\n<\/p>\n
Ulster back Zac Ward says the rivalry with Irish interprovincial rivals Leinster makes Friday’s interprovincial game between the two teams at the Affidea Stadium “a spicy one”.<\/p>\n
Ulster sit third in the table, one point ahead of Leo Cullen’s charges, before the encounter in Belfast, and aim to avenge a narrow 24-20 loss to Leinster in their previous United Rugby Championship meeting in Dublin in December.<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
“Any home interpro at home is a spicy one, but with Leinster I just think it goes to the next level,” Ward told BBC Sport NI’s Gavin Andrews.<\/p>\n
“We know them so well and guys are competing against their opposite numbers to try and get into a green jersey as well.<\/p>\n
“We’re really looking forward to it. We don’t really know what sort of team they are going to send up, but it doesn’t really matter, they have a lot of talent and a lot of depth, but we’re looking forward to it, to the challenge, and I really hope it stays dry.”<\/p>\n
Ulster will face Exeter Chiefs for a place in the European Challenge Cup final in early May but are also well in the hunt for URC silverware with four sets of games remaining before the knockout play-off stages of that competition.<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
“To be in this position now is class. If you’d said at the start of the season we’d be in the position we are now we’d have been delighted,” enthused the 27-year-old.<\/p>\n
“The hard work that we’ve done over the season is now really standing to us.<\/p>\n
“We have some big games coming up, but the majority of those at home which is really good, so hopefully a packed Affidea can get us over the line in those games.”<\/p>\n
Ward is also pleased with his own form this campaign, although he knows there is still room for improvement.<\/p>\n
He scored two tries in the weekend win over La Rochelle and set up another for brother Bryn.<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
“From where I was last year to now I think I have come on a lot and have really grown in confidence,” explained the ex-Ireland Sevens player.<\/p>\n
“There are still things I need to work on, still a lot to learn, but hopefully I can kick on at the business end of the season.<\/p>\n
“Playing in front of our fans is amazing, they really get behind us, they really back us, and we just want to keep performing, getting a few more people into the stands to cheer us on and put a few more smiles on faces.”<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n