Richie Murphy: Ulster have 'unfinished business' in Challenge Cup final

Rob Baloucoune could offer Ulster a timely boost ahead of Friday's Challenge Cup final against Montpellier in Bilbao

Ulster were disappointed to not make the top eight of the URC but they could still qualify for the Champions Cup by winning Friday night's Challenge Cup final against Montpellier. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

While Ulster will be missing some big hitters for Friday night’s European Challenge Cup final against Montpellier in Bilbao, they may have winger Rob Baloucoune back on board for this shootout for silverware.

The Ireland winger suffered an elbow injury in the final Six Nations game with Scotland and was considered touch and go in making it back before the end of the season.

Ulster coach Richie Murphy revealed that Baloucoune is back in full training and could yet feature at San Mames Stadium.

“Rob Baloucoune is doing well, he's back in full training and we'll see where he gets to by the weekend,” said Murphy.

However, Rob Herring and Jacob Stockdale will not make the weekend’s game when Ulster will be seeking to win their first trophy in 20 years.

With Stuart McCloskey also sidelined, and skipper Iain Henderson suspended, Ulster are without an experienced core to their team.

They are also still smarting after being elbowed out of the URC’s top eight last weekend, meaning that after Friday night their season is at an end, though should they win the trophy, access to the next campaign’s Champions Cup will be theirs.

“We always had said that our goal for the season, which we've missed out on, is to make the top eight, and we won't shy away from that,” said Murphy.

“We're very disappointed in relation to that, but we're also very excited about being in a European Cup final.

"It (being in the cup final only) gives us full focus on what's ahead, which is an unbelievable achievement to go to a final and make sure that we give the very best account of ourselves as we possibly can.

“I suppose that's the message this morning with the players: A lot of these players could be playing their first and it could be their last time they're playing in a European Cup final.

“So, it's really important that we attack the week like we always do "

"It's pretty big,” Murphy said of the impending final, “considering the last time (being in a European final) was 2012. It's a long time waiting.

"So, it's nice to finally get there. I think from this group's point of view, with the rugby that we've played throughout the season, I think we feel like we've a little bit of unfinished business and maybe we can try and do something special this Friday.” 

Again, though, coming back to the league, he stated: “You can't just move on, you've got to address it.

“We played a really good team in Glasgow and we got right down to the end of the game and couldn't quite get it done. There's plenty of things that we can do to make sure that we're better next time, but ultimately our performance in the back end of the league is disappointing where we've finished.

“To get 52 competition points, 14 more points than last year, is an improvement and 50 points has never been outside the top eight before. I suppose that's a difficult one to take.” 

But, it’s all systems go for the cup final.

“There is massive excitement in here and we're going to need that. We're up against one of the best teams in France. Whatever team they pick, they seem to be able to get wins on the road and at home.

“You can see if any team that's sitting second to Toulouse and ahead of the likes of Pau, Bordeaux, La Rochelle, anyone that's up in that level has a very good team. They're not a typical French team. You can see the influence from some of their English players. Very physical, very big up front.

“Defensively, we're going to have to be at our very best. But there is opportunities there. Our attack has caused loads of teams a lot of trouble. We'll be hoping to be able to do that again this week,” Murphy added.

"They play Pau the week after us. If they win that, they'll probably guarantee the top two spot. They're going to go deep into that competition as well. That just shows you the strength that's in that squad. You're talking budget size. It's completely different than the level that we're at.” 

And as for being without suspended skipper Henderson, Murphy said: "It's really tough. Hendy made a mistake in the game and he got banned for it, which I think everybody can see why. But it's really hard to take a player out of a final that you think of the years of service that he's had in the club. I know he's bitterly disappointed to miss it.

"But he's working away in the background and helping prepare the guys the best he possibly can. It's just a pity that he won't be out there.”