Home Comfort For McCall And Ulster?

Ulster coach Mark McCall

Ulster coach Mark McCall is looking forward to rekindling his side’s relationship with “fortress Ravenhill” atfer their three-game winning streak came to an end in Dublin on Saturday evening.

Despite a 69th-minute try from in-form flanker Neil Best, on 69 minutes, and fly-half David Humphreys’ levelling conversion for 20-20, Ulster could not come from behind to pip a determined Leinster at the weekend. Michael Cheika’s side held on for a 30-23 win, but a losing bonus point was still something to hold onto for McCall.

“I think the performance doesn’t take away from the good start we have made to the season, three very good victories. It is important that when you don’t as well that you pick up a bonus point and we did at the end even though we did our best to keep throwing it away,” said former Ireland centre McCall, who had guided Ulster to opening wins over the Cardiff Blues, Edinburgh and the Dragons.

Two of those were away from Ravenhill and the men in white will hope to get back to winning ways against the league’s bottom side Connacht on Friday night (kick-off 7.10pm).

“We have got a very, very, very important game at home (against Connacht) when we hope to get back to winning ways,” added McCall.

“Connacht are coming up absolutely desperate for something next weekend and if we don’t pay them the respect they deserve then we will fall flat on our faces.”