INJURIES TO SIMON Zebo, Jonathan Sexton, Sean O’Brien and an impending citing slap on the wrist for Cian Healy could well see Ulster having a greater say in Ireland’s Six Nations affairs.
To date, the contributions from the northern province have come, in bulk, from Rory Best and Craig Gilroy, while Chris Henry has been used as a back-row replacement and Declan Fitzpatrick is sent into battle when Mike Ross is running on less than fumes.
Injecting the likes of Henry, Tom Court and Paddy Jackson to the international mix may have brooked no arguments during the November Series.
However, Ulster’s stretched squad are doing something now they did not when the ‘Boks and Argentineans were in town – losing.
Three losses in 20 games is still highly impressive but the ‘unbeaten Ulster’ stories [Heineken Cup, Pro12, Ravenhill] are now over. Ospreys, last Friday, were the latest to dent the belief this could be the year Ulster go further than their Heineken Cup Final appearance last year.
Caught cold
Ulster centre Luke Marshall made a comeback appearance, from a broken finger lay-off, in that 16-12 defeat to Ospreys.
He told TheScore.ie, “It was a tough came to come back into. In the first half, we didn’t secure enough ball. It was a disappointing result and performance.
“Perhaps we got a bit ahead of ourselves and Ospreys caught us cold.
“Mark [Anscombe] was saying that, as we are setting the pace this year, teams will be coming for us.
In years gone by, maybe we were the underdogs. We have aspirations to be one of the top teams in European rugby so there can be no off weeks.”
Marshall feels, despite the home defeat, the return of captain Johann Muller will be vital for the province’s hopes of challenge for domestic and European honours.
Zebre pushed Ulster close, in Italy, earlier in the season but, with players such as Jackson, Henry and Iain Henderson set to feature, the unbeaten run can start from a home win and go from there.
Luke Marshall during Ulster’s media briefing. (©INPHO/Presseye/Jonathan Porter)
International duty
A decent outing at inside centre could see Marshall elevated into the Irish senior squad for next week’s clash with Scotland.
The 21-year-old has already talked up teammate Paddy Jackson’s chances of involvement at Murrayfield and feels Ireland may be well served by two Ulstermen on the wings.
He commented, “Over the last few years, Craig Gilroy has shown that he is capable of playing at the highest level.
“His form for Ulster and Ireland has been brilliant. He is getting the recognition he deserves.”
Speaking about Trimble, Marshall added, “His performances since Craig got into the Irish squad show what a true professional he is.
“He has been amazing for the past few months. He has come back and been our top performer this season.”
