Fit-again Henry relishing Ravenhill battle with old foes Munster

Ulster are slowly getting their big guns back following a string of injury concerns.

Skipper Johann Muller, Ireland flankers Chris Henry and Iain Henderson along with No 8 Nick Williams and All Black tight-head John Afoa are all set to face Munster on Friday night in a crucial RaboDirect PRO12 derby at a sold-out Ravenhill.

Ulster go into a crucial period of three massive games which could define a rather topsy-turvy season and a frustrated Henry, who has been nearly two months on the sidelines, is glad to be back in action.

“These things happen in rugby and you get injuries” explained Henry. “I tweaked the hamstring against Samoa in a game I was really enjoying. Then when it happened I knew straight away I was going to have to come off as it was pretty serious.

“Even then it was probably longer than I expected as I had a small setback with my ankle as well when I started running which delayed me a week as well. “It has been frustrating but I’m just glad I’ve got myself back fit and ready for selection this week.

Henry is relishing a crack at Munster. “They have done really well this year. They have a good squad and we know each other really well. We have had some big wins against them in the last few years, so it has the makings of a really exciting match.

“They are sort of doing what we did last year where they are winning with the last play of the game, winning with last-minute kicks and grinding out wins. You know Munster will play for 80 minutes they keep going and going. They never give up and they have that Munster live-and-die-for-the-shirt mentality.

“For us, it is also a chance to put right the 19-6 defeat against Leinster. It is easy for players that won’t be playing to talk about it, but all the players that were involved were disappointed. We didn’t play any rugby and that is not what we are about. It’s good we have another chance in an interprovincial in front of a full house.

“Munster are starting to get dominance at the top of the table. When they are that far ahead it will be a struggle to catch up with them. You need to stay in the top four and keep yourself in the mix.

“There is always that bit of nastiness and edge. We’re all close to each other but when we come onto the pitch that is where there is a bit of fight, and no doubt that will be the same on Friday.

“There is not too much talking but when you get a good shot on someone or get somebody in a ruck there is a bit of giggling, but you move on and they will be trying to get you back. There is no real sledging, but Dan Tuohy is probably the one to speak to about that!”