Murphy urges Ulster to lay down home marker
Murphy is preparing for his second full season as Ulster head coach
- Published
Head coach Richie Murphy has called on Ulster to turn the Affidea Stadium "back into a fortress" as they prepare to host the Dragons in Friday's United Rugby Championship opener (20:05 BST).
Ulster suffered five home defeats in the URC and Champions Cup last season, including April's reverse to the Sharks - their last competitive outing at home - in which they squandered a 19-0 lead to lose 22-19.
And coming off the back of a difficult 2024-25 campaign, Murphy wants his side to lay down a marker when they welcome the Dragons to Belfast.
"We're at home so one of the things we want to do is turn the Affidea Stadium back into a fortress," said Murphy, who is going into his second full season at the helm.
"Some teams came here and took points too easy last season and that is not something we want to make a habit.
"[The] guys are hungry and very focused, there is a good plan in place and we want to give our fans something to cheer about on Friday night."
While Ulster are without seven injured players for the Dragons game, new signing Juarno Augustus is in line to make his debut after recovering from the back injury that prevented him from featuring for Northampton Saints in last season's Investec Champions Cup final.
Murphy says the South African number eight has been in "full training in the last couple of weeks".
"[He's a] big strong ball carrier, fast and aggressive running style," he added.
"[He] should give us a real focal point in our attack. He has fitted in really well and he's an absolute gent."
Ulster finished 14th in last season's URC to miss out on the Champions Cup, while the Dragons finished bottom of the 16-team league after managing just one win in 18 games.
However, Murphy is not underestimating the Welsh outfit after being impressed by their 14-player recruitment drive over the summer.
"They are going to be a better team than what they probably were and what people give them credit for," said Murphy.
"They won their two pre-season games, beating a strong Scarlets team at home in their last game so it's going to be a tough task."