Humphreys raves on about Ravenhill
Tue, 07 Oct 2008 15:13
One of Ulster's favourite sons, ex-Ireland international flyhalf David Humphreys, has stirred things up ahead of Saturday's Heineken Cup, Pool 4 clash against Stade Français at Ravenhill.
Former Ireland flyhalf Humphreys captained Ulster to Heineken Cup glory back in 1999, before finally retiring from top-level rugby towards the end of last season.
As a veteran of 72 Ireland caps and many, many memorable Heineken Cup tussles for his Irish Province, the older brother of current Ulster flyhalf Ian is probably better placed than most to comment on facing the might of Europe.
"Stade are recognised as one of the best teams in club rugby and have been consistently excellent over the last ten years, they are a top team in France and Europe," said the former Irish skipper.
"They are very fortunate to have the backing of Max Guazzini who provides them with financial backing they need to attract the top players from all over the world.
"We have played Stade a number of times and have beaten them at home each time and have come close to beating them in Paris.
"The Heineken Cup is the premier rugby tournament in the Northern Hemisphere and every player wants to be involved. It simply can't be compared to any other tournament."
Of course, Humphreys - who now serves as the Operations Director at Ravenhill - is also better placed than most to appreciate the value of playing at home in Belfast.
He continued: "Ravenhill has always been a special place for the Heineken Cup, there is some great history here and the lads want to make history again this weekend.
"Every player in the squad wants to play in the Heineken Cup and against the best teams, Stade are the top team at the minute and it is going to be very exciting on Saturday afternoon at Ravenhill.
"The players turned a corner on Friday night beating Edinburgh and the hope is now that we can go up another level and take the game to Stade. I am confident that with the group of players that we have we are more than capable of doing that.
"The atmosphere at Ravenhill on Heineken Cup days is just electric, I don't think anyone can forget what happened against Toulouse two seasons ago, nobody gave us a chance but ourselves.
"I am really looking forward to Saturday, Heineken Cup days at Ravenhill are just special."
Meanwhile, Stade Français scrumhalf Alexandre Albouy will miss the Heineken Cup opener due to a knee injury suffered during the French Championship match against Montauban.
He will undergo further medical exams this week, and initial reports suggest Albouy will be unavailable for a month.
The Paris club must also wait of the fitness new signing and rugby league convert Mark Gasnier. The Australian left the field after six minutes with an injury to his right ankle.
Gasnier was making his home debut in the Top 14 and sustained the injury trying to catch an up-and-under.
He will undergo further medical examination to determine whether or not he will take his place in the Stade side this weekend.
With thanks to ulsterrugby.com
