URC play-off race 'why you play' rugby
Ulster forward Nick Timoney says the province are "embracing" the pressure of the United Rugby Championship's tight play-off picture. Richie Murphy's side face Munster in Thomond Park on Friday night (19.35 BST) with the Irish rivals both in need of points in their efforts to make the all-important top eight.Ulster go into what is the penultimate round of the URC in 12th place, three points off the play-off spots, with Munster in ninth but level on points with Benetton directly above them."We need it to keep our season going and I think their situation is pretty similar," said Timoney."It's the business end of the season, if you lose, it's a failure. There's no redemption after this one, if we don't win, we're not making the play-offs."That comes with a lot of pressure and a lot of weight, but that's why you play the game, that's why you play for a big club like us. We're embracing it and looking forward to it."
'We still have the players to go and win big games'
Perhaps more important than a place in the play-offs, finishing in the top eight would also bring with it a spot in next season's Champions Cup.Timoney said it is "massive" for Ulster to be playing in Europe's premier competition, something they have done every year since its formation in 1995."It should be the pinnacle games through each season and it's where this club belongs, 100%," he added."We've been more talking about performances and getting results, but in the back of my head, and I'm sure everyone else's, is that is absolutely where we want to be next year."Ulster are able to recall Irish internationals Iain Henderson and Rob Baloucoune for the trip to Limerick with Richie Murphy saying this week his squad might be the strongest it has been since he took over the job in March last year.Throughout this season key players have missed plenty of games through injury while inexperienced players have had to fill the void. Timoney, however, does not see that as the reason for the side's inconsistent campaign. "I don't really like to use that as an excuse because when you look at our squad we still have the players to go and win big games," he said."At times this year we've had injury problems, but I'd be reluctant to use that as too much of an excuse because if you have that mindset you're giving yourself an out."We've no excuses really and we're certainly not taking any into this week."
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