The talented Ulster back and his teammates can go for broke against the reigning European Cup champions
Ulster embarked to the south of France, today, on a thankless mission, to take down Toulon on their home patch with an injury-ravaged squad. Nothing but a morale-boost will come from downing the 2013 and 2014 winners but, for players such as Stuart Olding, the next two Champions Cup games provide a crucial window in which to impress Joe Schmidt.
Having switched between midfield and fullback this season, the 21-year-old is pleased Ulster head coach Neil Doak is giving him an extended run in the No.12 jersey. ‘I’ve played in a few positions over the last two or three years,’ he begins. ‘I like playing 12 and that is where I want to play. Hopefully I can get plenty of game time there, get a good run and just build momentum.
‘Things are going alright at the minute and I think if I just keep playing their the confidence will grow and I’ll be more comfortable there and hopefully I can reach my potential.’
A dose of the flu has ruled Matt Giteau out of this weekend’s match, and denied Olding a chance to test himself a rugby idol. ‘I really admire the way Giteau plays,” he says. ‘He is left-footed, like myself, loves to play with the ball in his hand, and has a good running game. I always admired him growing up and watching him play – he has had a big influence on my game with the style of rugby I like.’
Injury to six-times capped Ulster colleague Luke Marshall and Gordon D’Arcy’s recent axing at Leinster have provided Olding with a glimmer of international hope, heading into the Six Nations.
He says, ‘It’s a huge opportunity. Not just with national selection, but, also here in Ulster, for lads to put their hands up with a couple of injuries there will be boys coming in – the fringe players will get a chance to test themselves against the best in the world and hopefully put in a performance.
‘On the national side these two games with Toulon and Leicester coming up this is where you want to perform at your best so then you can hopefully get into the Six Nations squad.’
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