Marshallhas eyeson more Irish caps

Ulster’s Luke Marshall is built like a tank, has good hands, dancing feet, and carries his 15 stone frame with grace.

The 23-year-old Ballymoney man has won six caps for Ireland, but would like to add to that count, particularly in the run up to the 2015 World Cup.

Marshall is busting to get a piece of the action following his first real run-out of the season in Ulster’s bonus-try victory over Zebre last week. There will not be as much space in the midfield on Cardiff’s 3G pitch on Friday as Ulster try to build on a useful start.

“To be honest I still feel a little bit rusty,” said Marshall after his summer break following Ireland’s trip to Argentina. “I struggled to get into the game a bit on Friday but, physically, I feel really good and now I’m looking forward to another chance this weekend.

“I just want game time now. It’s always nice to get a bit of a rest in the summer, but I’m now wanting to get back into the action and fit for that 12 jersey,” said Marshall, who had a number of bangs to the head in previous seasons that necessitated time away from the game.

“I don’t think of it going into the game. My head feels good and the doctors have reassured me as well, so I’ve no worries at all.

“It hasn’t really affected us at all. The way things have happened over the last few seasons, Neil Doak has been heavily involved in our patterns of play and the way we play is al down to him. He will be obviously still be running that if he does step up.

“Certainly our training has been a lot sharper time-wise with Les and the detail is more intense and precise which is good,” said Marshall, who knows it will be competitive to get a starting place in midfield with Ulster this season with Jared Payne, Stuart Olding, Darren Cave and the fit-again Stuart McCloskey in the mix.

“It’s all about playing well for Ulster and national selection will take care of itself. I’m looking forward to playing at the Arms Park and that 3G pitch. It’s a nice hard track, hopefully we’ll be able to throw the ball around a bit and keep up a bit of pace and tempo.”