Ulster boost as quartet return

Ulster will be boosted by the return of some established players when they face Leinster in the second of the RaboDirect Pro12 semi-finals at the RDS on Saturday.

Hooker Rory Best (ankle), flankers Roger Wilson (thumb) and Robbie Diack (knee) along with lock Dan Tuohy (hand) have all been given the all clear while scrum-half Ruan Pienaar (shoulder) could join the quartet if he comes through the final work-out tomorrow.

However, Nick Williams will be out for the remainder of the season with a leg injury sustained in the shock win over Munster last weekend.

In 2012, Leinster hammered Ulster 42-14 in a Heineken Cup final and last year they shaded the RaboDirect final at Saturday’s venue.

Star man Andrew Trimble looks at the positive in that Ulster did the double over Leinster last season despite that final defeat.

“We owe them something after they beat us in the final last season,” said Trimble.

“They have a great record at the RDS in recent seasons, but one of their few defeats in Dublin was to us last season. We beat Leinster home and away and then went on to lose to them in the Rabo final.

“Since them we have lost home and away to them in the league this season, hopefully it will be the reverse result this time.

“When you get into knock-out rugby, anything can happen,” added Trimble, who lifted three gongs at the Ulster Awards dinner and was named on the RaboDirect team of the year.

“We have to put some of the disappointment behind us. We have got ourselves in the mix again for silverware and that is the most important thing. It’s a case now of winning two games. If we do that we lift silverware. It is easier said than done, but it is a huge incentive. We feel it’s a big, big chance to win a trophy. I’m very proud of how the season went, but I’m determined to end it on another high.”