ALL’S FAIR IN SHOVE & WAR FOR ULSTER

PROP Andrew Warwick is determined Ulster keep high-flying Leinster honest in the race for top spot in the PRO14’S Conference A.

Dan Mcfarland’s men trail the Blues by six points with only three games left heading into the derby at the Kingspan Stadium.

Lose and it’s all but game over for Ulster in the chase for a place in the March 27 final.

But while Leinster, who face Zebre and Ospreys in their final two games, are in the box seat, Warwick (inset) is eager to sustain

Ulster’s challenge beyond this week.

“It’s obviously out of our hands now,” he said. “All we can control is trying to win our next three games and hopefully Leinster slip up.

“We know it’ll be a hard task and you can’t afford any mistakes against Leinster but we’re confident of giving a good performance.”

Ulster’s only defeat in 13 PRO14 outings came against Leinster at the RDS in January when the reigning champions showed a ruthless streak after the break to run out 24-12 winners.

“Leinster are so good when they get into your 22 and you can’t afford to make any mistakes,” said Warwick. “Our discipline has to be good and also our retention.”

Warwick, who has signed a new two-year contract, is relieved to be back at the coalface after undergoing surgery on a glute problem in August.

The 29-year-old, fast approaching 150 caps for the club, has made seven appearances since returning to the fray in November after missing a year of action. “Surgery has made a difference,” he said. ULSTER back row forward David

Mccann and prop Ross Kane have both signed contract extensions with the club.

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