Luke Marshall: ‘Against Saracens, you’re on the money or else...’
Payne gets his first run out since the World Cup at full-back in a side that sees most of Ulster’s big hitters back in the starting line-up.
Half-backs Paddy Jackson and Ruan Pienaar are back while Andrew Trimble and Craig Gilroy return to the wings with Weihahn Herbst returning from a calf strain to wear the No. 3 jersey.
Alan O’Connor is back at lock alongside Franco van der Merwe in the engine room. The only big name missing is Chris Henry. The flanker has a slight shoulder problem and Sean Reidy fills in.
Luke Marshall and Stuart McCloskey get a chance to continue their excellent midfield understanding.
Marshall says it is a make or break game regarding qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions Cup.
Roundly defeated by the English champions in the opening game, Marshall believes Ulster need something from the game to back up their back-to-back wins over Toulouse and the remarkable comeback win in Oyonnax last week after they came back from 23-0 down to win 24-23.
Sitting on 13 points, Ulster have a home tie against Oyonnax next week which should see them collect a win at least. So even a loser’s bonus point today will help them.
However, Marshall, has different ideas.
“We all know it is one of those games that is non-negotiable, you have to be right on the money or you will be embarrassed. If you give them a head start they will be out of sight in no time,” explained Marshall.
“Obviously, it is going to be a massive challenge, as big a challenge that we have faced this season. It’s an away game, but with recent results we have confidence in ourselves.
“The last time we played them at home, we were very close to them for nearly an hour before they pulled away. I felt the score flattered them somewhat. I’m confident we can get the necessary result, and it’s the same feeling with the squad.
“We are definitely backing ourselves and everyone is excited at the challenge. That confidence stems from the fact we know we can match anyone in Europe, and it’s now up to us, to apply what we have done in preparation into the game,” said Marshall, who will be looking for a more consistent Ulster this time.
“Against Munster we just made too many mistakes, unforced errors, while in the first half against Oyonnax we were maybe a little nervous, believing the media who were writing them off. We were just not there as a team,” said the in-form six-times capped Marshall, who has formed a very potent midfield partnership with Stuart McCloskey, both of whom would love to make it into Joe Schmidt’s Six Nations panel.
“I haven’t played for Ireland since the Argentina tour the summer before last. Certainly I feel I’m a better rugby player than when I made my debut against Scotland three years ago. I have learned so much since then, and I’m still learning. Personally, I feel my form is pretty good at the minute, but there is certainly a lot more to give. Getting games is the key. Once you get a run of games, the confidence grows.
“At present, I’m really enjoying playing alongside Stuart. He does take a lot of attention away from the player beside him. Obviously with his size and power down the No. 12 channel is crucial with opposition teams putting two players on him in defence which maybe allows me a little bit more space. Certainly having the chance to play alongside him for a while now, there is a bond.”
Meanwhile, Saracens have named seven of the eight players named in England coach Eddie Jones’s squad with full-back Alex Goode missing out with injury and Ben Ransom steps in.
Saracens head coach Mark McCall is wary of Ulster’s threat. “Ulster have players all over the field who are capable of winning games on both the domestic and international stage. In the past few seasons they have always been tough opponents for us, and they have made some real strides under Les Kiss in the last four or five weeks.”
Meanwhile, Ulster are expected to next week announce additions to their squad for next season.
Harlequins’ lock Kieran Treadwell was a guest at Ravenhill when Ulster played Munster a few weeks ago and liked the set-up.
Connacht’s Ireland tight-head Rodney Ah You is also thought to have signed a three-year deal.
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