WASPS WILL STILL HAVE A STING

Ulster coach Peel has no sympathy for English side

ULSTER coach Dwayne Peel isn’t buying Wasps’ complaints about a five-day turnaround ahead of the crunch European tie on Friday.

Wasps faced Saracens in the Premiership on Sunday and have to travel to Belfast for the Champions Cup tournament opener.

They’re not happy but Peel insists after resting a few star names like Joe Launchbury they will be as lethal as ever.

“They changed up their team a bit on Sunday so they will be fairly strong coming here,” claimed the ex-wales and Lions’ scrum-half.

“It would be tough on anyone but it is outside our control. Danny Cipriani is out but they will be fully loaded coming here.”

Peel confirmed Jared Payne is again unavailable.

He hasn’t played for Ulster this season after suffering migraines during the Lions tour to New Zealand in the summer.

On a brighter note, Peel reckons new Ulster scrum-half John Cooney is “very much at ease” with having to fill Ruan Pienaar’s boots.

The former Connacht pivot has earned rave reviews since replacing the South African legend.

“The style of play we’re playing suits him and he’s made a big contribution in every game he has played in,” said Peel.

“He’s the first choice goalkeeper as well and we have asked a lot of him I suppose.

“But he’s very much at ease with it. No-one has made a big deal out of it.”

The start of another European campaign always brings an air of optimism and

Peel is excited about his first

Champions Cup involvement with Ulster.

“In any pool you need a good start by winning your home games,” he said.

“That brings pressure in itself and it’s a big game for us in terms of the pool context, but that also brings excitement.”

Wasps haven’t been in great form but do have a star-studded side with a pacey back three.

Ulster are no slouches in that department either, with Jacob Stockdale scoring four tries in four games this season.

“We speak about Wasps but we have some talented backs as well,” added Peel.

“We are trying to put some more air on the ball and play a style that suits the individuals in the team I suppose.”