Ulster resume their Heineken Cup campaign against Llanelli Scarlets this weekend in buoyant mood and with international centre Andrew Trimble back in the squad.
Neither side have registered a win in the competition as yet and both face a mammoth task just to qualify with Harlequins and Stade Francais leading the way on nine points, but there is no shortage of motivation in Matt Williams's squad and confidence is high after a comprehensive drubbing of Connacht last weekend.
The province looks a different prospect from earlier in the season and, despite a hamstring injury ruling Fijian wing Timoci Nagusa out of the squad, there remains plenty of optimism and a yearning for revenge after a Magners League defeat to the Scarlets earlier this year.
"It did hurt us to lose against the Scarlets at Ravenhill at the start of the season and we know we have improved a lot since we played them in September," said captain Rory Best today.
"When we look back at that game we know we didn't start well and against good teams if you give them a lead, you will always be chasing your tail.
Best added that maximum points from the four remaining games is the target set by the squad.
"This Friday is a big game for us. We know if we don't win it we are definitely out of the tournament," said the Ireland hooker. "The way we are looking at it is that there is 20 points up for grabs, 20 points in the past has been enough for teams to qualify without relying on other teams so we are trying to get the full points.
"People can say what they like about it, but that is the goal we are setting ourselves, this is our quarter final and we are going to go out and treat it as such."
Ballymena youngster Ian Whitten has been introduced to the extended squad, while Thomas Anderson returns to forwards.
Ulster Squad
Forwards: Justin Fitzpatrick; Rory Best, Nigel Brady, Tom Court, BJ Botha, Ed O'Donoghue, Ryan Caldwell, Matt McCullough, Kieron Dawson, Robbie Diack, Stephen Ferris, David Pollock, Thomas Anderson.
Backs: Niall O'Connor; Bryn Cunningham, Darren Cave, Andrew Trimble, Ian Whitten, Cillian Willis, Isaac Boss, Paul Steinmetz, Ian Humphreys, Mark McCrea, Paddy Wallace, Simon Danielli.
