Andrew Trimble: Ulster have banished French fear

Ireland international winger Andrew Trimble has been summoned to make his first start of the season when Ulster travel to take on Bordeaux-Begles in their own backyard this Sunday.

Trimble, who has been sidelined with a toe injury sustained when he made his 66th Ireland appearance in the 19-13 defeat to South Africa back in June, comes in to lead the side after Ulster were dealt a cruel blow when star All Black signing Charles Piutau was ruled out.

The 24-year-old New Zealander, who has been in electric form since his arrival, was deemed unfit until he passes the concussion return-to-play protocol following a bang on the head against the Ospreys two weeks ago.

Also returning in a backline starved of other injured stars Stuart McCloskey, Louis Ludik and Darren Cave, are Stuart Olding, Luke Marshall and Ruan Pienaar.

Up front, Andy Warwick comes in at loose-head while Franco van der Merwe and Alan O’Connor team up again in the engine room with Iain Henderson and Clive Ross on the flanks and Sean Reidy returning to wear the number 8 jersey.

Trimble, though, is just glad to get back on the paddock again, and leading Ulster out for the first time.

“I’m not only glad to be back, but leading Ulster out for the first time,” he said.

“It will be a very proud moment for me. It’s demanding, it takes a lot of good leadership and setting an example by one’s performance as well. Yes, there’s a lot of pressure there. But I’m looking forward to that challenge and it’s something I haven’t experienced before.

“I suppose, technically, I’m running out as captain, but there are half-a-dozen captains out there and shared ownership.

"It’s fortunate we have a lot of experience, so no doubt I’ll be calling them to pitch in with advice if needed,” explained Trimble, who believes Ulster are not afraid of playing in France any more.

“We have turned the corner as far as playing French teams are concerned. It was amazing just how far we had to dig to get that first win a few years back.

"It was enormous, and just makes it so much easier. But we are under no illusions on how tough it’s gong to be, but it’s a challenge we are ready for,” said Trimble who will making his 207th appearance for the province.

“I’ve trained hard and I now just wanted to get out there and see what I can do,” said Trimble who will be 32 next Thursday. “I’ll get the boots on tomorrow and I know the lungs are going to take a hiding, but sure you expect that.

“Travelling to play Bordeaux in Europe is great and adds to the excitement in the squad that already exists. It’s certain a big step up as European rugby is something everyone looks forward to. It’s something I loved whether as a spectator or as a player, it’s always a special occasion, particularly in the south of France. You are really chucked in at the deep end there.

“Hopefully, we can put a lot of the wrongs from last week’s loss to right. It’s a big ask, but it’s a challenge we are all looking forward to.”

Bordeaux are lying fifth in the Top 14 and going for a fourth win on the trot.

Also glad to be back for Ulster after injury is Olding, looking to put his hand up with the November Tests on the horizon.

“I probably could have played against Connacht but just thought it would be best to maybe sit out one more game and then be in the mix after another week of training,” said Olding, who already has seen his meteoric rise halted by two knee reconstructions.

“I had a scan and it came back all clear, so it was just a case of resting up for a few days before hitting training hard. Thankfully, it’s held up pretty well and I’m positive about it and eager to get back.

“I knew my injury wasn’t too bad, but everyone thought it was my knee again, just by the way I went down and went off. But it was just a strain in my groin. There was no pop or anything like that which in my experience is obviously a good thing.”

Olding will revert back to inside centre with Luke Marshall outside. He knows that Pool 5 is loaded with danger and getting something from the trip to France is essential.

“It’s a difficult pool, very difficult actually,” he said.

“Clermont and Bordeaux are two big French sides and Exeter have been playing phenomenal rugby these last couple of years. It’s teams that like to play rugby so we’re all looking forward to a good one. It’ll be free-flowing.”