OUT OF HIS CELL

Two-year injury wait over as caged animal Coetzee free to hunt Tigers

“The fact there are extra South Africans around the tournament now makes it extra exciting. We also love the physical part of rugby and you’ll definitely get this in this tournament.”

Coetzee, who has made just 10 appearances during his two years with the club, accepts Ulster are in need of a pick-me-up after a frustrating run in the Pro14.

Connacht’s first win in Belfast in 58 years at the weekend followed a recent 64-7 hammering in Munster and 39-39 draw with the Cheetahs in South African.

Coetzee said: “We have to accept what it is, look at this as a new tournament and a fresh start. If there’s one tournament you want to stamp your authority on it’s this one.

“The whole mindset around the squad is one of excitement and a buzz to get out there. The crowd will be behind us and we can feed off that energy. I can tell you the guys are definitely looking forward to it.”

On last week’s defeat to Connacht – which saw Matty Rea red carded and Coetzee sin binned – he added: “Our discipline let us down a lot – me included.

“I didn’t make it easy on the team with the yellow card and then the red card occurred as well. That’s the big thing we’ve identified going into this week.

“We have to sort out our discipline and stay consistent in out performances to get that continuity and momentum going.”