Wallace's sights on Euro conquest
Saturday, October 13, 2007
By Ciaran Donoaghy
Out-half Paddy Wallace is hoping to put his world cup disappointment behind
him by helping Ulster to win the Heineken Cup this season.
The Ballymena man went to France as understood to Ronan O'Gara and despite
his dramatic lost of form Irish coach Eddie O'Sullivan was reluctant to
pitch Wallace in just as in Australia four years ago when he was a late
call-up and got no game time.
However Wallace just wants to get back into the white shirt and put in the
big performances for Ulster.
"It was disappointing not to get any game time and it was disappointing how
we performed and not progression to the quarter finals so it was a
disappointing tournament for everybody involved," said Wallace.
"You go out there and you hope to get the opportunity to show yourself and
unfortunately that didn't happen again.
"It's nice to get straight back in and now I can put the world cup behind me
and concentrate on Ulster."
While Wallace is seen as Ireland's No2 out half he played most of last
season in the centre for Ulster having started at full back and he is hoping
for a run at No10 this term. I'm first and foremost and outside half and it
would be preferable for me to get as much game time and exposure there as I
can.
"I haven't had that much over the last few seasons and it is a position I
hope I can nail down with Ulster this year."
Ulster haven't reached the knock out stages in Europe since winning the
trophy in 1999.
One of the major reasons is they are still awaiting a victory on English and
French soil in the competition but Wallace believes the last eight is a
realistic goal this year.
"Our obvious goal this season is to reach the quarter-finals and progress in
the Heineken Cup more than we have done in the previous years.
"We've got a few games leading into the Heineken where hopefully when can
put in a few good performances.
"Any group in the Heineken Cup is going to be tough and you have got to win
your home games and then hopeful nick something away on the road. We won't
be looking to far past Gloucester at home.
"Once we get all or players and get some continuity in selection I sure it
will be a lot easier to up our performance level. We've been able to blood a
few academy players and they have done very well, they've shown a lot of
maturity and their performances have been up to scratch."
