DONAL LENIHAN: Ulster must now look beyond Springbok stars for leadership

Irish players must take responsibility against Saracens

1. Leadership and who provides it

To succeed at any level of rugby requires a number of proven leaders, calling the shots on the field, implementing the coaching blueprint and adjusting to problems as they present themselves over the course of the game. Ireland have suffered on this front in the absence of Paul O’Connell and Brian O’Driscoll, with others slow to come to the fore. It is interesting therefore that the core leadership of this Ulster side hails from Durban, with Johann Muller and Ruan Pienaar calling the shots as Ulster’s two most influential players. Rory Best is also a highly influential figure but in a supporting role.