D'Arcy expecting tough test from Ulster

Leinster centre Gordon D’Arcy is expecting a stern challenge when his side travel to Ravenhill for a RaboDirect PRO12 derby encounter with Ulster on Friday (7.05pm).

Boasting an 11 point lead at the top of the table, Leinster have already secured a home semi-final in the knockout stages of the PRO12 but with a Heineken Cup semi-final against Clermont Auvergne on the horizon Joe Schmidt’s men will be looking to build momentum in Belfast.

D’Arcy admitted that Leinster’s season hinges on the Clermont match but insisted they will not overlook this weekend’s game, especially given the rivalry involved in interprovincial matches.

“It’s all building up to next week,” D’Arcy told LTV. “It is make or break for the season next week.

“The type of team we are we only look at one game at a time so it’s a massive game for us this weekend.

“Ulster will be rested, I think they made12 changes at the weekend and they’ll have all guns blazing ahead of their semi-final the following week.

“There are a lot of subplots to this game as well. It’s an interpro, they need to win and both teams want to win going into a big match the following week.”

Unlike Leinster, Ulster need a victory this weekend as they currently sit in fifth position, one point away from Glasgow Warriors who occupy the fourth and final semi-final place.

D’Arcy believes Ulster have proven their credentials with a famous Heineken Cup victory in Thomond Park and expects a serious test on Friday especially with players vying for a place on Ireland’s summer tour of New Zealand.

“There are a lot of very tough games left and that starts with Ulster this weekend.

“They are showing exactly what they are capable with their win in Thomond two weeks ago and then with12 changes nearly turning Connacht over in the Sportsground.

“And this is an interpro game which is always a massive match because there’s always that little undercurrent of bragging rights and wanting to get one over on the guys you’re playing against for (international) positions.”