As with all away games in the Magners league, Edinburgh is a hard place to go and get a win. However in hindsight I think perhaps we underestimated them perhaps due to the fact that they were missing several players to the World Cup. We will obviously not be doing so again and be going all out to get a win and to try and climb the table

Is it easier to compete against players that you have played with at International level before?

In some ways it is easier in that you often have a better understanding of players strengths and weaknesses, obviously trying to exploit the latter whilst avoiding the former. It can also be an added motivation if you are competing with certain players in the opposition for national selection though it can also be quite strange playing such a physical game against friends

Ulster have had a weak start to the season do you think they can still turn it around?

Definitely, I think as I said above away games are very tough in this league and after winning our first game at home we had 3 away games where confidence and performance seemed to drop each time. 

Winning becomes a habit in sport and I firmly believe that with the talent we have in this squad we can reverse this losing habit and do ourselves and our supporters proud.

How difficult is it to come into a team that isn’t performing to their full potential?

I think it can be such small things that make this happen and I think as individuals we have a massive responsibility here as if everyone is playing well then more often than not the team will win. 

From my own point of view I had a very poor game against Llanelli and so must work to erase performances like this and certain errors from my game.

How have you found the atmosphere at Ravenhill on a Friday night?

Unfortunately I have only had one home game against Ospreys this season but I loved every minute of it. The atmosphere and the singing are second to none and it really gives all the boys a real boost to hear the crowd behind us.

Edinburgh's club captain Simon Cross has talked his teammates into growing moustaches before the game to raise money for a cancer charity do you think this may be a bit distracting?

A few clubs seem to be going for the 'movember' and whilst there will no doubt be some outrageous looks going on and a wee bit of banter flying around I don't think this will affect the game in any way and it certainly won't affect either side's focus on performing well and looking for a win.