Campbell Wants Swift Response From Ravens
Head coach Kieran Campbell is expecting a much improved performance from his Ulster Ravens side when they take on Yorkshire Carnegie at Kingspan Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 2pm).
The Ravens, sponsored by CD Group, blew a n11-3 lead in Aberavon last weekend to eventually lose 18-14, leaving Kieran Campbell hugely disappointed with the display in Port Talbot.
“We had a number of opportunities against Aberavon and didn’t take them and that gave them belief that they could get a result,” he said.
“We lacked accuracy and precision and there has to be a reaction this week. We’re at home and we need to get our campaign underway. We’re expecting the players to put in a really good performance and hopefully the result will come.”
Yorkshire Carnegie (formerly Leeds Carnegie) will travel to Belfast boasting a number of players with Aviva Premiership and GUINNESS PRO12 know-how in their ranks and although they have experienced a mixed start to the season, Campbell is wary of the threat they will pose.
“From watching their last three games, we know they’re an extremely big, physical side who seem to pride themselves on dominating the collisions and the gain-line.
“We’re going to have to meet their physicality and achieve dominance in that area to allow us to play our game, get some momentum in the game and ultimately win.”
Campbell, who also acts as Elite Player Development Officer within the Hughes Insurance Ulster Academy, sees great value in the British & Irish Cup.
“It’s important for two reasons. Firstly, the British & Irish Cup is significant for the players because it provides them with good exposure to different environments and gives them regular competition at a high level, which should support their development.
“I think, secondly, it’s important for the coaches to create a culture and an environment where everyone is competing and vying for places in the first team.
“It also gives us the chance to see whether some of the younger players are going to have the requisite qualities to progress through to the senior team in the future.”
With the nature of the Ravens set up, which is reliant on professional, Academy and club players, the squad enjoys less preparation time than many of its counterparts. But Campbell believes that should not be a deciding factor.
“We can’t afford to use that as any sort of an excuse. It’s got to be at the stage now were we are professional enough as a group to come together, gel, and put in a performance at the weekend.”
Premium, Grandstand and West Terrace tickets are available to buy online now on the Ticketmaster website.
Premium – Adults £30, Children, £15
Grandstand – £20, Children, £10
West Terrace – £15, Children, £5
Ulster Rugby Season Ticket holders will receive free admission to the game but you must log in to your Ulster Rugby Account Manager and print a ticket before 5pm on Friday. You will need to use your complimentary print-at-home ticket(s) for this game on Saturday as your Season Ticket will not gain you access into the stadium.