Carson optimistic Ulster will excel under Thomond Park pressure
Ulster centre Ben Carson has described Saturday's United Rugby Championship (URC) fixture against Munster at Thomond Park, kicking off at 17:30 BST, as a match that "is almost going to feel like a final."
The 24-year-old will start in Limerick after missing last weekend's game against Leinster, which resulted in a defeat that dropped Ulster to fifth place in the URC standings, just one point ahead of Munster in sixth.
Ulster face a challenging weekend trip to Limerick with a significant injury list, increasing the pressure on Richie Murphy's team to secure points against a Munster side now solely focused on domestic competition following the end of their European campaign for the year.
Following their European Challenge Cup semi-final against Exeter Chiefs next week, Ulster will conclude their regular URC season with home matches against the Stormers and Glasgow. Securing a top-eight finish guarantees a play-off spot, while breaking into the top four ensures a home quarter-final.
With only four points separating the fourth-placed Lions and ninth-placed Connacht, there is minimal margin for error. Carson emphasized the importance of focusing on the immediate challenge rather than future fixtures.
"It's the business end of the season and there is a lot of pressure on these games but these are the games you live for as a professional rugby player," Carson told NI.
"This game is almost going to feel like a final.
Every point matters and going into a big game next week, there is a lot of pressure, but hopefully we will thrive on it.
It's an interpro and they are intense, physical and everyone has a point to prove. All eyes are on this weekend, not next week. We're just thinking about Saturday night in Thomond."
Opportunity for players amid injury challenges
Ulster's injury concerns will limit their options this weekend, with several regular players unavailable. However, this situation presents an opportunity for other squad members to demonstrate their abilities.
Carson himself has faced frustrations due to injuries but is prepared to contribute fully if selected. He is confident that others on the fringes of the squad are equally eager to make the most of their chances.
"It's rugby and it happens. It's a physical sport and there are lads waiting on their opportunity, so we will hopefully take it with two hands and win this weekend," he said.
"I'd been out of training for a few weeks, struggling with a few niggles, but I'm back now and looking forward to the weekend.
If you can prove you can play well in these big games then the coaches will be happy with you. He [Murphy] is happy to give the younger players a chance, and we just want to do him proud and perform really well."
