Ulster sit third in the table, one point ahead of Leo Cullen’s side, heading into the game in Belfast, and will be aiming to avenge a narrow 24-20 defeat to Leinster in their previous United Rugby Championship meeting in Dublin in December.
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“Any interpro at home is spicy, but with Leinster I think it goes to the next level,” Ward told BBC Sport NI’s Gavin Andrews.
“We know them very well and the boys are competing against their rivals to try to put on a green jersey as well.
“We’re really looking forward to it. We don’t really know what kind of team they’re going to send, but it doesn’t really matter, they’ve got a lot of talent and a lot of depth, but we’re looking forward to it, the challenge, and I really hope it stays dry.”
Ulster will face Exeter Chiefs for a place in the European Challenge Cup final in early May but are also in the hunt for URC trophies with four series of games remaining before the knockout stages of that competition.
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“To be in this position now is class. If at the beginning of the season you had said that we would be in the position we are now, we would be delighted,” enthuses the 27-year-old.
“The hard work we have done during the season is really worth it to us now.
“We have some big games ahead of us but most of them are at home which is really good so hopefully a packed Affidea can help us get over the line in those games.”
Ward is also pleased with his own form this campaign, although he knows there is still room for improvement.
He scored two tries in the weekend’s win over La Rochelle and set up another for his brother Bryn.
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“From where I was last year to now I think I’ve made a lot of progress and gained a lot of confidence,” explained the former Ireland Sevens player.
“There are still things I need to work on, there is still a lot to learn, but I hope to be able to pick up at the end of the season.
“Playing in front of our fans is amazing, they really get behind us, they really get behind us, and we just want to keep performing, get a few more people in the stands to cheer us on and put a few more smiles on faces.”