With a win now on the board, Ulster will be looking to make it two on the trot against Benetton Treviso on Friday. Full-back Jared Payne says last weekend’s victory away to Connachthas given the squad a boost, but that no one is underestimating Treviso who come to Belfast in great form.
“The mood has been a bit better in the camp. It was good to finally get the win – that was a positive, but there are still things to work on,” admitted New Zealander Jared Payne.
“The first half against Connacht was a bit too much like the first two (league) games which is a bit worrying, but during the second half we really came on a bit.
“We showed a bit of character, a bit of patience and hung around their 22 until we got some points and got in the lead.
“It was a nice bust from Luke Marshall and nice to finish it off (with a try from Paddy Jackson). We have mucked a few of those up in recent weeks so it gives us the confidence to know that we can go and score a few more.”
The 18-7 derby win over Connacht lifted Ulster up to sixth in the RaboDirect PRO12 standings ahead of the visit of Benetton Treviso to Ravenhill.
“It’s good to be back in the mix in the league. It is still a long season ahead – we have plenty of time – we will worry about our performances week by week and let the table look after itself.”
And what about the challenge posed by Treviso, a team that brings back a few bad memories for Payne?
“They have certainly improved over the few years that I have been at Ravenhill. I did my Achilles against them two seasons ago and watched them draw with the guys last year, so third time lucky this year! It will just be finally good to play them at Ravenhill.”
Tickets for the Ulster v Benetton Treviso tie are still on sale and are available online here.
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