'There’s a lot for us to prove': James Lowe

James Lowe says delivering an “awesome” attack is the goal for Leinster Rugby over the “extremely exciting” block of games that lies ahead.

After an uncharacteristically disappointing start to the season, the URC champions have turned things around in terms of results, winning their last four matches in all competitions.

But Ireland winger Lowe admits they are still looking to sharpen their cutting edge as they prepare for Friday night’s derby clash with Ulster Rugby at the Aviva Stadium.

“We have been a little bit sticky so far,” he said.

“We are creating a lot of opportunities, but we have left tries out there through a lack of execution.

“We are so, so close and hopefully if we have another conversation in a month’s time, we will be talking about how awesome it’s been.

“That’s the plan, that’s what we are striving for and hopefully we can get that sorted.”

Lowe says part of the challenge for Leinster is overcoming the efforts of the opposition to stifle their attacking ambition.

“Teams don’t want to go head to head with us playing free flowing rugby,” said the 33-year-old.

“They want to slow down our ruck, they want to be nasty at the set-piece, they want the ref to ref it.

“They want to be told to chill out. They don’t want to go back to a Monday meeting and be told that they were soft. So everyone is on the edge.”

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Leinster

24 - 20

Full-time

Ulster

All Stats and Data

It’s a busy period for Leinster coming up with the game against Ulster followed by further festive inter-pro derbies against Munster and Connacht.

“It’s an extremely exciting time. We are fully focused on putting in performances,” said Lowe.

“We haven’t had the better of teams like we have at the start of competitions, so there’s a lot for us to prove.

“I think if we can play in the right areas of the field and our set piece ticks over like we know it can, fingers crossed it’s going to be a good day.

“Hopefully we don’t even have to blooming catch and pass. Let the forwards do whatever they need to!”

Leinster take on an Ulster team who won five of their first six matches in all competitions before going down to a last-gasp Challenge Cup defeat against Cardiff Rugby last Saturday.

“They are flying high,” said Lowe.

“I know their result from the weekend didn’t go their way, but it easily could have.

“We are looking forward to a good ding-dong battle. It’s an exciting opportunity.

“It’s Ulster first and then we can worry about what’s around the corner.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

31

20

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

80%

The man who oversees Leinster’s attacking game is Kiwi coach Tyler Bleyendaal and he, in particular, will be looking for improvement in that area as they aim to move up from sixth in the league table.

“It’s a good and exciting period for us in the BKT URC with some tough interpro games that we want to win,” said the former Munster outside half.

“We really value this competition and it’s about log points. We are obviously behind Ulster at the moment.

“They are playing really well and we are going to have to be on our game.

“I think they will come fully loaded and very motivated.

“They are playing some great rugby. You can really admire what they are doing.

“If you turn the ball over, they can score from the length of the field.

“We are expecting a tough challenge. We are going to have to turn up physically and be really sharp mentally.”

He added: “We are still trying to improve our game. I have been speaking around our attacking side.

“It’s a frustrating one when you aren’t converting some pretty clear opportunities, so that’s definitely something we’ve identified as an area for improvement.

“Sometimes it’s just an individual area, sometimes it’s a bit of composure, other times it’s a decision making thing. I think just as a group we’ve got to be better.”