Ruan Pienaar expects tough challenge from Munster

Ulster’s Ruan Pienaar knows that Munster will still be in the mood to clear all in front of them in the big Guinness PRO12 derby at the Kingspan Stadium on Friday night.

The death of head coach Anthony Foley will linger long in the memory for the men in red and they will want to continue playing as if he is watching over them from above. Pienaar is expecting nothing less than total commitment from fifth-placed Munster, who can knock Ulster off their number one spot with a third victory on the trot in meetings of the sides.

“It doesn’t get any easier,” stressed Pienaar. “It’s always a tough game against Munster. It has been a hard two weeks for them with the passing of Anthony and all the emotions that came with that. It certainly has spurred them on to perform well for him.”

Pienaar believes Munster haven’t really veered far from their playing style under Foley as head coach, despite the presence of new director of rugby Rassie Erasmus.

“They haven’t changed that much. They still do the basics extremely well, have a great pack of forwards and excellent backline. We’ve looked at them, and analysed them, and they have a lot of strength and like all Munster sides, they’re passionate!”

A late Paddy Jackson drop-goal earned Ulster victory over Exeter in the Champions Cup last week, but Pienaar admits the province are still looking to achieve a reliable standard of performance.

“We are looking for consistency ourselves. We are creating a lot, but just not finishing off those chances. We are feeling good after last Friday’s win. Exeter are a good team, one of the top teams in England, so it was a good win, but a bit too close. It’s a step in the right direction. But as a squad we are still frustrated, we spent so much time in their ‘22’ but didn’t finish off those chances that we created.”

Pienaar insists he does not feel the pressure of being one of the leaders.

“Not really. I just try and enjoy my rugby and perform the best that I possibly can.”