“Despite the disappointment of losing a quarter final match there were definitely positives to be taken from the performance on Sunday. For sixty minutes the game was in the balance but ultimately the power of the Northampton pack, particularly in the set piece, provided the basis for their win. On a number of occasions during the game we caused Northampton problems defensively but we know that to win big games you have got to take the chances that come your way.”
“It was a great experience for our young players and we have to learn from it. The intensity was cliose to test-match level and to be part of an occasion like that will stand us in good stead. We hope to build on this and come back next year in a better position to challenge the top teams in Europe.”
“Now we have to put that game behind us and re-focus on the Magners League. We have a busy few weeks ahead and we are now even more determined to make the play-offs. With six teams still looking for a top four place there is a huge amount at stake and it is important not to lose many games at this stage of the season. Saturday’s match is going to be massively important for both teams.”
Ahead of the Leinster game, Humphreys said: “I believe that Leinster are the most complete team in European rugby at the moment. They showed on Saturday how good their pack is, going toe to toe with Leicester and coming out on top. Out wide they have players who can change a game with a moment of magic so we will have to be wary of that threat.”
“Travelling to Dublin to play a Leinster side who are also challenging for the play-offs, will be another massive test for our young squad. However, we believe if we get our set piece right and take our opportunities when they come along, we have a great chance of coming away with a win. We have been on a good run of results recently, winning our last 6 in the League, but we haven’t beaten an Irish province so far this season so that is something we will be looking to address as well. We will go into the game full of confidence and a victory on Saturday night would be a huge boost for our semi-final hopes.”
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Ulster back row Robbie Diack also shared his thoughts ahead of the game:
“We are very disappointed we lost against Northampton. Many people assumed they would give us a beating but the 23 in our squad knew how good we are and believed we could cause an upset. We put up a good fight on the day but obviously it wasn’t good enough. We know that next year we need to improve but we are well placed to do that and we will keep working hard.”
Diack’s attention is now solely focussed on the Magners League: “We are still in with a shout of reaching the play-offs and we will keep our motivation and try to maintain the winning momentum that we had built up in the Magners League. We still have a chance to achieve something special this season. Reaching the play-offs is in our own hands and we know what we have to do.”
“The Leinster game is crucial for us; they are incredibly tough opponents, especially at home. They will be full of confidence after beating Leicester but we have confidence in our own ability. We’ve got to keep on improving and keep getting results.”
