How 'less is more' is shaping Ulster's festive period

Iain Henderson was named player of the match as Ulster edged past Connacht on 22 December

In a sport like rugby, where high detail, drive and motivation count, sometimes it's switching off that is the best preparation.

The RDS has not been the happiest of hunting grounds for Ulster, with only two wins in Leinster's backyard in the past 10 years and the teams face off again on New Year's Day.

It's been a long and gruelling season, particularly for those at the World Cup, and Ulster captain Iain Henderson knows those rest days could be pivotal.

"I think it's massive. It's huge to be able to switch off for those couple of days," Henderson said after the tight, edgy win over Connacht three days before Christmas.

"For us to be able to switch off and enjoy it, we know we have put a great shift in and got the result.

"We'll look forward to Wednesday and see how we come back then."

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'All guns firing'

The win over Irish rivals Connacht meant Ulster ended 2023 on a high and, more crucially, it backed up a famous European win over Racing 92 and made it back-to-back victories when, at one stage, it looked like their season was about to get away from them.

While facing Leinster on New Year's Day is the fresh start of a new calendar year, Dan McFarland will be hoping his side can carry the newfound momentum into 2024.

Through rotation and injuries McFarland has used a whopping 48 players in 10 matches this season and Henderson feels mental reset for players is more important than physical recovery.

"I think it's massive for players to be able to take time, relax and understand that the best mindset they can come into training with, having had that refreshing few days, is better for them and better for the team," Henderson added.

"We're all for that this season, being able to ensure that guys are as mentally refreshed as possible and be able to come back in and really enjoy themselves. Not be stressing about things, that has been a huge work on for us this season.

"The guys will enjoy themselves and next Wednesday we'll come back in and we'll be all guns firing from then."

Watch: Ulster earn narrow win over derby rivals Connacht

Henderson said a new approach on the team's mentality this season, especially with a youthful squad, has been crucial in their upturn in form.

Prior to the victories over Racing and Connacht, Ulster had lost three matches in a row and a number of games in the early season had been defined by tight margins.

"It's something we have got better at this year, being able to take that step back and not try and force things," the Ireland second row said.

"Sometimes less is more. Being able to not beat yourself up or constantly review things. It's something I did a lot more of when I was younger.

"To take confidence in the bank of work that we have put together over the past number of weeks, and not have to overthink or over train on a lot of those aspects.

"You get back to enjoying being in the environment, enjoying training and enjoying spending time together.

"I think that stands with us on the pitch as well."