David McIlwaine hopes to seize Ulster chance
Ulster full-back David McIlwaine has indicated that he is hoping to cement his place in the Ulster team in the absence of the injured Jamie Smith.
McIlwaine has started a number of pre-season games with the Irish province and has filled in for Smith in the Heineken Cup games against Aironi and Biarritz.
"I enjoyed the Aironi game and after that I was hoping to be involved against Biarritz," said McIlwaine.
The full-back did feature in last weekend’s 35-15 defeat at the hands of the French side.
"It was good to be in the team for that game and I thought we were on a par with them for the first half,” said the young Ulster back
“They came out with a lot more intensity in the second half and really showed their class. With the score at 3-3 at half-time we thought the game was there for the taking, but there was a very different atmosphere in the changing room at the end of the game,”
added McIlwaine.
The player who has emerged this season started his career with the Ulster youth academy, but coach Brian McLaughlin has put his faith in the full-back and promoted him to the senior team.
McIlwaine is expected to be named for his third successive start on Friday 22 October when they travel to Edinburgh for their Magners League match.
The Ulster player is looking forward to the match and believes that the Irish province can continue their good start to the league.
"We have trained well this week and are looking forward to getting back to winning ways against Edinburgh," said McIlwaine.
The full-back is now hoping to cement his place in the Ulster back line, but the player knows he faces tough competition.
Irish international Paddy Wallace can play in the position and Australian Adam D’Arcy is also battling for the number 15 jersey.
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