We have to cut La Rochelle down to size: Ludik

Such accomplished opposition is not ideal for Ulster when facing a game so crucial to their quarter-final hopes, even if the visitors’ eye-catching away form from last season has stalled after failing to win on the last four occasions they have gone on their travels.

With Ulster’s three games since they were last in European action nothing short of a disaster — they followed up the back-to-back wins over Harlequins with an inter-pro series best forgotten — Ludik knows that it will take something like a Champions Cup quarter-final spot to get back in the Irish rugby fraternity’s good graces.

Media, former players and fans have been more critical of the team this season than at any stage this decade.

Despite the protestations of some that they pay no heed to

“Les and the management, I think they take a lot of pressure off us. I think from the media side, they take a lot on themselves and they don’t filter that through to us.

“But as players we have pride, we have pride in the jersey and we as individuals, we are professionals and we go out there and do our best, and we are disappointed when you don’t play well and don’t perform.

“As a player, you do that as a job and we have got pride in doing it. You want to go out and show your family and your supporters what you have got. If you don’t, then we as players feel it, we feel it even more than the supporters. We take responsibility. There is a lot of stuff that we have to deal with.”

First and foremost, one of the best sides in France this weekend.