Vunipola warns Sarries to expect Ulster backlash
ENGLAND prop Mako Vunipola anticipates Ulster will be out for revenge when Saracens arrive at Ravenhill for tomorrow’s Heineken Cup quarter-final.
Sarries, who defeated Ulster 27-16 at the same stage in last year’s competition, are seven points clear at the top of the Aviva Premiership and have guaranteed a place in the end of season play-offs with five straight league wins.
But Vunipola believes carrying that form across the Irish Sea will be difficult, with Ulster having won 17 of their last 18 home games in the Heineken Cup and looking to avenge last year’s defeat.
“The main thing we got from the game [last year] was our physicality and intensity,” he said.
“We felt good in that game but we know we have to bring another level to go to their ground where they will be looking for revenge.
“We’re very excited, it is not every weekend that you get a Heineken Cup quarter-final and we’re very luck that we’re in one.
“It is a game that we know is going to be a huge test for us; Ulster are a formidable side and we know we’re going to have to compete with them.”
Harlequins, meanwhile, travel to Paris tonight to face 13-time French champions Stade Francais in their Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final, and looking to repeat their victory over the same opposition in the 2011 final.
London Wasps, who have lost six of their last seven games, host Gloucester Rugby in their quarter-final at Adams Park on Sunday.
Every match in the Aviva Premiership Rugby season is crucial.
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