Trimble: We need a massive performance to beat Munster

Ireland and Ulster winger Andrew Trimble believes he and his teammates can upset the Thomond Park faithful when they take on Munster in the Heineken Cup quarter-final on Sunday but admits they will need to be firing on all cylinders.

Ulster won’t be intimidated by the challenge of playing in Limerick having emerged from one of the tournament’s trickiest Pools which included with Heineken Cup giants Leicester Tigers and Clerment Auvergne.

Having been somewhat overshadowed by his back three partners Tommy Bowe and Rob Kearney in the Six Nations, Trimble admits that he is delighted to be back in the white of Ulster where he feels most comfortable.

“I find the Six Nations to be a really good experience, I enjoy being down there, being part of it, the intensity is high and you’re tested to a very high level, but there’s nothing like playing for Ulster.

“When you’re playing for Ireland, little bits of your performance are over-analysed and people come to conclusions about what you’re doing. Everything is so intense and it’s really fine margins.

“I live off that and get a lot of adrenaline from it but there’s nothing like playing for Ulster when you can relax and things come a bit more naturally.”

Barring any surprising team selections or late injuries, Sunday’s encounter is likely to pit Trimble against promising Munster winger Simon Zebo who has cemented his place in the first team with some brilliant displays.

Trimble appreciates the qualities Zebo offers but having trained with the Cork Con man over the Six Nations, he believes he has a valuable insight into Zebo’s playing style.

“I rate him very highly, he’s a brilliant player. He’s elusive, he’s got quick feet, he’s fast, he’s strong.

“Training with him I got to know the way he plays a little bit which might help me. I rate him very highly and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Ulster made their exit from last season’s Heineken Cup at the quarter-final stage when they lost to Northampton.

But to have made it to the knockout stages two years in a row proves the progress the province has made and Trimble is under no illusions about what is required to get a result on Sunday.

“We are getting excited about the quarter final.

“It’s great to be still involved in two competitions at this stage of the season. We know the significance of the game.

“We need to be on top of our game and produce a massive performance if we are to get a result.”