THE 2013/14 VERSION of the Heineken Cup kicks off this evening with a clash between two teams who have realistic hopes of winning the competition outright.
Ravenhill hosts Ulster versus Leicester under lights, with an 8pm kick-off. There are intriguing match-ups all across the park, despite the fact that the Tigers are missing several key players including Manu Tuilagi and Tom Croft. Here are three of the head-to-heads that may prove decisive.
Paddy Jackson v Toby Flood
With Ruan Pienaar on the bench for this one, it’s time for Jackson to step into the role of tactical leader on the European stage. The South African scrum-half’s composure has often taken the burden of pressure off the 21-year-old’s shoulders in recent times, but now the Ireland international assumes full responsibility. Jackson’s place-kicking and game management will be crucial tonight.
The omens so far this season have been mixed, with error-ridden displays against the Dragons and Connacht balanced by steadier performances against Treviso and the Ospreys. Jackson has the ability to dominate games at this level, and a strong showing tonight would end doubts over his mental strength. Opposite the Ulster out-half is a man who has faced similar question marks in the past.
Toby Flood has 57 England caps to his name, but has never quite managed to nail down the number 10 shirt for his country. The 28-year-old has been a vital part of the Tigers set-up since joining from Newcastle in 2008, and was particularly strong as Leicester narrowly lost out to Toulon in last season’s Heineken Cup quarter-finals. A creative, intelligent play maker, there is always the suspicion that Flood is flaky in the biggest games.
Verdict: Jackson to do the business in front of a passionate Ravenhill crowd, with Flood creating some magic for Leicester but ultimately being outshone by his young rival.
Dan Tuohy v Geoff Parling
Two different styles of player, but both of importance to their sides. Tuohy has steadily improved since moving to Ulster from the Exeter Chiefs in 2009, with 7 caps for Ireland possibly not rewarding enough of his good form. The 28-year-old is a strong ball-carrier for his province, and he has notably added more aggression in attack this season. That was perhaps one area of his game that was lacking at the top level, but Tuohy must be careful with how he demonstrates it.
Leicester will be looking out for Tuohy in the tight, with a little bit of revenge on their minds. The Ulster lock hospitalised Flood in the sides’ pre-season ‘friendly’, when he lead with his forearm as Flood attempted to tackle. Part of the crew looking out for Tuohy at ruck time will be Lions and England second row Geoff Parling, a classy operator.
Like Flood, the 29-year-old joined the Tigers from Newcastle in 2009 and has since developed into one of the leading players in his position in Europe. At lineout time, he is a commanding target for Tom Youngs and he will also be a menace when Rory Best is on throwing duty. Parling isn’t as spectacular a carrier as Tuohy, but he makes the hard yards in tight.
Verdict: Parling’s Lions experience to come to the fore, with Tuohy in for a night of punishment from Richard Cockerill’s fired-up pack.
Jared Payne v Niall Morris
Mark Anscombe has returned his Kiwi to fullback following the experiment of positioning him in the centre. The 27-year-old is an essential creative presence for Ulster in attack, very often popping up at first receiver or switching the direction of play to the blindside. His gliding running style and assurance from the back will be particularly important with Jackson focusing on playing the game in the right areas of the field.
Payne qualifies for Ireland next summer and all the signs are that he will be capped for his adopted country. Whether that is at 15 or 13 remains to be seen, but right now the focus is on excelling at fullback. In opposition is a man who may be his competition for international honours over the coming years. Niall Morris’ career has taken off at Leicester, and this season he has grabbed hold of his preferred 15 shirt.
There are many similarities between the pair, with Morris sharing Payne’s unhurried running style and apparent lack of nerves. This will be Morris’ first start at fullback in the Heineken Cup, so there is a difference in experience at least. At 25, the former Leinster man looks ready to announce himself to a wider audience and with Joe Schmidt watching on, this is his chance to impress.
Verdict: Payne’s greater experience to see him come out on top of the battle of the 15s. Glimpses of Morris’ talent should be on show, but at a familiar Ravenhill, Payne has the goods to help Ulster to a win.
Ulster team: Jared Payne; Andrew Trimble, Darren Cave, Luke Marshall, Tommy Bowe; Paddy Jackson, Paul Marshall; Tom Court, Rory Best, Declan Fitzpatrick, Johann Muller (capt), Dan Tuohy, Roger Wilson, Chris Henry, Nick Williams.Replacements: Rob Herring, Callum Black, Ricky Lutton, Iain Henderson, Robbie Diack, Ruan Pienaar, Stuart Olding, Michael Allen.
Leicester team: Niall Morris; Miles Benjamin, Vereniki Goneva, Dan Bowden, Adam Thompstone; Toby Flood (capt), Ben Youngs; Logovii Mulipola, Tom Youngs, Dan Cole, Louis Deacon, Geoff Parling, Ed Slater, Julian Salvi, Jordan Crane.Replacements: Neil Briggs, Boris Stankovich, Fraser Balmain, Graham Kitchener, Thomas Waldrom, David Mele, Owen Williams, Terrence Hepetema.
Where do you see the key battles in the Ulster v Leicester clash tonight? Who will come out on top of the three we have mentioned above? Leave you thoughts and opinions in the comments section below…
