Ulster have bright future says South African star

And even though the 20-times capped Springbok star is leaving the province to head to France at the end of the season, he is convinced Ulster's success this year won't just be a flash in the pan.

"Luckily I have been part of a building job here so I'm leaving a team that is better than when I joined it," Wannenburg told the Belfast Telegraph ahead of what is likely to be his farewell appearance at Ravenhill this weekend.

"Ulster can look forward to a good future, winning Heineken Cups and PRO12s more often. They just have to believe that."

Belief is undoubtedly growing in Belfast after Ulster backed up last season's Heineken Cup quarter-final showing with a first semi-final appearance since the 1999 title-winning campaign.

Wannenburg and co were heavy underdogs when they travelled to Thomond Park to take on top seeds Munster in the last eight but they were good value for their surprise 22-16 triumph.

Now Ulster face a similarly tough test on Friday night as they look for the perfect preparations for the April 28 Heineken Cup showdown with Edinburgh at the Aviva Stadium.

Heineken Cup holders and runaway RaboDirect PRO12 leaders Leinster are at Ravenhill for a domestic derby, with Ulster having won just one of the last 16 encounters between the two teams.

"It's going to be tough but, when you look at this year, records are there to be broken," added Wannenburg, who knows Ulster really need a victory to boost their PRO12 play-off hopes after defeat to Connacht last time out.

"We did it against Munster, who had never lost at home in the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup. We went out and we did it that day and I think we can do it again against Leinster.

"There is plenty to play for this weekend. We know we have to win, but it's at Ravenhill, it's our home ground and we don't want to throw away our record here.

"We've got a team where everybody is positive. Friday will be Brian's (head coach Brian McLaughlin) last home game in charge, too, so everybody wants to finish well for him."