Richie Murphy backs Ulster to secure home Challenge Cup tie ahead of Stade Francais clash

It is worth noting that Ulster’s previous game against the Totyota Cheetahs was cancelled last Sunday due to the conditions of the pitch being deemed unplayable in Amsterdam. The decision was then to award Ulster the maximum points available, which allowed them to travel up the pool into second position.

Ulster head coach, Richie Murphy, is hopeful of a win to ensure they increase their chances of a home draw in the Round of 16. Murphy said, “Home advantage is a huge thing, the Affidea [Stadium] has been fantastic for us this year. The crowd really got behind the team, and we’ll need that again on Saturday. But to try and finish top of the group would be a massive advantage.

"If we win the game on the weekend, then we will finish in the top three seeds. This means we can control the next few opportunities we have in this competition.”

Murphy made it clear that this is the focus for Ulster going into their upcoming clash with the Parisian outfit, rather than dwelling on the cancelled game against Cheetahs, "we’re a week-to-week team, last week is gone and we move on very quickly." Murphy added.

Ulster scrum half Nathan Doak has acknowledged the challenge they face ahead of their game against Stade. The 24-year-old said; "playing French sides are always tough, they are going to be physical. But on the flip side of that, we like to play wide and to win so we’re going to move them around and see if they can cope with us.

"There’s a lot at stake." Doak added. "We want to be back playing here in front of our fans for the round of 16 to knock out games and go the competition that way."

Stade Francais have won all three games they have played in the tournament so far, and have secured three bonus points wins to boot. This compares to Ulster, who have lost one game and won two, but with four bonus points. It is shaping up to be a decisive final round clash in the Challenge Cup pool stages, with a home knock-out draw on the line for both sides.