'If you get comfortable you probably get left behind' - Timoney keeping a chip on his shoulder as URC heats up

If you needed an illustration of the importance of Nick Timoney to Ulster Rugby, you only have to look back at last night's win against the Sharks.

In a game with six World Cup winning Springboks, the 26-year-old stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Even aside from his multiple turnovers and 21 tackles, his influence could be identified by the opening scrum of the game.

With Ulster having the put-in 10 metres inside the Sharks half, Timoney and his number 8 Duane Vermeulen were seen to have a quiet word together before the sides packed down, and swapped places at the last second.

For those who didn't spot the switch, it came as a surprise to see the pacey Timoney sling-shotting his way from the back of the scrum, catching Siya Kolisi flat-footed and carrying hard to the 22.

When asked about that swap after last night's 24-21 win, which secured Ulster a home quarter-final in the United Rugby Championship, the flanker said it was down to some quick thinking by Vermeulen.

"Duane just said it to me at the time. That kind of game for him is a nightmare, because Duane is such a superstar in South Africa. They all know who he is, they'll be fired up to go and get him, especially the backrow.

"He just said 'listen, you're a small bit quicker than me, see if you get get outside him,' and we switched on the spot. I'm never going to turn those down because I love being at the back of scrums, and being given a license to go.

"It was just off the cuff, but it was pretty nice."

It set the tone for Timoney's night. A few minutes later, the Dublin native came up with a big turnover under his posts, while he poached another right on half time to end a huge defensive stand, ensuring his side would go in at half time 10-0 in front.

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