Edinburgh Reivers manager Ian Rankin wants the Super District's supporters to follow the example of the Ulster fans when the new Welsh/Scottish League season gets under way next weekend.

Rankin and head coach Frank Hadden take their side into the final pre-season game in Ireland tonight expecting the same partisan atmosphere which greeted them in the European Cup two years ago.

The Reivers grabbed a late 38-38 draw thanks to Duncan Hodge's injury-time drop goal but Rankin will always remember the atmosphere inside Ravenhill then.

``Ulster pipped us to a European Cup quarter-final place two years ago before going on to win the competition,'' said Rankin.

``But the atmosphere that day was excellent and we need that level of support again in the coming season.

``It was possibly the biggest crowd we have had, but to gain the supporters we need to get ourselves off to a great start by winning games.

``It will be a tricky game for us but a good work-out ahead of the new season next week.

``The Irish provinces have been consistently strong in recent seasons, with Ulster winning the European Cup two years ago and Munster reaching the final last season.

``They have a great pride in their game and the crowd atmosphere is fantastic when you play there.

``There is a great expectation among Irish fans and they enjoy their rugby immensely.

``It is a very big support they have but we hope that will rub off on us and provide a spur to our game. I always enjoy going there for games because of the atmosphere in the grounds.''

Rankin has been impressed with the way in which his new signings have settled into the squad this summer.

``We have picked a strong squad for this game, but even the players who have been left behind will be involved in club games,'' said Rankin.

``It is a squad which will be working very hard to impress before the first game of the season against Ebbw Vale next week.

``There are a lot of well-known faces in our side as well and that will help draw the crowds in. There will be a lot of interest in the Reivers now.

``The integration of the new players has been helped by the players'
attitudes. There are no superstars in this side - everybody mucks in together.

``It does not matter if they are first-year pros or experienced hands. It is
one big squad and that is what we have set out to achieve.''

Reivers will be without five players for the game. Carl Hogg is struggling with a shoulder injury while Don Mackinnon has been left behind with a hamstring injury and Iain Sinclair has a knee problem.

Both Matthew Proudfoot and Cammie Mather will miss out on the squad of 22 with knee injuries.