The Gareth Steenson verdict on Ulster versus Exeter Chiefs

Gareth Steenson admits that he can still see David Humphries dancing down the Ravenhill touchline to help Ulster clinch a 33-27 win over Stade Francais in January 1999 to book their place in the European Cup final.

Ulster went on to beat another French side, Colomiers, 21-6 in the Lansdowne Road final to lift their only European trophy, and they will be within 80 minutes of another if they can overcome another of Steenson’s former clubs, Exeter Chiefs, at the Affidea Stadium on Saturday.

Steenson, who is now Ireland’s kicking coach, was a Champions Cup winner with the Chiefs in 2020, believes the key to booking a place in the final in Bilbao will be winning the forwards battle to provide ball to backs packed with mouth-watering talent.

“That set piece is obviously gonna be big from both teams, and when you get into European games like semi-finals it is about taking points and keeping the scoreboard ticking. From Ulster’s point of view, you know, they’ve had a few injuries.

“I think Angus Bell and Tom O’Toole in that prop area. Hopefully they’re not too badly injured. If they’re fit, even better. I’m sure there would be a real emphasis on the set-piece dominance.

Fixture

Challenge Cup

Ulster

09:30

2 May 26

Exeter Chiefs

All Stats and Data

“If you look at the two back lines that are on display, Stu McCloskey in the midfield for Ulster, Jack Murphy’s pulling the strings pretty well, and then they’ve got Jacob Stockdale and Zac Ward in the outside channels.

“And then you look across at the Chiefs, and what they have on the wings with Manny Feyi-Waboso, Henry Slade and Len Ikitau, like there’s the world’s best players going to be on that field on Saturday.

“So it’s about getting a platform for those boys on both sides of the field. The battle of the back rows is going to be big. Nick Timoney up against Ross Vintcent is going to be an interesting one as well, so there’s some really interesting matchups right across the park,” he said.

Steenson believes the two teams are at a similar stage of development, with both coaching teams looking to build and, in the case of the Chiefs, rebuild after tough times.

Ulster haven’t really won anything for 20-odd years, and the Chiefs are probably looking to get back on track a little bit, too, after a few years. So it really does bode well for a good game.

“The two teams are in similar positions in terms of the players and development. Ulster’s got a new coaching set-up, they came in there about 18 months ago, and they’re obviously trying to implement a new style of play with 15 players.

“And play a very good brand, an exciting brand of rugby. Chiefs, obviously, this time last year, with what happened after that Gloucester game, and you see the new coaching staff and what they’re trying to implement as well.

“This young group that probably struggled last year is now starting to flourish, which is like anything, when they get a bit of time together, that’s what can happen,” he added.

Premier Sports is the home of Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup in the UK and Ireland hosting every minute of live action from four thrilling semi-finals this weekend plus Finals weekend in Bilbao on May 22/23. Tune into Premier Sports 1 from 5.15pm on Saturday for Ulster v Exeter Chiefs live from the Affidea Stadium in Belfast. To join in visit www.premiersports.com from just £11.99 a month @PremSportsTV