1
Springboks star opens up on ‘one of the hardest’ four weeks of his career
1
{{item.n}}
Stephen Ferris: Pressure on Richie Murphy and underchieving Ulster
Comment
Share 
Ulster legend Stephen Ferris says that the pressure is on Richie Murphy because they cannot afford to miss out on the United Rugby Championship play-offs for a third successive season.
The former Ireland and Lions flanker points out that Ulster need to be playing in the Champions Cup, but that won’t happen unless Murphy can guide them to a top eight finish.
Last season they finished two points adrift of the play-off places after Ferris says they put all their eggs in one basket, reaching the Challenge Cup Final only to lose to Montpellier in Bilbao.
VIDEO
He points out that Murphy needs to start producing results because you can only claim that it is a rebuilding project for so long before questions start to be asked.
“I’m not sure that they deserved to be in the top eight last year. They sort of threw all their eggs into the Challenge Cup basket, and, you know, watching them week in and week out, it seemed like their performances were slightly dipping at the wrong time at the end of last season.
“Even though they were going to have to play this Challenge Cup, and they’ve come up against obviously a formidable side in Montpellier, it does feel like Ulster is a club, over the last couple of seasons, that has underachieved.
“I think this season is vitally important for us to get back into the Champions Cup for next year. They have to make the top eight. Whether it is that chip on the shoulder, whether it’s the outside noise, whether it’s the people writing them off.
“But they have to cling on to get the performances at the right end of the year. And we know it’s a bit of a building project. Rory Best has come in and made a couple of signings.
“One of those in Bello being short-term, only a year. Maybe they have somebody lined up for the following year in the same position as tighthead.
“But, you know, there’s only so many years you can have a project, and Richie’s been in the saddle now for more than enough time to make sure that this team and this province get into the top 8.
“So whatever it is, it’s going to motivate them. They’ve got to make sure that motivation gets them into the top eight,” Ferris told RugbyPass ahead of tonight’s season opener against Edinburgh.
Stephen Ferris will be alongside Graham Little, John Barclay, Ian Madigan, Mark Robson and Paul Marshall at the Affidea Stadium Belfast for URC opening night (Friday) as Ulster take on Edinburgh live on Premier Sports 2 from 7 pm.
Register your interest to receive priority updates on RWC27 ticket releases. Don't miss out, stay in the loop!
