Some team is going to pay for our pain, warns Ulster star Steinmetz

PAUL STEINMETZ won’t be sending Christmas cards to those responsible for landing the Irish provinces in Heineken Cup pools of death.

He’s not just crying about the hand Ulster have been dealt for he believes Leinster and Munster have also got the thin edge of the wedge.

“Of course it’s a bit of a lottery, but Bourgoin, Gloucester and Ospreys? It’s a big ask, but the only consolation is that we at least have a chance to kick-start the challenge by playing at home (against Gloucester) this weekend,” he said.

Steinmetz admits the bar is being raised all the time: “I think every team has been working to build up their squads. There may be a few weak clubs out there, but they’re becoming a rarity. As the competition has grown, so have the clubs. It’s becoming hugely difficult to guarantee any results because you never know how good the opposition is; only that they will be better than the year before.”

So far, it has been a disappointing season for Ulster rugby. Steinmetz agrees: “Yes, we have not performed to expectations. It’s strange to be in an Ulster team that has struggled and it’s very hard to put a finger on the problem. Maybe it’s the fallout from having so many guys away on World Cup duty because we didn’t have that many involved in the national squad up to the last year or so.’’

Steinmetz is particularly disappointed for coach Mark McCall. “I suppose he must feel a little bit let down by the players, and he is taking things a bit hard. We’re hoping to give the fans something to shout about on Friday and give Mark something to be happy about, too.

“It’s imperative to at least win our home matches, particularly the first one, but I think we have it in us.

“Ravenhill is a great place when the crowd gets behind you, and they have been really very good even in the games that we have lost. I think they also feel there is a big performance in us,” he said.

Despite the results, Steinmetz insisted this squad was probably the strongest since he arrived five years ago. “That’s why our poor form is so puzzling. It’s all about getting out there as individuals and playing as we know we can play; then about getting out there and playing as we know we can. If we can get the little things right, somebody is going to suffer soon.’’

Meanwhile South Africa number eight Bob Skinstad has announced his retirement with immediate effect.

Skinstad, who returned to the Springbok squad for the World Cup after a three-year absence and left France with a winners’ medal, admitted now was the right time to quit.

“Today I leave the game on my terms and with the most wonderful memory of experiencing the thrill of a winning World Cup campaign. I often said to people this year that I felt the stars were aligned and it was South African rugby’s year.’’

French lock Fabien Pelous is also set to announce his retirement from international rugby.

The Toulouse veteran will hold a press conference at the French Rugby Federation (FFR) headquarters, in which he is set to reveal he is bringing an end to his career with Les Bleus.

Contrary to reports, neither Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell or any of the selected squads from the Leinster or Munster panels will be available for selection for the upcoming Barbarians match against South Africa on December 1st.

Leinster travel to Musgrave Park to face Munster in the Magners League on Friday, November 30.