Ulster 'have belief' they can overcome Leinster

Ulster head coach Richie Murphy says he hopes his side can exploit some perceived weaknesses they sense in Leinster's gameplan when the Irish provinces meet in Friday's crucial United Rugby Championship encounter at the Affidea Stadium (19:45 BST).

Murphy's side have a European Challenge Cup semi-final against Exeter to look forward to at the start of May, but for now their attention must return to more domestic matters as they lock horns with Leo Cullen's side in Belfast.

Ulster sit third in the URC table, one point ahead of their interprovincial rivals, with four rounds of the regular season remaining.

Leinster ran out narrow winners, 24-20, when the teams met at the Aviva Stadium just before Christmas.

"It's a massive test for us at the weekend but we're also playing some really good rugby," Murphy told BBC Sport NI's Gavin Andrews.

"Within that Leinster system we see some weaknesses, things that we can go after, so it's going to be on the back of whether we can execute.

"We created some opportunities against them down at the Aviva and that gives us belief that on our day we can do the job."

The Ulster head coach also highlighted some of the many strengths Leinster possess, however, and reflected that he believes their play has improved in recent weeks.

"It's a huge game, they're a quality side. We went down to the Aviva and got very close, just pipped at the post, so it's one the lads are up for and there's also the battle for green jerseys that run alongside it, so a lot to play for this weekend.

"They definitely look better. Better with ball in hand, moving the ball a bit more like what they did in the past. Physical with direct ball-carriers as well, and a really tough defence to break down.

"We're a point ahead of them in the league table, a big test, but one the lads are looking forward to."

Murphy added that back row Nick Timoney's chances of playing in the game very much hang in the balance because of a hip injury.

"There is a worry about Nick Timoney. He's progressing, moving in the right direction, but it will be a late fitness call. We'll see where he is come Thursday," he explained.

The former Ireland Under-20s coach was pleased with his side's performance in the Challenge Cup quarter-final win over La Rochelle last weekend, but realises the focus must quickly change to the next challenge at the business end of the season.

"Every game, whether you win or lose, you always look at how we can get better for the next one, but that was one I thought, given the conditions, we did really well, managed field position well, and I thought defensively we did really well too, so everything's moving in the right direction.

"This time of year things move on very quickly so we park that semi-final now and get ready for Leinster."

For Leinster, assessments will be made later in the week regarding the fitness of Ireland internationals Caelan Doris, Andrew Porter and Josh van der Flier

Hugh Cooney has returned to training after recovering from a foot injury and will be available for selection, while Alex Usnaov and Ryan Baird will be unavailable after picking up injuries in Saturday's Champions Cup quarter-final win over Sale.