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Steven Crawford

Ulster determined to upset the odds with Champions Cup favourites in their sights

The odds may be stacked against Ulster knocking Leinster out of the Heineken Champions Cup, but Dan McFarland insists they will take confidence in their previous victories over the tournament favourites.

McFarland is well aware of the task facing Ulster at the Aviva tomorrow evening with Leo Cullen's side yet to taste defeat this season, which is reflected in the bookmakers' price for both sides.

Leinster topped their Champions Cup pool with four bonus point wins out of four.

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Domestically they have completed the double over Ulster this term on their way to 15 wins out of the 16 games played so far, with last week's draw with the Stormers coming without their Ireland Grand Slam stars.

McFarland though says Ulster will take confidence going into the game, but knows his side will have to be at their best to have any chance of progressing.

"We have to go into the game with confidence.

"Most people would probably say we don't have a cat in hell's chance.

"I looked at the odds the other day and we're 100/1 to win the competition, Leinster are evens in a 16-team competition.

"Over the last two years we have beaten them twice and we played good stuff in patches in the other games.

"We simply weren't good enough to beat them this year.

"We know we have the ability to win games against Leinster, but we're also fully aware if we're not playing to the peak of our ability it's going to be tough going, but we're obviously very motivated.

"They can select from a massive chunk of guys who've just won a Grand Slam.

"The challenge is what it is. Most people will look at it and say it's unlikely Ulster are going to win.

"But that's not how we approach it. We will approach it that it's on us to produce the best performance we can, be as physical as we can and make every moment of the game a contest.

"When we get it right we're a very good team, and we'll need to get it right."

McFarland will have a decision to make at hooker as Grand Slam winner Rob Herring faces strong competition from number two Tom Stewart, who bagged a hat-trick of tries in last Saturday's 33-23 URC win over the Bulls.

"Tom had two years where he barely played any rugby," said McFarland.

"He was able to take that opportunity to develop physically.

"He had a good mindset and once his body was in good shape he demonstrated his talent.

"Rob's fresh off scoring a try in a Grand Slam winning game.

"It's very competitive in Ireland and we've got two good fellas."

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