Balancing act for Murphy in Ulster’s hunt for silverware

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy said he has been "managing resources" to ensure his side can "go after" their European Challenge Cup semi-final against Exeter Chiefs on Saturday.

Murphy selected a rotated side for Ulster’s 41-14 United Rugby Championship [URC] defeat against Munster last weekend.

He did so with a balancing act in mind as Ulster had to contend with a lengthily injury list and the challenge of competing for silverware on the domestic and European front, something he believes they will be able to do with some injured players coming back and others having been rested for the trip to Limerick.

"What last week about was managing resources and still being able to go after this [semi-final]" he told BBC Sport NI.

"We had a heavily rotated team last week, had a number of injuries but we also rested key individuals who had been playing six weeks in a row so their clock has been reset.

"They're in a position where this week is a fresh week and it could be a run of three, five or eight games [to end the season if Ulster reach a European final and go all the way in the URC play-offs].

"We know exactly where we are from in an injury point of view and we're looking a bit more positive in that regard."

• Ulster trio back from injury for Exeter semi-final

'Our players are really hungry to try and win something'

Murphy confirmed that Nick Timoney, Tom O'Toole, James Hume, Bryn Ward and Jude Postlethwaite are all back in full training but that a decision on Angus Bell’s fitness will be made closer to the time.

Ulster face a challenging end to the season as after the semi-final at the Affidea Stadium they will try secure their play in the URC play-offs with their final two games against the top two in the Stormers and Glasgow Warriors to come.

The province could have two routes to try to end their trophy drought if they progress in Europe and the play-offs, but Murphy maintains that all focus this week must be on Saturday’s game.

"First European semi-final in 20 years, at home, it's a massive occasion in itself," he added.

"Our players are really hungry to try and win something. It's really important we prepare properly, have the excitement of the good cup run we have and see this out.