Typical of their comeback campaign, Ulster's win in Oyonnax was something of a rollercoaster. But at least their hopes of reaching the last eight are alive, which didn't look likely after their opening defeat at home to Saracens or at half-time in the Stade Charles Mathon on Sunday.
They’ve had to be resilient, they’ve had to stay true to their attacking beliefs, and have scored some cracking tries, but they are still hanging in there. They might still need at least a bonus point away to Saracens on Saturday, as it looks as if the threshold for the third best runners-up may be more than last season’s bench mark of 17.
But they’d have taken this scenario after the Saracens’ loss or at half-time on Sunday.
“We’ve done well since that first result,” reflected Ruan Pienaar. “To get two wins over Toulouse and now this one, it has us in the position that we’re alive. There’s loads to play for and that’ll be the message. Hopefully we respond well and we’ll be fighting hard next week.”
Along with the introduction of Pienaar, Paddy Jackson and Nick Williams, the tactical adjustments and problem solving of the coaches, an impassioned rallying call by Rory Best had been the emotional springboard for the improved second half.
Great leader
“It was harsh words but they were needed,” said Pienaar.
“I think everyone responded well. He’s been a great leader this season and in past seasons. It’s great to have his captaincy and leadership.”
Best did not do his candidacy to succeed Paul O’Connell as Irish captain any harm. Needless to say, Pienaar endorses Best.
“Obviously I’m biased because he’s my captain here but I think he has all the qualities to be Irish captain. Hopefully he has the chance to do it.”
Amongst the angry expletives, Best had reminded them of his oft-repeated desire during the week of winning twice on French soil in the same campaign for the first time. With the changed personnel and change in attitude, Pienaar admitted they could swing from the hip at 23-0 down.
“If you wanted a game of two halves then that was probably it. I guess for us the second half was a lot of fun, there was a lot of good stuff. Obviously we need to have a good look at the first half, there was a lot of defensive work. We probably weren’t as organised as we would like to be. To come to France again and get a win is pleasing but we are a little disappointed with how we played for some stretches. . .”
Time was when any long-range penalty, and especially one from inside halfway to take the lead for the first time in the 78th minute, would have instinctively given to Pienaar. But not any more.
"I think Paddy has been kicking well, that's why I haven't got a lot of shots myself this season," he said. "I think he's in great form with the boot this season. He struck it sweetly and the ball carried well. There was great composure and it shows the way he's playing. He was a bit disappointed with a couple of the kicks against Munster – to bounce back and make that kick, hats off to him. He's worked hard and I'm very pleased for him."
But Pienaar's calm and assured presence and service has allowed Jackson to flourish in the more developed running game being introduced by Les Kiss, This in turn is allowing Stuart McCoskey and Luke Marshall to flourish, with Jared Payne and Darren Cave not far from returning, and Stuart Olding a longer term casualty.
“We’re slowly getting there. What’s pleasing is we still have Stuart Olding to come back, we still have Jared Payne to get back, Darren Cave too, so there’s a lot of talent to can come back and help keep it up. We’re building a nice understanding, Stu and Luke have been sensational.
“Stuart is a massive guy for a 12 . He’s young, he’s powerful. Luke is going well at 13 and the two of them have a good understanding. With Jacko running the show, it’s good to see for Irish rugby.”
