Ferris hails ‘Cowboy’ tactics

Back in the Wild West, strangers always aroused suspicion.

There is greater tolerance to outsiders in the multi-cultural world, but especially in northern hemisphere rugby circles, where New Zealand gunslingers are now widespread.

That didn’t prevent news of Mark Anscombe’s appointment as Ulster’s head coach being greeted with near-derision. That had much to do with the treatment of his predecessor, Brian McLaughlin, particularly as the Ulster native continued to carry out his job after the announcement, and oversaw the province’s progress to a first Heineken Cup final in 13 years.

A perusal of Anscombe’s CV revealed plenty of work bringing young players through but very little in the line of top-flight jobs. Theconsensus was that Ulster might be in for a rude awakening.

It’s early days yet but having followed up an eye-catching pre-season with impressive wins against Glasgow, and away to Ospreys, it seems that Anscombe might actually be an inspired selection by David Humphreys.

Stephen Ferris, who will earn his 100th Ulster cap in the clash with Munster at Ravenhill tonight, is certainly pleased with what he has seen so far.

“It’s been really good,” said Ferris. “A lot of people were disappointed that Brian McLaughlin was let go by Ulster Rugby but he’s not actually, he’s in our Academy system so he’s still involved very much.

“Mark Anscombe came over from New Zealand. A lot of people didn’t know about him but he’s been coaching a long time. He’s done a great job with New Zealand U21s over the last number of years.

“He’s just tweaked a few things here and there. Nothing too much has changed from last year and why should it have done, because we had such a good season. He’s just added a bit of his knowledge to try make us better rugby players and a better team.

“In pre-season there’s been a lot more contact and I think that has shown in the pre-season games. In years gone by, we were using those games to get up to speed whereas this year we wanted to win them. We’re still unbeaten this year, which is great.

“We call [Anscombe] The Cowboy. He’s so relaxed and laid back. I’m sure there is pressure there because we’ve done well last season but he doesn’t show it at all.”

Ferris only played three league games himself last term but while there were a few knocks at the end of the campaign, international commitments were the chief cause. Until suffering a Grade 2 tear to his calf in last year’s Heineken Cup final, he had his most regular season of appearances in some time.

“In terms of match minutes, I played every international up until going away on tour, I played every minute of the Heineken Cup and three Rabo games. Compared to previous years, it was a massive step up and great for me.

“A couple of years ago I maybe wouldn’t have managed myself as well. But [Ireland head coach] Deccie [Kidney] has brought in where if you play three games in a row you get a week off, whereas a few years ago you would have been playing eight or nine games in a row. So it definitely works a lot better when you get that rest where you can recharge the batteries.”

There will be no rest tonight though.

“Munster have changed their game plan this year; seem to be playing with a lot more width, a lot more dynamic ball-carriers. They don’t seem to be just running around the corner, running into brick walls all day, trying to physically beat you up before they break you down. They seem to be a lot smarter, a lot cuter.”