Iain Henderson: Ulster ready to match Exeter physicality

Dynamic flanker star Iain Henderson says he’s ready for Exeter’s ‘nuclear’ option when the two Pool 5 outsiders square up against each other at the Kingspan Stadium tomorrow night.

Henderson, sore after Sunday’s disappointing 28-13 lose in Bordeaux, believes Ulster have the wherewithal to combat Exeter Chiefs rolling line-out maul, which has brought them huge success in recent seasons with No. 8 Thomas Waldron more than likely the final man at touchdown.

The former England international was the top scorer last season with the maul being the Premiership side’s main attack weapon.

However, Ireland star Henderson, insists Ulster are ready to match Exeter’s physicality.

“Geoff Parling runs their line-out, and they have good options outside that as well. But we need, and will hopefully, stem that at source.

“Our defence at that aspect has been good all season, and statistically we are probably one of the best mauls in the PRO12. But we will just have to kill their big maul at the all-important source and make sure we get men back on our feet to defend.”

He added: “We have to show Exeter that we are going to be very physical from the off. We dare not give them any momentum in the forwards.

“Once we stop that, we can then hopefully manage them for the rest of the game.”

Henderson was disappointed by the province’s display after the break in Bordeaux.

“We did not perform well at all in the second-half. We played the whole second half in our own half, and that shouldn’t be the situation

“We should always aim to get out and into their half, and that suits our mobile pack and explosive backs who can break lines and score tries.

“This week it’s our intention to get out of our half more efficiently with a better success rate than we did last week.”

Henderson continued: “We talk about detail, we talk about how it just takes one person to get one thing wrong and then team like Bordeaux are knocking on your door for the whole half,” said Henderson, who knows a win is vital tomorrow evening.

“In Europe, everyone plays as if it’s last chance saloon,” said a determined Henderson. “We found ourselves in an unfortunate position last year. We did well after a poor start and came back with four wins. No-one is in an easier group than anyone else.

“Every team knows they need maximum points, and that’s what we must do this week against Exeter.”