Muller plans to go out on Ulster high

It’s the last stand for Ulster and their South African captain Johann Muller as they attempt to reach the Rabo-Direct Pro12 play-offs when Leinster travel up the road to help officially open the new Ravenhill facilities.

In simple terms, Ulster must garner at least two points from their last two games against table-toppers Leinster tonight then Munster at Thomond Park next week after Ospreys slipped up against Zebre last night.

Coach Mark Anscombe can call on Jared Payne after his controversial sending off and subsequent ban in the defeat by Saracens two weeks ago. Payne will wear the No 13 jersey alongside Luke Marshall in the only change from the back line that saw Ulster disappointingly lose to Glasgow last time out.

Up front, the inexperienced Andrew Warwick starts his first game at tighthead. He is fourth choice after Jon Afoa, Ricky Lutton and Declan Fitzpatrick were all ruled out. Roger Wilson returns from injury to blindside while Iain Henderson partners Muller in the engine room.

As for Muller, it will be a demanding evening. It will probably be his last game at Ravenhill before he departs for Mossel Bay in the eastern Cape and retirement. Muller has a cult following in Ulster, and will want to sign off with a memorable victory. “It doesn’t matter whether it is your last game or first game or your first season or last season you always want to go out and win a trophy,” said Muller.

“I can promise you one thing, the 23 players will leave the field after the game having given absolutely everything to make that a reality. You cannot can ask for more.”

Muller will find the occasion a bit emotional. “A couple of months ago I thought I had plenty of time left, now the big day has arrived my two little ones will run out with me tonight, so it’s going to be really emotional. It is wonderful how the Northern Ireland people have accepted and embraced me and my family and it has been truly humbling for us to play as foreigners over here.

“I would have loved to play for another three, four or five years but my body made the decision for me, at the end of the day it was a really easy decision to make.

“At this stage it’s a case of feet up, I’m going back onto the family farm and I want to find my feet to see what I have time for and don’t have time for. Without a doubt you’ll see me back here every single year, I’ll come back and sit in the stand and be a supporter of this great club and I’m looking forward to that.”