Ulster stalwart Rob Herring says that a change of energy this week will help Ulster get over their Toulouse blues and help refocus the group ahead of Saturday’s must-win Champions Cup clash with Bordeaux-Bégles.
Herring admitted himself to be ‘pissed off’ after Sunday’s outcome in France and that a very honest team meeting at the start of the week helped not only clear the air, but also reenergise the minds ahead of Saturdays’ clash.
“We had a meeting and a review, nailing down the detail as to what went wrong. So, it’s about changing the energy,” said Herring.
“I came in a little bit pissed off today; I’m sure most of the boys did but it’s professional rugby and we got to move on. We’ve got a great challenge at home this weekend.
“Our first European game in front of our fans and we’ve lots to look forward to and we got to but in a great performance.”
Sunday was Herring’s first run out of the season in an Ulster jersey. Having gained some game time with Ireland in November, Herring is now primed and ready for action.
And with two inter-pros and two Champions Cup ties in the diary over the next five weeks, his return to fitness couldn’t be better timed.
“It’s good. The body feels great.
“Still short of minutes really. I’ve probably only played about 80 minutes. Maybe 85 or 90 minutes.
“I’m just trying to keep it fresh for as long as I can. We’ve got a tough run of games coming up so you just got to keep doing the professional thing.
“Just keep doing the recovery and all the usuals but I think the mindset going into these games is very important for us. One game at a time. Put our best foot forward. I think that’s the best we can do.”
Much was made of Ulster’s errors last Sunday, but Herring was quick to point out that there were also positives to take from the loss.
Head coach Richie Murphy had already singled out the display of Ulster’s pack. With a number of European debutants in the forward division, the northern province more than held their own up front against Toulouse’s massive pack.
“I think we did a good review of it and they had four maul attempts at our line and they didn’t score off any of that and I don’t think they got a (penalty) advantage off it either.
“So fair play to Jimmy (Duffy) for bringing in the system and for the boys to executing it. The hookers probably got a secondary role in maul defence at times but the guys up front and in the middle did really well.
“They were really aggressive, really accurate with intent. And you know, like Toulouse are a really good mauling team, especially (Emmanuel) Meafou and the way he gets around the edge. So, it was good to have that one area of the game where we did pretty well on.”
