THESE ARE THE type of games Ulster brought Charles Piutau to Ravenhill for, and these are the type of games that convinced Charles Piutau to come to Ravenhill.
It’s not ideal that the northern province face such a make-or-break fixture so early in the Champions Cup campaign but at least now they know there is no margin for error as they welcome Exeter to Belfast.
European nights under the lights at the old, but recently redeveloped, ground are always a special occasion and after missing the disappointing defeat to Bordeaux, Piutau is in line to make his debut for the club in this competition.
The 24-year-old All Black is following the return to play protocols after a head injury but is making good progress ahead of Ulster’s second Pool 4 outing on Saturday.
“Just like any other injury and any other game it’s very tough not to be part of but you can’t do much with protocols and concussions and it’s quite a serious injury,” he said yesterday.
“As much as you want to be out there you’ve got to do what’s right to get it better. I still have to pass a few tests but this week I’ve been feeling great. If I do get the chance I will be very excited to wear the Ulster jersey and represent the club in a European match.”
Les Kiss’ charges face Premiership outfit Exeter in round two, a side Piutau knows all about from his time with Wasps.
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“We played there quite a bit last year,” the centre explained.
“They’re a class side and they made a few play-offs and a final which shows how good a team they are.
The All Black has made a big impression during the first few games of his Ulster career. Presseye / Brian Little/INPHO
Presseye / Brian Little/INPHO / Brian Little/INPHO
“Their forward pack is very strong and their maul it’s a big threat. They’ve got class play makers in their side and a lot of quality finishers in the backline. It’s fair to say both teams will be hurting and will be looking to rectify last week’s results.”
Before he suffered concussion, Ulster’s marquee signing had given the Ravenhill faithful a glimpse of what is to come and the prospect of him lining out in Europe for the first time is an exciting one.
The recruitment of Piutau was seen as a big move for the province in their quest to end ten-trophy-less years and certainly there will be an onus on him to perform in the big games.
Should he pass the final checks, Saturday will represent the first chance for Piutau to do just that.
“The European Cup is the best of the best and the intensity and speed of the game and quality of players is a lot higher,” he added.
“It’s the exciting thing about rugby, you’ve always got the next week to fix it and improve. There’s a real buzz to show what we can do and improve on the things we didn’t do too well last week.
“We love playing in front of our home crowd and teams coming here know it’s a tough place to play with the supporters backing us. I’ve heard a lot about it before and and it was definitely a reason to come and be part of this club.”
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'I will be very excited to wear the Ulster jersey and represent the club in Europe'
THESE ARE THE type of games Ulster brought Charles Piutau to Ravenhill for, and these are the type of games that convinced Charles Piutau to come to Ravenhill.
It’s not ideal that the northern province face such a make-or-break fixture so early in the Champions Cup campaign but at least now they know there is no margin for error as they welcome Exeter to Belfast.
European nights under the lights at the old, but recently redeveloped, ground are always a special occasion and after missing the disappointing defeat to Bordeaux, Piutau is in line to make his debut for the club in this competition.
The 24-year-old All Black is following the return to play protocols after a head injury but is making good progress ahead of Ulster’s second Pool 4 outing on Saturday.
“Just like any other injury and any other game it’s very tough not to be part of but you can’t do much with protocols and concussions and it’s quite a serious injury,” he said yesterday.
Les Kiss’ charges face Premiership outfit Exeter in round two, a side Piutau knows all about from his time with Wasps.
“We played there quite a bit last year,” the centre explained.
“They’re a class side and they made a few play-offs and a final which shows how good a team they are.
“Their forward pack is very strong and their maul it’s a big threat. They’ve got class play makers in their side and a lot of quality finishers in the backline. It’s fair to say both teams will be hurting and will be looking to rectify last week’s results.”
Before he suffered concussion, Ulster’s marquee signing had given the Ravenhill faithful a glimpse of what is to come and the prospect of him lining out in Europe for the first time is an exciting one.
The recruitment of Piutau was seen as a big move for the province in their quest to end ten-trophy-less years and certainly there will be an onus on him to perform in the big games.
Should he pass the final checks, Saturday will represent the first chance for Piutau to do just that.
“The European Cup is the best of the best and the intensity and speed of the game and quality of players is a lot higher,” he added.
“It’s the exciting thing about rugby, you’ve always got the next week to fix it and improve. There’s a real buzz to show what we can do and improve on the things we didn’t do too well last week.
“We love playing in front of our home crowd and teams coming here know it’s a tough place to play with the supporters backing us. I’ve heard a lot about it before and and it was definitely a reason to come and be part of this club.”
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Charles Piutau suftum Ulster