Ulster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

jacothelad · 22-01-2011 11:24am

davidpfitz wrote: »

I could be wrong on this, but I think the best second place teams every year for the past 5-6 years have always been the ones with the Italian teams in it.

I think that when assessing the 2 best second place teams, the results against the bottom team in each of their groups should be disregarded.

You would need to ignore all the results against the bottom teams in each group to assess both winner and second place. It would be entirely possible that if you did so, you would have a different group winner.

Biarritz would be delighted to be able to ignore losing away to Aironi.

overshoot · 22-01-2011 3:51pm

dragons and treviso could be called the 2 worst teams this year with 1pt each. aironi have 4
ulster have the bonus point they need to top the group with 3 tries in the 15 minutes after half time. only problem is biaritz have 3 tries and 20minutes to get the fourth.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 22-01-2011 3:59pm

overshoot wrote: »

dragons and treviso could be called the 2 worst teams this year with 1pt each. aironi have 4
ulster have the bonus point they need to top the group with 3 tries in the 15 minutes after half time. only problem is biaritz have 3 tries and 20minutes to get the fourth.

Biaritz got the 4th so Ulster will be a best second place, probably will get Toulouse or Northampton

overshoot · 22-01-2011 4:11pm

you never know, if one of perpignon/leicster dont get a bonus point tomorrow ulster get the first runner up spot. and if either of toulouse or northhampton dont win it would be leinster v ulster. unlikely but it would be some game, ulster would be out for revenge after ravenhill at christmas. would almost certainly be in lansdowne

Jemo · 22-01-2011 5:05pm

I think people are underestimating the knockout potential of Ulster. The knock out stages of the Heineken normally aren't particularly flashy (Barring Toulouse v Leinster 2007 and Munster v Ospreys & Leinster v Munster 2009). Ulster have an enormous pack, a good goal kicking outhalf and some nice finishing wingers. They could do very well. Sure teams are always going to beat them over the course of a few matches as they are predictable and a little inconsistent but if they can get a run of 3 games together then they win the tournament. An enormous challenge, but certainly not beyond them.

CouchSmart · 22-01-2011 7:45pm

Great to see Ulster back in the quarters but it's gonna be hard getting to the semis. It's hard to tell but if I was an Ulster fan I'd be hoping for Perpignan away, the other 3 home quarter finalists are so strong, especially at home.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 22-01-2011 8:00pm

CouchSmart wrote: »

Great to see Ulster back in the quarters but it's gonna be hard getting to the semis. It's hard to tell but if I was an Ulster fan I'd be hoping for Perpignan away, the other 3 home quarter finalists are so strong, especially at home.

Its going to be Northampton, or Toulouse in all likelyhood. Leinster is a possibility too but unlikely

Jemo · 22-01-2011 10:24pm

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Its going to be Northampton, or Toulouse in all likelyhood. Leinster is a possibility too but unlikely

The main thing is to avoid Leinster and Toulouse for as long as possible. Northampton are in form but all English sides are beatable.

jacothelad · 22-01-2011 10:37pm

It's great to be in the last 8 but we'd be deluding ourselves if we thought we'd beat any of those other teams away from home. Very unlikely. There is a reason why we're likely to be the 8th seed. The other teams are either a bit better or a lot better. Nothing is impossible but the team are still very much in transition.

I was very impressed however when even with Young, Kyriacou and Cronin in the front row they buthchered the Aironi scrum with Perugini and Ongaro, Del Fava, Bortolami and Josh Sole who are all in the Italian squad. It's nice to be able to replace Botha and Best fairly well.

The backs need a lot of work. Ulster need a good backs coach, not Neil Doak. Some talented players but they don't work all that well together as yet.

ambid · 22-01-2011 10:38pm

Anybody know why Aironi wear green in the Heineken and Black in the Magners? I can't imagine marketing is the reason I can't imagine they have a huge fan base who'll splash out on both.

This may not be the most important question of the day but I'm curious.

jacothelad · 24-01-2011 11:07pm

Northampton v Ulster

155 Points 145
16 Tries 15
6 Matches 6
1 Drop goals 0
44 Scrums won 45
7 Scrums lost 7
44/51 (86%) % Scrums won 45/52 (87%)
86 Lineouts won 79
9 Lineouts lost 10
86/95 (90%) % Lineouts won 79/89 (88%)
416 Rucks won 442
14 Rucks lost 22
416/430 (97%) % Rucks won 442/464 (95%)
593 Tackles 510
39 Missed tackles 33
593/632 (93%) % Tackles Made 510/543 (93%)
77 Turnovers conceded 84
712 Passes 749
1965 Metres carried 1967
533 Carries 587
132 Kicks in play 126
56 Defenders beaten 52
30 Clean breaks 25
42 Offloads 53
5 Yellow cards 1
0 Red cards 0
9 Conversions 11
18 Penalty goal 16
If only stats told the whole story, it would mean a very close thing.

Additionally, in the 6 pool games,
Ulster won the most turnovers,
Made the most passes,
Missed fewer tackles than anyone
Fewest yellow cards, - 1
Made the most ball carries,
Johann Muller best lineout forward with 34...next best was Wood N'hampton with 25.
Wannenberg best offloads with 10.
Wannenberg 2nd in carries - 77 - behind SOB with 87
Adam D'Arcy 5 clean breaks - best was 7
6th best yards made,
6th best defenders beaten,
7th clean breaks,

Interesting but probably of little consequences.

borna7 · 25-01-2011 1:51am

See some rumours on Ulster forums that Carr may be signing for next season? Anyone heard anything about this? Also if it happens how good a signing would it be?

jacothelad · 25-01-2011 2:21am

He's lightning quick. Can't be bad. Ulster need a bit more speed in the backs. Apart from Trimble and Spence and maybe 'D'Arcy, the rest aren't that fast. Gilroy is still only 19. Carr should have come to Ulster when Leinster lost interest.

GerM · 25-01-2011 4:59am

Looking forward to the Northampton clash. Whilst they're a good side and have an admirable record at home I don't think they've been significantly tested. They're yet to play any of the Premiership big boys at home this season aside from Leicester who they encountered on the first day of the season and the Tigers had a very sluggish start to the season. Wasps, Sarries, even a resurgent Glos haven't visited Franklin Gardens yet. The only other side to visit there from the top half was Quins and they came away with a win. In the HEC they squeaked past Castres where John Lacey cost Castres the game denying them a couple of tries with bad decisions. They hardly inspired against Cardiff either with a 23-15 win.

I think they are beatable particularly with the likes of Botha, Ferris and Court putting it up to them up front. Lawes will only be returning from injury and may not have the impact that he has had previously this season. Northampton are somewhat one dimensional with Myler at 10. You should have nothing to fear from them. Get at their set piece and shut down Ashton and Foden and you're in business.

Here's hoping there are 3 Irish teams in Cardiff in May!

Brewster · 26-01-2011 12:17am

GerM wrote: »

Looking forward to the Northampton clash. Whilst they're a good side and have an admirable record at home I don't think they've been significantly tested. They're yet to play any of the Premiership big boys at home this season aside from Leicester who they encountered on the first day of the season and the Tigers had a very sluggish start to the season. Wasps, Sarries, even a resurgent Glos haven't visited Franklin Gardens yet. The only other side to visit there from the top half was Quins and they came away with a win. In the HEC they squeaked past Castres where John Lacey cost Castres the game denying them a couple of tries with bad decisions. They hardly inspired against Cardiff either with a 23-15 win.

I think they are beatable particularly with the likes of Botha, Ferris and Court putting it up to them up front. Lawes will only be returning from injury and may not have the impact that he has had previously this season. Northampton are somewhat one dimensional with Myler at 10. You should have nothing to fear from them. Get at their set piece and shut down Ashton and Foden and you're in business.

Here's hoping there are 3 Irish teams in Cardiff in May!

Going to be very tough, but if you asked Brian McLaughlin who he secretly wanted out of Biarritz Away, Perg away, Leinster away or Saints away, it would be Saints everytime Id imagine! (Even though he did say he fancied Leinster!:D)

PhatPiggins · 26-01-2011 12:33am

GerM wrote: »

Looking forward to the Northampton clash. Whilst they're a good side and have an admirable record at home I don't think they've been significantly tested. They're yet to play any of the Premiership big boys at home this season aside from Leicester who they encountered on the first day of the season and the Tigers had a very sluggish start to the season. Wasps, Sarries, even a resurgent Glos haven't visited Franklin Gardens yet. The only other side to visit there from the top half was Quins and they came away with a win. In the HEC they squeaked past Castres where John Lacey cost Castres the game denying them a couple of tries with bad decisions. They hardly inspired against Cardiff either with a 23-15 win.

I think they are beatable particularly with the likes of Botha, Ferris and Court putting it up to them up front. Lawes will only be returning from injury and may not have the impact that he has had previously this season. Northampton are somewhat one dimensional with Myler at 10. You should have nothing to fear from them. Get at their set piece and shut down Ashton and Foden and you're in business.

Here's hoping there are 3 Irish teams in Cardiff in May!

That's a very good analysis of Northampton. The problem for me is that Ulster are only effective when they are one dimensional as well. They usually start most games throwing it around but haven't got the cutting edge to get away with it against decent teams and usually end up reverting to a direct game.

Northampton haven't lost to any team who've tried the direct game against them this season bar Leicester away.

jacothelad · 11-02-2011 5:18pm

Team to play the Ospreys on Sunday.
Ulster have won two of their last three games against Ospreys, and have been victorious on two of their previous six visits to Liberty Stadium.

Ospreys have lost their last two games in the Magners League, but are unbeaten at home in any competition since Dragons visited Liberty Stadium in the Magners League on 30 October and won 21-16. Ulster have won their last three matches in all competitions since their 10-35 defeat at Munster in the Magners League on New Year's Day. This reversal represents the Ulstermen's only loss on the road in their last five trips.
This Sunday's encounter sees 5th play 6th in the Magners League as Ospreys host Ulster at the Liberty Stadium. Ulster lie 2 points behind with a game in hand, leaving both teams well and truly in the mix for the play-offs.

The Ospreys come into the game on the back of three impressive wins against tough opposition. Their two previous matches saw them claim victories over Wasps and Cardiff in the LV Cup, but winning 3 from 4 games in that competition wasn’t enough to secure a semi-final spot. With the Ospreys also eliminated in the Heineken Cup group stages, their attention will be solely focussed on a top 4 position in the Magners League, starting with this week’s game against the Ulstermen.

When the two teams met earlier in the season it was Ulster who were victorious, edging a tense affair by 27 points to 26. Both teams held the lead on numerous occasions but tries from Darren Cave and Stephen Ferris, along with 17 points from Niall O’Connor were enough to see the Ulster claim the win against a star studded Ospreys team.

The return fixture promises to be just as enthralling, despite a number of players missing on both sides. The star studded Welsh outfit will have a host of players on international duty at the 6 Nations, including Shane Williams, Ryan Jones and James Hook. However, they are still able to call on the experience of Jerry Collins and Dan Biggar to provide leadership and direction. Ulster have the likes of Paddy Wallace, Andrew Trimble, Tom Court and Rory Best away with the Ireland squad but are bolstered by their South African contingent and can call on a number of promising youngsters.
Referee:Neil Paterson (SRU, 30th League game)
Assistant Referees: David Jones, Greg Morgan (both WRU).
TMO:Huw Lewis (WRU).
Live on S4/C

Ulster (15-9): Adam Darcy; Craig Gilroy, Nevin Spence, Ian Whitten, Simon Danielli; Ian Humphreys, Ruan Pienaar; (1-8): Bryan Young, Nigel Brady, Declan Fitzpatrick, Johann Muller (capt), Tim Barker, Chris Henry, Willie Faloon, Pedrie Wannenburg.

Replacements: Andi Kyriacou, Jerry Cronin, Alan Whitten, Ryan Caldwell, TJ Anderson, Paul Marshall, Luke Marshall, David McIlwaine.

Botha is out with a dislocated elbow which required surgery to reattach a tendon. It'll be a while before he comes back if at all this season. Cave, Tuohy, Diack, Macklin, McCrea still out for a while.

David900 · 11-02-2011 6:07pm

jacothelad wrote: »

Botha is out with a dislocated elbow which required surgery to reattach a tendon. It'll be a while before he comes back if at all this season.

That will be a blow for Ulster, Rumours he wanted to head back to South Africa before Christmas, did anything come from that? Hopefully not the last time hes played for Ulster.

jacothelad · 12-02-2011 1:50pm

David900 wrote: »

That will be a blow for Ulster, Rumours he wanted to head back to South Africa before Christmas, did anything come from that? Hopefully not the last time hes played for Ulster.

There was talk last year that he would be released if Ulster didn't get to the last 8 of the ERC so he could get in contention for the RWC. His contract runs to June I think when it looks like he's heading home to SA to possibly sign for the Lions.

damianmcr · 12-02-2011 2:21pm

Im not 100% sure but I read he could be back from for the HEC match. Dont quote me on it tho.

I cold swear it was in Wed's Belfast Telegraph.

damianmcr · 13-02-2011 12:36am

Connacht did Ulster a favour tonight:)

CIARAN_BOYLE · 17-02-2011 12:41pm

So Ulster sign Stevenson from Harlequins and let go of Ryan Caldwell

http://www.union.quins.co.uk/rugby/1stXV.php?player=8357&includeref=dynamic
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/9001.php

I'll be honest and say I don't know much about the man so I can't really rate him. It seems to be a straight replacement, Caldwell asked to be let go and Ulster head-hunted stevenson as a replacement.

Do you think its an upgrade?

thomond2006 · 17-02-2011 1:16pm

Don't know if it's an upgrade but Caldwell's time at Ulster was up IMO.

jolley123 · 17-02-2011 2:57pm

So where's Caldwell off to?

SomeFool · 17-02-2011 3:10pm

jolley123 wrote: »

So where's Caldwell off to?

Bath afaik

PhatPiggins · 17-02-2011 3:49pm

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

So Ulster sign Stevenson from Harlequins and let go of Ryan Caldwell

http://www.union.quins.co.uk/rugby/1stXV.php?player=8357&includeref=dynamic
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/9001.php

I'll be honest and say I don't know much about the man so I can't really rate him. It seems to be a straight replacement, Caldwell asked to be let go and Ulster head-hunted stevenson as a replacement.

Do you think its an upgrade?

Stevenson is reliable, does the basics well and goes for the full game. Caldwell has more talent but is half cracked and can either be man of the match or give away 5 penalties. For what Ulster want him for i.e 3rd/4th choice lock Stevenson is the better man.

So Bath are replacing one lunatic (Grewcock) with another :pac:

thomond2006 · 17-02-2011 4:01pm

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Stevenson is reliable, does the basics well and goes for the full game. Caldwell has more talent but is half cracked and can either be man of the match or give away 5 penalties. For what Ulster want him for i.e 3rd/4th choice lock Stevenson is the better man.

So Bath are replacing one lunatic (Grewcock) with another :pac:

Bath are bringing in Dave Attwood too from Gloucester. Attwood and Caldwell will certainly be a hotheaded second row pairing!

CIARAN_BOYLE · 18-02-2011 8:09pm

Scarlets: 15. Dan Evans 14. Gareth Maule 13. Regan King 12. Scott Williams 11. Sean Lamont 10. Rhys Priestland 9. Martin Roberts 1. Iestyn Thomas 2. Emyr Phillips 3. Rhys M. Thomas 4. Vernon Cooper 5. Lou Reed 6. Rob McCusker 7. Josh Turnbull 8. Ben Morgan
Replacements: 16. Rhys Lawrence 17. Rhodri Jones 18. Simon Gardiner 19. Jonny Fa'amatuainu 20. Johnathan Edwards 21. Tavis Knoyle 22. Dan Newton 23. Joe Ajuwa Ulster Rugby: 15. Adam D'Arcy 14. Andrew Trimble 13. Nevin Spence 12. Paddy Wallace 11. Craig Gilroy 10. Paddy Jackson 9. Ruan Pienaar 1. Tom Court 2. Andy Kyriacou 3. Declan Fitzpatrick 4. Johann Muller 5. Tim Barker 6. TJ Anderson 7. Chris Henry 8. Pedrie Wannenburg
Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady 17. Jerry Cronin 18. Bryan Young 19. Ryan Caldwell 20. Robbie Diack 21. Paul Marshall 22. Luke Marshall 23. Simon Danielli

As the game is getting underway I figured that I'd post the lineups. This is a real must win match if Ulster are to reach the playoffs. I really want to see how Jackson gets on in his first start.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 18-02-2011 8:12pm

Ulster 3 Scarlets 0
Piernaar seems to be taking some pressure off Jackson, he took the kickoff and the penalty. The pressure of these duties can make things difficult for a young out-half so it makes sense for Pienaar to do these duties.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 18-02-2011 8:17pm

Ulster 6 Scarlets 0
A Pienaar penalty from a scrum won by Fitzpatrick.

David900 · 18-02-2011 8:23pm

Ulster 6 Scarlets 6

Two penalties. Evened up by Priestland

CIARAN_BOYLE · 18-02-2011 8:31pm

Ulster pack coughed up a penalty try

13-6

CouchSmart · 18-02-2011 8:31pm

Penalty try for Scarlets.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 18-02-2011 8:34pm

Pienaar penalty Scarlets 13 Ulster 9

CouchSmart · 18-02-2011 8:39pm

From an Irish point of view; Wallace and Court haven't been good so far. Trimble very quiet but running some good support lines.

David900 · 18-02-2011 8:48pm

Nice drop goal from Priestland!

Scarlets 16 Ulster 9

damianmcr · 18-02-2011 9:28pm

16-15 now too the Scarlets. All from RP.

Ulster too win from here

ongarite · 18-02-2011 9:40pm

Wallace is having a dreadful game so far.

ongarite · 18-02-2011 9:48pm

Ulster blew that great chance. Terrible throw back to Pienaar.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 18-02-2011 9:50pm

would you believe that Ulster loses by 1 point in wales two weeks in a row

Ulster are being forced to go for a long penalty to win it

ongarite · 18-02-2011 9:50pm

OMG..
This is a huge kick to win the game for Ulster.

HOLY F*CK
He did it. 55 metres in a terrible rain and wind.

damianmcr · 18-02-2011 9:51pm

Ruan Piennar:D

CIARAN_BOYLE · 18-02-2011 9:54pm

ongarite wrote: »

OMG..
This is a huge kick to win the game for Ulster.

HOLY F*CK
He did it. 55 metres in a terrible rain and wind.

totally agree massive kick, RP proving his worth

SuprSi · 18-02-2011 9:57pm

Absolutely unbelievable kick by Pienaar. It seemed to take the linesmen an age to lift their flags. Great stuff though.

Paul4As · 18-02-2011 10:14pm

It was a good thing the referee said there wasn't enough time to go for the line-out!!!
Here's me wishing Ian Humphries had been there to take the final penalty...and Pienaar cracks it over from his own half at an angle!!!

Stand up for the Ulstermen!!!

Digifriendly · 18-02-2011 11:14pm

Backs apart from Pienaar, Spence and Marshall when he came on were poor. Forwards won the game with aid of Pienaar's boot. If it had been better weather I think Scarlets would have won but to win for first time away to Scarlets was great and hopefully Ulster can push on from here. Important that they take the points against Cardiff next Friday.

liam12989 · 19-02-2011 9:46am

just wondering how did paddy jackson do on his debut?
Are paul and luke marshall related?
And what do ulster fans see there best irish back line in a year or 2?
somethig like
Marshall,Jackson,Gilroy,L Marshall/Whitten,Spence,Trimble,Darcy?

CIARAN_BOYLE · 19-02-2011 11:25am

liam12989 wrote: »

just wondering how did paddy jackson do on his debut?
Are paul and luke marshall related?
And what do ulster fans see there best irish back line in a year or 2?
somethig like
Marshall,Jackson,Gilroy,L Marshall/Whitten,Spence,Trimble,Darcy?

Paddy Jackson did ok, he didn't set the world alight but but he didn't do much wrong. Pienaar had a massive game at 9 and took so much pressure off him which made it much easier for him.

Luke and Paul aren't related.

David900 · 19-02-2011 12:25pm

liam12989 wrote: »

just wondering how did paddy jackson do on his debut?
Are paul and luke marshall related?
And what do ulster fans see there best irish back line in a year or 2?
somethig like
Marshall,Jackson,Gilroy,L Marshall/Whitten,Spence,Trimble,Darcy?

Just wondering if you're asking what will be a possible Irish national team backline or the best all Irish Ulster backline in a few years?

How long does Paul Marshall have left on his contract at Ulster, I wouldn't be surprised if other clubs sniffing around. I'd be surprised if he goes as he seems to be a proud Ulster player but Pienaar will be there for the next two seasons.

borna7 · 19-02-2011 2:18pm

Ulster look to have a talanted set of backs coming through. Jackson, Marshall and Spence in the midfield could be something special in a few years. Can't see Paul Marshall ever making it as first choice scrum half. Pass just isn't up to it and can make mind boggling bad decisions.

Hope they sort out D'Arcy's contract soon. Looks like he could be a top player. Good pace, runs good lines and a big boot. Also got to remember this is his first season in real pro rugby. After a full pre season could improve even further next year

Ulster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

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