Ulster 'refreshed' for Bulls after unexpected weekend off
- Published
Ulster are relishing the chance to take on a Bulls side loaded with South African internationals after parking the disappointment of an unexpected weekend off, says forwards coach Jimmy Duffy.
Having beaten Dragons in their United Rugby Championship opener, Ulster had hoped to maintain early-season momentum away to Edinburgh last weekend before Storm Amy forced the game's postponement hours before kick-off.
While Ulster will meet Edinburgh at a still-to-be-confirmed later date, focus has switched to Saturday's home encounter with the Bulls (19:45 BST), who have recalled 13 Springboks after opening their campaign with wins over Ospreys and Leinster.
"It certainly wasn't easy, to be honest," Duffy said of last week's postponement.
"We're trying to build momentum, we had a good pre-season, had a good game against the Dragons and it would have been nice to back it up with another game. Both Edinburgh and ourselves felt we'd prepared pretty well, we had two strong sides out.
"We're over the mental hurdle, once the disappointment of the game was parked, we got everyone home and refreshed ahead of another massive challenge this weekend."
Ulster are set to welcome back wing Robert Baloucoune and prop Eric O'Sullivan from injury, but backs Michael Lowry (abdominal strain) and Jacob Stockdale (foot) are doubts for Saturday's game at Affidea Stadium.
While the inclusion of frontline South Africa players such as Handre Pollard and Canan Moodie bolsters the Bulls ranks, last season's URC finalists are without former Ulster forward Marcell Coetzee because of concussion.
"Irrespective of what team they put out, they're going to be a handful," added Duffy.
"They've been finalists on a number of occasions. We must make sure we're mentally switched on. Physically you have to be there, but mentally you've got to be right up for the challenge."
Following the Bulls encounter, Ulster travel to South Africa to face the Sharks and Lions before the autumn break. Richie Murphy's side lost three of their four URC games against South Africa opposition last season, including a 47-21 loss to the Bulls in Pretoria.