Ulster’s Robert Baloucoune can’t wait to get again out on the Ravenhill turf in tandem with Jacob Stockdale in opposition to Connacht in tonight’s URC opener.
Stockdale has not performed for Ulster in a aggressive sport for the reason that first contest of the final marketing campaign and, after a yr on the sidelines, Baloucoune thinks his involvement can be an enormous increase because the League kicks off.
“We have been in coaching the opposite day and searching spherical and there have been fairly just a few back-three gamers,” he mentioned. “It was a pleasant sight to see so many people concerned. It has been some time because it has been like that as a result of there have been a proper few accidents.
“It's good to see Jacob again after a yr. We have been speaking about that earlier than the (pre-season sport in opposition to Glasgow) on the weekend was cancelled, simply how lengthy it had been since me and Jacob had performed collectively.”
With their two first-choice wingers again in harness after damage, one of many province’s greatest to ever play the place has likened Stockdale to a “coiled spring” after such a prolonged time spent on the damage checklist.
Certainly, ex-Ulster favorite Andrew Trimble believes his former team-mate is primed for an enormous season.
“It appeared like he was fairly fired up and hungry going by these few touches he had in opposition to Exeter (in pre-season),” mentioned Trimble. “He seems to be like a person that’s been like a coiled spring for the final yr and a person eager to show just a few folks improper, folks have most likely written him off and forgotten about him.
“I believe any correct Ulster supporter could be very enthusiastic about having him again as a result of in the event you get him anyplace close to the place he was then he’ll be unbelievable.
“He definitely seems to be hungry.”