One was to send Dan McFarland’s side into the Pro14 final, and the other was to end last season on a winning note in the Rainbow Cup.
Ulster visit the Scottish capital tomorrow night needing another win to keep hopes of a home quarter-final in the United Rugby Championship alive and also the prospects of playing in next season’s European Champions Cup.
Under the URC format eight clubs qualify for next season’s Champions Cup, the four shield winners which come from Ireland, South Africa, Wales plus Scotland/Italy mini pools and the next four highest ranked sides in the league table.
However, Wales have no team in the top eight and are guaranteed a place in the Champions Cup meaning Ulster, currently sitting fifth in the table, must finish in the top seven or face Challenge Cup rugby.
Lock Alan O’Connor isn’t worried about the permutations though he just wants to go to Edinburgh and return to winning ways.
“We’ve got a really good opportunity going away to Edinburgh who are playing some really good rugby at the minute in fairness to them,” said O’Connor.
“Going to Edinburgh in the past, we’ve gone over off the back of a couple of losses, or going there needing to win and we’ve delivered the goods.
“We’re looking forward to the weekend, getting back on the horse.
“Edinburgh have a lot of internationals, a high standard of player and they’re playing a lot differently to how they have in previous years under Richard Cockerill.
“They’re way more expansive now and that’s a big challenge.
“But it’s good to get back over there, and we have the knowledge that we’re capable of going there and doing the business, which helps us, helps a few of the younger guys as well.”
The fight for the play-off and European places is
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