Ulster must get back to basics

Connacht arrive at Ulster’s Kingspan Stadium on Stephen’s Day evening with real hopes of recording a first win in Belfast since 1960.

The home side is clearly hurting following two consecutive defeats ‘on the road’, and will welcome the embrace of a big holiday crowd.

“It’s going to be a factor, that’s for sure, but it’s other things which have to be addressed in our play in recent weeks which will be more important,” said head coach Neil Doak yesterday.

A Champions Cup defeat at the Scarlets, followed by a Pro 12 loss to the Ospreys last Saturday, have put a certain amount of pressure on theplayers and the recently-installed coach.

But, as always, Doak preferred to look at the opportunities which lie ahead rather than dwell on the small, but mounting, discontent.

“What we have to do is to retain our confidence right in our ability, but also concentrate on getting the basics.

“It may seem very obvious, but it’s been the way our game patterns and our game plan have been disrupted by errors which we are working hard to eliminate,” said Doak.

He admitted that his perfect Christmas present would be to get “a few bodies off the injury list”, but said there would be no festive returns for long-terms absentees Jared Payne.

Andrew Trimble, Iain Henderson – Irish internationals all – and Nick Williams.

Out-half Paddy Jackson trained yesterday, and scrum-half Ruan Pienaar also tested himself after limping off against the Ospreys.

“Paddy might be in the ‘mix’, and Ruan is in a similar position. It would be great to have him available for his kicking game alone.”

Ireland team protocols also deny Doak the services of hooker Rory Best and winger Tommy Bowe.