Ulster v Lions: Head to Head

Ulster’s winning streak will be challenged tonight by their biggest test so far in the form of the Lions. Last week, the Lions narrowly missed the victory to Glasgow losing 13-9. Often they set their game up from the set piece, a strong pack being used as the base of any moves. This is likely to be the largest and toughest battle for Ulster.

Battle Up Front

Ulster struggled slightly in their scrummaging against Benetton but I think selection will play a massive role. Last week, Ulster’s Callum Reid came on in the opening minutes for Andy Warwick, and whilst Reid had a fantastic game he lacks all of the experience Warwick brings to the pack. After Warwick's early exit last week McFarland will be breathing a sigh of relief that he is available against a strong scummaging side. Similarly Eric O’Sullivan returns, providing a seasoned replacement should he be needed. On the other side O’Toole maybe doesn’t have the experience of Moore, who would likely be starting if it weren’t for injury; O’Toole does bring plenty of weight and natural talent. In between these two in the front row you couldn’t ask for a more of a veteran than Rob Herring. This front row will need to be on form to front up and win the battles of the pack.

In the second row, thinking about the scrum battle, having Treadwell back is key. Whilst he may not be a huge deal heavier than his counterpart, O’Connor, there is a weight difference there that McFarland may need to call on should Ulster be repeatedly shunted back.

It’s worth noting also in the pack for Lions that they have lost tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis and blindside flanker Jaco Kriel. Whilst the replacements are not players to be dismissed, they won’t have the same impact that the starters would have.

In the Back Line

In open play, the 12/13 centre battle will be a fast paced spectacle. Both centres on each team are relatively light in comparison to players like McCloskey and will make for quick, exciting rugby when the ball gets through the hands. Keep an eye on Hume throughout the match as I suspect he will be shooting up as he usually does and look to hold up his lighter opposite number.

What we learned Glasgow v Lions

The Lions scramble defence will be stronger than any other side they’ve faced so far. Ulster can’t expect to tear down the defence quite as much as they have done in previous games. Glasgow asked many questions of the Lions with strong, cutting lines often being able to break away but that South African scramble defence always made it back to shut down the attack and often force an error. Another point for Ulster to watch out for that we learned from the Lions last game: They will punish poor discipline with a strong kicking game from EW Viljoen. Ulster have struggled with their discipline garnering 2 yellow cards in 3 games, so they will need to be on top of this aspect of the game, particularly in their own half.

Conclusion

If Ulster can watch their discipline, get the ball through their hands in the back line and keep a consistent base at the scrum; I think they should have enough firepower to get the job done against a strong South African side.