Ten minutes of character, perspiration and inspiration have rejuvenated Ulster's season. Trailing 35-21 to Toulouse in Stade Les Septs Deniers, it appeared that the group of death would claim its first victim. Tries by Jonathon Bell and James Topping and two conversions from David Humphreys, the second of which defied the noise, wind and pressure, rescued Ulster.
Tonight at Ravenhill they have an opportunity to haunt the dreams of Toulouse for years to come. In 1998, en route to their European Cup success, Ulster twice beat tonight's visitors at this venue, and, if they are to improve upon the courage and resolution they demonstrated last weekend then a third victory is required.
Saracens have yet to visit Ravenhill and, as Cardiff demonstrated, they are far from invincible.
Coach Harry Williams will have impressed upon his charges the importance of the Toulouse game. Ulster played some excellent rugby at various stages of the first match, inspired by the flair and authority of Humphreys. But they were also guilty of poor concentration and a plethora of errors.
Toulouse remain wracked by injury, as the return of Xavier Garbajosa is offset by the absence of Fabien Pelous, who was man of the match in Toulouse. Emile Ntamack and Lee Stensness would be missed by any team.
The words emanating from the Toulouse camp suggest that they feel they were robbed by referee Nigel Williams last weekend, a fact not supported by video evidence. They are determined to redress the result with a positive performance tonight. While they undoubtedly retain plenty of ability within the side - French internationals Alain Penaud, Michel Marfaing and Christian Califano are on the bench - their temperament remains suspect.
The accepted premise is that French teams do not travel well, but Toulouse have offered evidence that they can be even more volatile. They have made the quarter-finals every year and their pride will demand that if that is to be denied them, then it will not be for the lack of perspiration.
Ulster have introduced Clem Boyd at tighthead in the only change to their line-up, possibly in anticipation of a serious power struggle up front. If they can manage to ensure a solid platform in the set pieces, then behind the scrum they have the wit and invention to capitalise. Tyrone Howe and James Topping should see plenty of the ball while full back Grant Henderson will have to enjoy a bigger input.
Ulster: G Henderson; J Topping, R Constable, J Bell, T Howe; D Humphreys (capt), B Free; J Fitzpatrick, R Weir, C Boyd; M Blair, G Longwell; R Nelson, T McWhirter, A Ward.
TOULOUSE: C Poitrenaud; S Ougier, X Garbajosa, C Desbrosse, P Bondouy; C Deylaud, J Cazalbou; C Soulette, Y Bru, F Tournaire; D Gerard, F Belot; M Lievremont, C Labit, J Bouilhou.
Referee: R Goodliffe (Eng).
Results so far: Ulster - W v Cardiff (h) 32-23; L v Saracens (a) 55-25; D v Toulouse (a) 35-35. Toulouse - L v Saracens (h) 32-22; L v Cardiff (a) 26-17; D v Ulster (h) 35-35.
Leading points scorer: Ulster - David Humphreys 57 (14 pens, 6 cons, 1 dr gl). Toulouse - Michel Marfaing 44 (3 tries, 7 cons, 5 pens). Leading try scorer: Ulster - T Howe 2. Toulouse - M Marfaing 3.
Forecast: Ulster to win.
