We aren’t as far away as it appears, maintains Grant
AS much as the final scoreline made for ugly reading at the Stade Marcel-michelin at the weekend, it is worth remembering that Ulster were still in their Challenge Cup Quarter-final as late as the hour mark against Clermont.
It was only when Peceli Yato crashed over for his second try of the game that the death knell was sounded on Ulster’s hopes of setting up a last-four tie with the Sharks, with Clermont going on to run in three more scores before the end of the game to lopside the gap between the two teams even further.
For a long time, players have spoken about winning every ‘moment’ in a game, how earning a yard over the gain line or getting an extra yard off a kick for touch can make a huge difference in the grand scheme of things, and that is certainly something that Ulster did not do at the weekend.
Examples include the likes of Nathan Doak kicking out on the full in a battle with Anthony Belleau, which directly led to Yato’s try, or Tom Stewart’s lineout being picked off, which saw Rob Simmons dive over for the French side’s sixth.
And that is what has Roddy Grant optimistic that this side isn’t as far away as Saturday’s score appears — fixing the little moments will lead to big gains.
“We know what gives teams momentum — territory, possession, line breaks, not looking after the ball. Everyone knows that gives momentum,” insists the assistant coach.
“It’s never a game of shadows, rugby, there’s always someone wanting to do something different. Those are big moments, and we need to be doing better on those.
“Looking at results and the games we’ve lost, we’ve lost those big moments, clearly, and that’s led on to a poor second half or a loss as a result. As long as sport is around, that will always be a focus for teams.”
With winning the little moments should come results, which Ulster could certainly do with at present as they chase down a Play-off spot in the United Rugby Championship, where they currently occupy eighth but are only one point ahead of 11th.
However, Grant is confident that if they can get one on the board, starting with Friday’s return to domestic action against Cardiff — their first game at Ravenhill since March 2 — then that can spark a run that will turn the mood in the camp around.
“It’s definitely a factor. You build confidence, you build momentum,” adds the ex-flanker.
“A lot of things go into that, getting results and improving on performances. Winning is a big part of pro sport but, again, going back to the process, there’s a lot that goes into that. Physically, skills-wise, tactically.
“Pro sport, you need to win. If you look at any sport, Formula One, anything, you’ve got to be winning. Individually, we’re driven people, everyone wants to win, and if we didn’t, we wouldn’t be in pro sport.”
Ulster confirmed yesterday that they will be without a quintet of players for Cardiff, with Iain Henderson (toe), Rob Herring (hamstring), Steven Kitshoff (knee), Nick Timoney (toe) and Stewart Moore (hamstring) all unavailable after picking up injuries against Clermont.
In the case of Kitshoff, it could be the last time he pulls on an Ulster jersey before he makes his summer return to the Stormers, but Grant hasn’t ruled out that possibility just yet.
“I hope he’ll be back and we’ll see him again, but it depends how he gets on and how he gets on with the medical staff,” added the coach.