PIUTAU OUT TO END HIS ULSTER STAY ON A HIGH

ULSTER full-back Charles Piutau is desperate to go out on a high and help his team into the Champions Cup for next season before he departs in a big-money move to Bristol. Ulster face Ospreys at Ravenhill tomorrow in the Champions Cup play-off hoping to avoid ending up in the Challenge Cup for the first time. The 26-year-old Auckland native arrived in Ulster after a stint at Wasps two seasons ago and he has flourished with 12 tries in 44 appearances in Belfast. But with Lions Rory Best and Iain Henderson missing, Piutau, back in the side as one of the five changes after a 24-24 draw at Munster, needs to step up and show leadership. ‘Hopefully, (I produce) something special. Hopefully a try as I’ve haven’t scored in ages. I just want to put on my best performance for my team mates,’ said Piutau. ‘It’s always tough saying goodbye. Team mates have become family members now. It’s a home from home. I will have great memories to take away from here, and a lot of friendships which I will keep. ‘Playing in the home stadium is something I love. At club level it’s something special. Playing back in New Zealand, atmospheres are different as the stadiums are not that packed playing Super Rugby,’ he added, claiming the Ospreys would be formidable opponents. ‘From the last game we played here, the Ospreys defence is very strong, we probably had a whole second half trying to get across that line. It was a physical battle, they pride themselves on their contact. ‘And they have very experienced backs with the likes of Dan Biggar who controls the team. Big physical game and a tough defence that will be hard to break down. ‘It’s an exciting challenge.’ ULSTER: C Piutau; L Ludik, L Marshall, S McCloskey, J Stockdale; J McPhillips, J Cooney; C Black, R Herring, R Kane; A O’Connor, K Treadwell; R Diack, S Reidy, N Timoney. Reps: J Andrew, A Warwick, T O’Toole, J Regan, C Henry, D Shanahan, D Cave, C Gilroy. OSPREYS: S Davies; J Hassler, A Beck, O Watkin, H Dirksen; D Biggar, T Habberfield; N Smith, S Otten, D Arhip; B Davies, A Wyn Jones; D Lydiate, J Tipuric, J King. Reps: I Phillips, R Jones, M Fia, A Beard, S Cross, M Aubrey, C Allen, J Hook. Referee: M Mitrea (Italy). TV: LIVE BBC2 NI, S4C, tomorrow, kick-off 3.05pm.