Wiehahn Herbst braced as Toulouse ‘baying for blood’

Ulster tight-head Wiehahn Herbst is under no illusions that tomorrow will be a demanding Sunday afternoon for him and Les Kiss’s squad. 

With four-time European Cup champions Toulouse still smarting, and no doubt embarrassed, by their Pool 1 38-0 thumping in Belfast last week, a full house at the Stade Ernest-Wallon will be baying for blood.

South African-born Herbst features in an Ulster team that shows two changes from that famous victory in which Toulouse, who have made nine changes, failed to score a point for the first time in Europe. Chris Henry is rested, with Sean Reidy making his first Championship Cup start, while Roger Wilson replaces Nick Williams at number eight.

Unbeaten at home this season, Toulouse might have more or less bid adieu to Europe this season after their initial heavy defeat to runaway leaders Saracens in their opening game, but pride without prejudice, will be the order of the day.

That means the up-front battle will be extremely physical and draining, particularly for the front-rows. It was a confrontation that Ulster won with considerable ease last week, although Herbst believes his side still has more to offer.

“Toulouse were so disappointed last week,” declared Herbst. “We expect a totally different proposition this weekend. In the tight five we weren’t perfect, there were things we’ve worked on as they will probably change a little. They have a great squad, top players.

“Our game plan has evolved, we have clear and good decision-making, we have a great coaching staff and hopefully on the day we’ll get a win in Toulouse. That would be special,” said Herbst, who insists Ulster travel without fear.

“No, we don’t have any fear, what we have is a knowledge in we will have to be even better tomorrow. Last Friday was a great boost to our morale, but we’re meeting a different Toulouse, a new team, a side determined to make up for that big defeat.

“If we play the way we can then we can beat any team. I think we always have a chance against any team, anywhere. But if we don’t play like we can, and don’t do what we can, then any team can beat us. We have to believe in ourselves and do what we can to get a result,” said Herbst who believes Ulster have progressed over the past three to four weeks.

“Our game-plan has evolved nicely for us,” he said. “We have some great decision makers and that’s starting to really show.

“The coaching staff has been great. Everyone knows what they’re doing. Everyone knows their roles.

“Last year I played in a few but it was really special on Friday night at Kingspan,” he recalled.

“It was a great experience and when you get the crowd behind you and get a result like that, it’s one that you’ll remember forever. The focus from the coaches has just been on bettering our performance and focusing on ourselves.

“It’s totally different. We know what a difference it makes to us playing at home and we have to expect the same from them. It’s going to be a tough one.”