LET’S MAKE OUR OWN MEMORIES

Rob eyes big win on weekend of anniversaries

ROB HERRING is hoping Ulster can create another memorable night at a time of special milestones for the province.

On a weekend that sees the 25th anniversary of the club lifting the European Cup – as well as the centenary of home ground Ravenhill – Dan Mcfarland’s men will be looking to build on their most recent successes.

Ulster bounced back from an opening day Champions Cup defeat at Bath with a bonus point win against Racing 92 last month.

That in turn inspired them to interprovincial wins against Connacht and Leinster in the URC.

Pool 2 leaders Toulouse will provide another stiff test this evening as they roll into Belfast with the influential Antoine Dupont in tow but it’s a challenge Herring and his team-mates are relishing.

“I think at home in front of a sold-out stadium against a team who we’ve had some good battles with over the past few years it’s pretty exciting,” said the Ireland hooker (below) who does not feature in the matchday 23. “It’s massive, the rivalry we have had with them. It’s a tough game, they’re one of the biggest sides in Europe and their pedigree is right up there. It’s going to be buzzing.

“It’s a good opportunity for us to show what we are all about in the big games. They have quality over the pitch. As much as the talk is about Dupont, I think it will be a big battle between the packs this week. The side who can get the most go-forward ball from their packs will have a good chance of winning.

“They have guys who can carry well, a strong scrum. They’ve got a lot of power behind them. But one of our strengths is the maul so we have to take it to them there. We’ve had some good battles against good packs in recent weeks so it’s just about backing that up and imposing what we think we do well on them. As a team we’ve spoken about coming in this week buzzing about what lies ahead.”

Tom Stewart starts instead at hooker and Dave Ewers, James Hume and Michael Lowry all return.

Centre Hume has recovered from a foot injury as Mcfarland makes four changes from the historic 22-21 win over Leinster on New Year’s Day in Dublin.

“We had a few games there where we didn’t get the results we wanted,” Herring admitted. “Going into this stage of the season we’re fourth in the URC table and a couple of wins away from going into the knockout stages in Europe.

“Both are extremely tough and you can see the competition in the URC, there’s four points between fourth and 10th.”