Kiss happy to ‘surf the wave’ as Trimble is freed to play for Ulster
ULSTER will be allowed to play Andrew Trimble and Jared Payne in their Guinness Pro12 clash against Treviso in Belfast this Friday but Paddy Jackson will not be released as Ireland close in on their two-game title tilt in the Six Nations.
Flanker Iain Henderson, although a bench participant against France, will not be released to play as he suffered a “stinger” to his shoulder.
Craig Gilroy, omitted from the Irish squad to face off against France last weekend, despite his Rome try-scoring heroics – he was supplanted by Trimble – will also shrug off a tight calf and Achilles to feature.
Payne may still yet be called into the Irish squad if Rob Kearney’s fitness remains in doubt but Joe Schmidt’s former assistant, Les Kiss, would not be drawn on the prospect.
“He came through with no issues on the weekend, but it is just baby steps to see how he went last week,” said Kiss, “and he is available for us.”
Kiss also confirmed in-form Marcel Coetzee, the South African flanker, is available after illness.
Kiss doesn’t expect Treviso to spring such an unexpected tactical coup as that unleashed by Conor O’Shea at Twickenham last Sunday. Or does he?
“Well, we did have a chat about it and I wouldn’t say that they’re likely to bring it but they could.
“It’s an interesting tactic and you always talk about what would happen. We’ve had a discussion about it for sure and we might try it on them.”
Ulster have made hay during this Six Nations window but their performances have been fitful at best. However, Kiss is not as frustrated as some supporters.
“England are nowhere near perfect and they’re winning,” reasoned Kiss.
“Is winning a habit or can you win perfectly? Have you ever surfed? I’ve never seen a surfer go out and say I’m only going to surf perfect waves.
“He may get the perfect wave but surfs it s**t, then he gets an imperfect wave but surfs it perfectly.
“Whatever is dealt you, you have to learn from it and grow from it. You find the most you have from the moment in front of you.”