If we do our jobs right though, it’ll be very difficult for them to live with us.”
It’s a view shared by Ulster captain Johann Muller.
“The Scarlets are good side with really good players and they’ve done remarkably well over the last six weeks but we’re where we want to be.
“At home in Ravenhill, in front of a packed stadium, we’re really looking forward to it but we need to be better than we were tonight and we’ll work on that this week in order to get what we want out of that game.”
Additional reporting by Megan Joyce of The Front Row Union.
