Scott Penny ready for 'must-win' as Leinster face Ulster test

Michael Bolton

The big games don't stop for Leinster and Scott Penny, as Leinster take on Ulster in the URC on Friday.

In a vital part of the season, Leinster secured their place in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup with a win over Sale last Saturday, while they are currently fourth in the United Rugby Championship (URC).

After a frustrating first half, Leinster pulled away from the English side, as Penny's introduction for the injured Josh van der Flier proved decisive.

He emerged from the contest as the third-highest tackler, despite his limited time on the pitch.

"You need to fit in first. You don't want to come on and start dropping balls and making errors.

"You need to give the lads who are on a burst of energy. It gave the team a bit of energy and flow after that.

"We were lucky in the second half; we got into our flow a bit more. We were finishing those last passes, seeing the gaps open up, which was great."

Having made his 100th appearance for Leinster recently and signed a new contract, it is a time to remember for the flanker.

A back-row full of talent, Penny has had to make the most of his opportunities when they have presented themselves.

"The standard of training is so high that when people are called into play, they are match-ready. Injuries are unpredictable; you don't know who will be injured.

"You have got to be ready no matter what, and all the team have bought into it."

Leinster's next challenge will come on Friday with a trip to Ulster.

Ulster Rugby, coached by Richie Murphy, is one point ahead of Leinster and will go into the game with confidence after defeating La Rochelle last weekend.

Unlike other seasons, Leinster face a battle for a home run in the knockout stages of the URC.

A team full of confidence, Penny is expecting a big challenge from Ulster.

"When you get to this stage of the season, it is a must-win game every single game. One loss, and you are out of the top eight, and you will miss out on a quarter-final.

"We obviously started off not the way we wanted, and we have got better as the season has gone on. We are still finding ways to win games, we are not blowing teams off the park this season.

"They are going to be full of confidence, they are in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup. Richie Murphy has done a really good job with them.

"Every game we play against Ulster is so close. It is going to be a proper inter-pro derby."