Destiny in our own hands — Harrison

OF all the overseas signings that Ulster have made in recent seasons, Wallaby Justin Harrison jumps out as the one to have made the biggest impact.

It is no wonder therefore that coach Mark McCall has placed Ulster’s hopes of a first Celtic League title in the very large hands of the former Australian lock, although Harrison accepts that it a big task to help Ulster deliver the goods against an Ospreys side at their plush new surroundings of the Liberty Stadium in Swansea.

To win the title without worrying about what’s happening to Leinster in their battle with Edinburgh at Murrayfield, Ulster need a win.

“That’s it, end of story,” says Harrison, whose professional attitude since his arrival and has endeared himself to the players and fans alike.

“We have come this far, so we have to do it all by ourselves. We should not have to rely on anybody else. It is not going to be easy. Like ourselves, the Ospreys are aiming to top the European seedings in their country.

“Don’t forget they defeated us 20-12 at Ravenhill back in November. Unfortunately that was the first time I captained Ulster, when Simon Best was on international duty. I certainly don’t want history repeating itself. That would be an embarrassment.

“I’m hugely disappointed for Simon. Not only is missing the chance of finishing the job out on the field tonight, but he is also missing out on an Irish representative chance over the summer. That a big blow for him as he has worked so hard to be the leading tight-head in Ireland. For him not to be finishing this trip with us on the field is disappointing.

“But for me to be landed with the captaincy is daunting. There is a huge expectation on the Ulster players. The province in general, has an enormous pride and tremendous history and certainly I count myself very fortunate not only to be part of it, but to be captain is a huge honour.”

“But Ospreys are certainly the in-form side in the competition at present, even though we have had some wins on the run ourselves.

“Welsh sides have tremendous pride — as we saw in Llanelli last week. They will not lie down and I expect it to be very physical. It’s the end of a long, hard season, and I hope I can get enough out of the boys for one more game.”

Defeat for Leinster in Edinburgh would mean that Ulster would win the title even if they lost in Swansea and join Munster as the only teams to have won the European Cup, and Celtic League and Cup double.

Meanwhile, the Ospreys have given rookie fly-half James Hook his first Celtic League game as he comes in for Shaun Connor.

Hook is one of three changes to a strong side with Lee Beach in for Richie Pugh and Barry Williams — in his last appearance as skipper — for Huw Bennett.

The game kicks off at 7.10pm and is live on Setanta Sports Ireland

OSPREYS: G Henson; J Vaughton, S Parker, A Bishop, S Williams; J Hook, J Spice; D Jones, B Williams (capt), A Jones, A Wyn Jones, I Evans, J Thomas, L Beach, A Lloyd. Replacements: R Hibbard, A Millward, P James, A Newman, R Pugh, M Jones, S Terblanche.

ULSTER: B Cunningham; T Bowe, A Trimble, P Wallace, A Maxwell; D Humphreys, I Boss; J Fitzpatrick, R Best, B Young, J Harrison, M McCullough, N Best, S Ferris, R Wilson. Replacements: N Brady, R Moore, R Caldwell, N McMillan, K Campbell, J Bell, J Topping.

Referee: David Changleng (SRU).