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Ulster will struggle to eke out vital inch

MAGNERS LEAGUE: Ospreys v Ulster -"THE NUMBERS are undeniable but we are an inch away from winning games," Matt Williams told…

Sat Sept 27 2008 - 01:00

MAGNERS LEAGUE:Ospreys v Ulster -"THE NUMBERS are undeniable but we are an inch away from winning games," Matt Williams told The Irish Times this week. Bridging that inch this evening would be a huge breakthrough in the Australian's attempted restoration of Ulster rugby, writes Gavin Cummisky

The more likely outcome is a heavy defeat that would leave them nought from four against Welsh opposition, rooted to the bottom of the table and back in the scramble with Connacht to secure European Cup rugby for the season 2009/2010.

This was much the same mess Ulster were in when they turned to Williams midway through the last campaign.

Granted, the exodus of established internationals like Tommy Bowe is back to haunt them this evening, while Williams cited four main reasons/excuses for the last three defeats.

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He pointed to inexperience, and has since dropped the 21-year-old centre Darren Cave.

He also mentioned the final pass failing to go to hand.

Then there's the dreaded "culture of losing".

Finally, Scottish referees are are a problem - though given Scottish referees are taking flak from all quarters, why would they be a particular bane for Ulster?

Anyway, Ulster are a shadow of their team of just two seasons back, with David Humphreys now in the back office, Simon Best forced into retirement, the backrowers Roger Wilson and Neil Best departed.

At least Stephen Ferris's imminent return will help in this department but Ospreys' Marty Holah and Ryan Jones (like Ferris, held in reserve) are two of the best tearaways in the business.

All told, this will be Ulster's sternest test to date and they know it, making albeit narrow defeats to Llanelli, Cardiff and the Dragons all the more confidence sapping.

That the flying Shane Williams is back for the Ospreys makes a rout more likely, but interestingly they have named James Hook at 12 and left Gavin Henson on the bench.

Ulster are unlikely to win but if they limit the damage they can return to Ravenhill against Edinburgh next Friday with at least a positive base.

OSPREYS:L Byrne; N Walker, T Bowe, J Hook, S Williams; D Biggar, R Wells; P James, R Hibbard, A Jones; A Lloyd, I Evans; J Thomas, M Holah, T Smith. Replacements: H Bennett, D Jones, I Gough, R Jones, R Webb, A Bishop, G Henson.

ULSTER:B Cunningham; T Nagusa, R Dewey, A Trimble, C Schifcofske; N O'Connor, I Boss; J Fitzpatrick, N Brady, B Botha; C Del Fava (capt), R Caldwell; M McCullough, K Dawson, R Diack. Replacements: S Phillpott, T Court, E O'Donoghue, S Ferris, P Marshall, I Humphreys, P Steinmetz.

Referee:P Allan (SRU).

Verdict:Ospreys to win.