Gerry Thornley
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Appearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
It's a fine achievement.
It's their first European final since 2012.
And I think it now assumes priority almost over the URC.
There's still a horrible scenario in which Ulster could finish ninth in the URC and runners-up in the Challenge Cup, which would be grossly unfair for all they've done this season, it would seem.
But they've got a chance and they've had the longest wait since any Irish province for a trophy.
It's 20 years now since they won their last trophy.
And it's 14 years since they were last in the European finals.
So it's great for the province.
They're in the final.
They've got a fighting chance for sure.
What would worry me is their injury state profile and also just contributing on both fronts.
It's not something Connacht or Munster have to do.
And when you think back to when Munster won the URC three seasons ago, I think their round of 16 exit in the Champions Cup was probably a help.
And similarly, when Connacht won the Pro 12 in 2016,
They went out in the quarterfinals of the Challenge Cup to Grenoble in a cracking match.
And John Muldoon said to Pat Lamb afterwards, that might be the best thing that ever happened to us.
And they went on and won the Pro 12.
So I do think it's quite a difficult juggling act for Richie Murphy and Ulster at the moment, but they have to go all out now they're in a final.
When you're in a final, you have to go for it.
Yeah, I think you're right.