Ulster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

thomond2006 · 26-07-2012 12:21pm

Castres (H)
Glasgow (A)

N Saints (A)
N Saints (H)

Glasgow (H)
Castres (A)

http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/ulster_rugby.php?section=1

Good draw IMO to avoid Castres away until Round 6, Castres will lose interest if they lose the first few rounds. Plus they've lost a few key players in the off season.

Saints double header will be tough, but Saints are not the side they were and a losing BP away will probably do.

Glasgow... meh

durkadurka · 26-07-2012 5:02pm

Glasgow will be pretty damn feisty in fir hill.

Leinster found it very hard to win there last year.

thomond2006 · 26-07-2012 5:21pm

durkadurka wrote: »

Glasgow will be pretty damn feisty in fir hill.

Leinster found it very hard to win there last year.

Glasgow will have Gregor Townsend as their coach next season, who did a laughable job as attack coach for Scotland. I can't believe the SRU moved on Sean Lineen, he did a great job with the squad he had. Plus Glasgow have lost Richie Gray to Sale.

sixy · 26-07-2012 5:46pm

durkadurka wrote: »

Glasgow will be pretty damn feisty in fir hill.

Leinster found it very hard to win there last year.

Glasgow have moved to Scotstown or something, possibly a converted athletics stadium? But aye they are tough at home

Nice game to start, Friday night at Ravenhill against a good side, get the momentum going nicely

Digifriendly · 26-07-2012 5:46pm

thomond2006 wrote: »

Glasgow will have Gregor Townsend as their coach next season, who did a laughable job as attack coach for Scotland. I can't believe the SRU moved on Sean Lineen, he did a great job with the squad he had. Plus Glasgow have lost Richie Gray to Sale.

Glasgow have made a few useful signings including a decent Fijian scrum half so no pushover especially on their home patch - now Scotstoun not Firhill.

the_doctor199 · 29-07-2012 10:25pm

Anyone remember when tickets go on sale for the European games? Heading to the away Northampton fixture. Am I able to buy away tickets from Ravenhill does anyone remember?

the_doctor199 · 31-07-2012 5:11pm

Quint2010 · 31-07-2012 5:18pm

the_doctor199 wrote: »

Is that terracing in the background new?

launish116 · 31-07-2012 5:19pm

the_doctor199 wrote: »

very nice!

postitnote · 31-07-2012 5:23pm

Quint2010 wrote: »

the_doctor199 wrote: »

Is that terracing in the background new?

Liverpool fc due to play crusaders at ravenhill soon. Might be temporary for that.

CatFromHue · 01-08-2012 1:17pm

"Due to his recent thumb operation and the Irish player management programme kicking in, Ferris expects to be available to new coach Mark Anscombe for the third round of PRO12 League games when Ulster host Munster – a side who also have a new Kiwi coach in Rob Penney – at home on September 14th.

The interprovincial clash is also expected to see the first outing for Best (currently recovering from a groin problem) and Ireland tourists Chris Henry and Dan Tuohy, while it is thought that Bowe (fully recovered from surgery on a kidney problem) will be available for selection for Ulster’s opening League game away to Glasgow Warriors on August 31st."

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0801/1224321235435.html

Looks like the Munster game will be an interesting one. Hopefully Munster will have some of their Internationals coming back too.

backawaygo onahead · 01-08-2012 2:44pm

Still concerned about what back row Ulster will be able to field in early games, Roger Wilson last I heard was touch & go in his recovery with worst case a prolonged absence - anyone got recent info? No Ferris no Henry nor Big Dan as a possible 6, then I hear that Fat Nick is having visa problems & who can we field?

Worrying. Robbie Diack, Ali Birch & maybe young Henderson at 6 - then no bench!!!!

Small p? Any injury updates, no Pienaar, no Porter any more, and a young ginger at 10.

Season could be off to a very shaky start with 3 of the top 4 from last season on the trot.

Any good news anyone?

CIARAN_BOYLE · 07-08-2012 6:48pm

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/rugby/latest/9858670.Promising_youngster_Niall_Martin_joins_Ulster_Academy/

Ulster have signed a young IQ 10 from the dragons academy

07-08-2012 7:03pm

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/rugby/latest/9858670.Promising_youngster_Niall_Martin_joins_Ulster_Academy/

Ulster have signed a young IQ 10 from the dragons academy

5'7" and an out half?

I guess we'll see him in 2 years, best of luck till then lad!

thomond2006 · 07-08-2012 7:05pm

It's good to see the provinces scouting for IQ youngsters based abroad.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 07-08-2012 7:11pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I guess we'll see him in 2 years, best of luck till then lad!

2 years? If he is any good we will see him in March when he goes for Ireland U20 in the 6 nations

07-08-2012 7:24pm

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

2 years? If he is any good we will see him in March when he goes for Ireland U20 in the 6 nations

Though a massive fan of the U20s, I don't see it as a ready made comparison for the Pro12.

Especially certain positions...

bilston · 07-08-2012 10:54pm

Who is likely to be the Irish U20 10 next season?

At the moment I guess Stuart Olding has a decent chance but I'm only saying that because he was in the squad this year and even then played 13 and 15. Who is coming out of the U19s and U18s who could be a contender next season? Maybe this guy Ulster have signed will be a contender for the 20s come March.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 07-08-2012 10:59pm

bilston wrote: »

Who is likely to be the Irish U20 10 next season?

At the moment I guess Stuart Olding has a decent chance but I'm only saying that because he was in the squad this year and even then played 13 and 15. Who is coming out of the U19s and U18s who could be a contender next season? I'd say this guy Niall Martin will have a decent shout of getting into the U20s if he turns out half decent.

Marsh Jackson and Hanrahan played 10 this year and all are over age as is Jack Carthy who is the Connacht academy's 10

I think Niall Martin and Stuart Olding might actually be the only U20 outhalves in an academy at for next season.

bilston · 07-08-2012 11:14pm

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Marsh Jackson and Hanrahan played 10 this year and all are over age as is Jack Carthy who is the Connacht academy's 10

I think Niall Martin and Stuart Olding might actually be the only U20 outhalves in an academy at for next season.

From reading the Irishrugby website there the U19 out half this season seems to have a guy called Steve Crosbie and the U18 10 was a fella called Conor McKeon.

Hagz · 07-08-2012 11:20pm

I'd say either Stuart Olding or Steve Crosbie. Olding's a good 10, think he's made an appearance for Ulster there.

ormond lad · 07-08-2012 11:41pm

bilston wrote: »

Who is likely to be the Irish U20 10 next season?

At the moment I guess Stuart Olding has a decent chance but I'm only saying that because he was in the squad this year and even then played 13 and 15. Who is coming out of the U19s and U18s who could be a contender next season? Maybe this guy Ulster have signed will be a contender for the 20s come March.

think 1 of the munster 20s: kiersey, sweetnam or scannell will be irish 20s. Depends on which player actually gets the start at 10 in interpros.

bilston wrote: »

From reading the Irishrugby website there the U19 out half this season seems to have a guy called Steve Crosbie and the U18 schools 10 was a fella called Conor McKeon.

the u18 youths 10 fergal cleary is also a very good outhalf who may be involved.

bamboozle · 08-08-2012 8:45am

bilston wrote: »

From reading the Irishrugby website there the U19 out half this season seems to have a guy called Steve Crosbie and the U18 10 was a fella called Conor McKeon.

Crosbie played 10 for Old belvo towards the end of last season as they pulled off their great escape from AIL 1A relegation, think he was Irish schools 10 playing with St Gerards.

Is Cathal Marsh not underage again next season? he was same year in school as Luke McGrath

CIARAN_BOYLE · 08-08-2012 9:58am

bamboozle wrote: »

Crosbie played 10 for Old belvo towards the end of last season as they pulled off their great escape from AIL 1A relegation, think he was Irish schools 10 playing with St Gerards.

Is Cathal Marsh not underage again next season? he was same year in school as Luke McGrath

He will be 21 in January. That means he will be overage

GerM · 08-08-2012 10:17am

Crosbie is a very skilled outhalf. He played on the Gerard's side with Jack Conan that had a big cup run there a couple of years ago. Lovely distributor and runner. He's the sort of outhalf that doesn't tend to get a lot of game time at this level though I find. Madigan, for example, got 2 years at the JWC. He spent one on the bench and the other at 15 with irregular appearances at 10 in the 6N. Even Hanrahan was always at centre to allow Jackson or McKinney to control proceedings from 10.

GerM · 08-08-2012 10:21am

Deleted User wrote: »

Though a massive fan of the U20s, I don't see it as a ready made comparison for the Pro12.

Especially certain positions...

Agreed. The Pro12 is way above the U20 side's level. This year we saw our best ever performance by an U20 side. Their match day 22 contained a number of players that were unable to secure contracts with a province and another several players will more than likely be released upon completion of their contract. A lower level side like the Dragons would pummel the U20 side. I've always maintained that if 5 players on an U20 side can make it as first choice players in a province, that's a fantastic return.The 2007 side has provided about 6 and was a superb side.

jm08 · 08-08-2012 10:49am

GerM wrote: »

Even Hanrahan was always at centre to allow Jackson or McKinney to control proceedings from 10.

Could also be to get all your best players on the pitch (and give a wide number of players experience at that level). When there isn't much preparation time, they also seem to go for provincial partnerships (like starting L. McGrath & C. Marshl together). Pity Marsh got injured for the world cup.

bilston · 08-08-2012 11:28pm

First game of the Anscombe era tomorrow era against Bayonne.

Apparently it will be rolling subs and Anscombe has said it's more of a fitness builder than anything else nevertheless it will be interesting to hear how it goes.

According to a reliable poster on UAFC the starting backline is:

9 McIlroy
10 Jackson
11 Cochrane
12 Farrell
13 Payne
14 Gilroy
15 Nelson

Payne excelled at 13 for Auckland and the Blues, I think Anscombe coached him at Auckland too, I wonder of we'll see a lot of Payne at 13 this season. That would leave us light at FB and would be bad news for Cave. Still I wouldn't read much into this selection.

Podge_irl · 08-08-2012 11:30pm

Who's McIlroy?

GerM · 08-08-2012 11:34pm

Podge_irl wrote: »

Who's McIlroy?

Blane McIlroy. Was scrum half last year on the U20 side. Nothing special but hopefully has come on a bit since then.

ormond lad · 08-08-2012 11:36pm

Podge_irl wrote: »

Who's McIlroy?

Blaine McIlroy. played scrum half on 20s last year

CIARAN_BOYLE · 08-08-2012 11:36pm

Podge_irl wrote: »

Who's McIlroy?

Young SH first year out of the academy this year.

Was ahead of Cooney and Marmion for the 2011 U20s 6 nations but played like a drain and was dropped for that years JRWC.

bilston wrote: »

Payne excelled at 13 for Auckland and the Blues, I think Anscombe coached him at Auckland too, I wonder of we'll see a lot of Payne at 13 this season. That would leave us light at FB and would be bad news for Cave. Still I wouldn't read much into this selection.

I reckon Payne could play every game next season. Mainly at 15 but he will shifted a few times to give experience to the likes of Nelson at 15.

Fireball07 · 08-08-2012 11:43pm

bilston wrote: »

First game of the Anscombe era tomorrow era against Bayonne.

Apparently it will be rolling subs and Anscombe has said it's more of a fitness builder than anything else nevertheless it will be interesting to hear how it goes.

According to a reliable poster on UAFC the starting backline is:

9 McIlroy
10 Jackson
11 Cochrane
12 Farrell
13 Payne
14 Gilroy
15 Nelson

Payne excelled at 13 for Auckland and the Blues, I think Anscombe coached him at Auckland too, I wonder of we'll see a lot of Payne at 13 this season. That would leave us light at FB and would be bad news for Cave. Still I wouldn't read much into this selection.

Well I get that Payne is a very talented player but Ulster already have Cave and Spence at 13...Payne is better than the other options at full-back, so it'd seem unlikely.

the_doctor199 · 09-08-2012 10:06am

New Ulster coach Mark Anscombe has named his match day squad for the pre season friendly against Bayonne at the Parc des Jean Dauger this evening (KO 7pm BST)...

In his first match in charge, Anscombe has selected a team with a mix of youth and experience, and it will give him the chance to look at some interesting combinations.
The match will see Australian born openside flanker Sean Doyle make his debut for Ulster in the back row. Jared Payne will start the game at outside centre, in what will be his first outing since he damaged his Achilles against Cardiff in September last year.

Doyle is joined in the back row by the experienced Robbie Diack and Mike McComish. Johann Muller will skipper the team and is partnered at lock by Neil McComb. The front row will be made up of Callum Black, Niall Annett and Adam Macklin, who will be starting a game together for the first time.

Former Methodist College classmates Blane McIlroy and Patrick Jackson will form the half back combination, while Academy player Chris Farrell will play alongside Payne in midfield. Chris Cochrane, Craig Gilroy and Peter Nelson will provide plenty of attacking intent from the back three.

The match in France is part of a four day training camp before Ulster return for home friendlies against Leicester (18th Aug) and Newcastle (24th Aug).

Ulster (15-9): P Nelson; C Gilroy, J Payne, C Farrell, C Cochrane; P Jackson, B McIlroy;
(1-8): C Black, N Annett, A Macklin, J Muller (c), N McComb, M McComish, S Doyle, R Diack;
Replacements: R Herring, R Lutton, J Afoa, L Stevenson, A Birch, M Heaney, N O’Connor, L Marshall, M Allen, R Andrew

leonard7 · 09-08-2012 10:26am

7 methodist college players in that squad Niall Annett, Adam Macklin, Patrick Jackson, Blane McIlroy, Craig Gilroy, Michael Heany and Michael Allen an impressive amount from one school

Hagz · 09-08-2012 7:33pm

The game is underway and its 3-0 thanks to a Paddy Jackson penalty./
12-3 to Bayonne now/
10-12 Ulster try - Michael Heaney

CIARAN_BOYLE · 09-08-2012 7:52pm

The scrum is getting mullered

The try was after a series of scrum and macklin is in the bin from scrum offenses

GerM · 09-08-2012 8:16pm

12-3 and the likes of Phillips, Tialata, Rocokoco and Heymans on the bench.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 09-08-2012 8:18pm

Second half ulster team
2nd half team (1-15) Black, Herring, Afoa, Stevenson, McComb, McCormish, Doyle, Diack, Heaney, O'Connor, Andrew,Marshall,Allen,Gilroy,Nelson

12-3 now. Worth remembering that the French team's season starts next week while this is Ulster's first match of the pre-season

EDIT 12-10 Heaney try

CIARAN_BOYLE · 09-08-2012 8:40pm

NOC penalty 13-12 now

CIARAN_BOYLE · 09-08-2012 8:55pm

Final Score 20-15

Niall McComb try

Ulster's away first win in France apparently

bilston · 09-08-2012 9:08pm

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Final Score 20-15

Niall McComb try

Ulster's away first win in France apparently

Don't know what team Bayonne had out but given what we had out and given where Ulster and Bayonne are in their respective pre seasons that's a cracking win.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 09-08-2012 9:13pm

bilston wrote: »

Don't know what team Bayonne had out but given what we had out and given where Ulster and Bayonne are in their respective pre seasons that's a cracking win.

All I know about the Bayonne team is the quote from GerM below

GerM wrote: »

12-3 and the likes of Phillips, Tialata, Rocokoco and Heymans on the bench.

overshoot · 09-08-2012 11:12pm

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Final Score 20-15

Niall McComb try

Ulster's away first win in France apparently

good start now for a competative win there;)

great win though for the first pre season game!

bilston · 09-08-2012 11:18pm

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

All I know about the Bayonne team is the quote from GerM below

Yeah I saw that earlier, it doesn't take away from the fact that our second/third team (with three or four exceptions) beat a French team in France whatever the circumstances.

Edit - Bayonne starting XV

(15-9): S Spedding; J Rokocoko, T Lacroix, M Ahotaeiloa, M O'Connor; J Potgieter, M Phillips; (1-8): A Iguiniz, D Roumieu, N Tialata; D Senekal, A Boutaty; M Chisholm, J Puricelli, D Haare.

Thierry Lacroix must be about 48 by now!

phog · 10-08-2012 9:48am

Match report from the Irish Examiner

Bayonne 15 Ulster 20

By John Fallon, Stade Jean Dauger

Friday, August 10, 2012

Lock Neil McComb was the hero for Ulster as he raced over for a match-winning try three minutes from the end to give new coach Mark Anscombe a winning start.

It was no more than Ulster deserved as they came good in the second-half of a good workout for Ulster in their brief tour to the south of France.

The stifling heat — it was 27 degrees at the 8pm kick-off — certainly made it difficult for both teams and Bayonne got on top as the opening progressed with both sides opting to run the ball at all times.

Ulster turned down a few kicks at the posts in favour of going to touch but they were unable to pierce the home defence.

Eventually, Paddy Jackson opted for a kick at the posts after 15 minutes and he made no mistake to give Ulster the lead from 43 metres.

But Bayonne, still smarting after failing to score against neighbours and arch-rivals Biarritz last weekend, responded with a series of good drives and they finally crossed after 27 minutes when hooker David Roumieu barged over after several close range scrums.

They repeated the dose just before the break after Ulster tighthead Adam Macklin was binned as Ulster conceded a succession of penalties in front of their own posts and it was hooker Roumieu who again found the gap to cross and leave the French 12-3 in front at the break.

Ulster got on top after the restart and reduced the deficit when returning scrum-half Michael Heaney cut a great line to cross after 49 minutes, with Niall O’Connor adding the points.

O’Connor was off target with a penalty from inside halfway but then pushed Ulster in front with a 46 metre kick.

Cedric Garcia restored Bayonne’s lead but then McComb burst through three minutes from the end to seal victory for the Heineken Cup finalists.

Bayonne scorers: Tries: Roumieu (2) Cons: Potgieter Pens: Garcia

Ulster scorers: Tries: Heaney, McComb; Cons: O’Connor (2); Pens: Jackson, O’Connor.

BAYONNE: S Spedding; J Rokocoko, T Lacroix, M Ahotaeiloa, M O’Connor; J Potgieter, M Phillips; A Iguiniz, D Roumieu, N Tialata; D Senekal, A Boutaty; M Chisholm, J Puricelli, D Haare.

Replacements used: G Arganeve, P Lafond, W Desmaison, M Baget, C Garcia, M Ugalde, C Helmans, V Manukula, R Bayoud, R Linde, JJ Marmouyet, S Gerber, B Fuster, G Bernad.

ULSTER: P Nelson; C Gilroy, J Payne, C Farrell, C Cochrane; P Jackson, B McIlroy; C Black, N Annett, A Macklin; J Muller, N McComb; M McComish, S Doyle, R Diack.

Replacements used: R Herring, R Lutton, J Afoa, L Stevenson, A Birch, M Heaney, N O’Connor, M Allen, L Marshall, R Andrew.

jacothelad · 10-08-2012 8:29pm

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Final Score 20-15

Niall McComb try

Ulster's away first win in France apparently

Not true actually. In the amateur era Ulster beat 'France' in Marseilles during the 1980s.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 10-08-2012 10:08pm

jacothelad wrote: »

Not true actually. In the amateur era Ulster beat 'France' in Marseilles during the 1980s.

ok Ulster's first away win in France in the professional era then maybe

thomond2006 · 12-08-2012 9:31pm

Bad news, according to the man himself Paddy McAllister is out for the season with torn knee ligaments. I assume he did them at the Bayonne match.

https://twitter.com/paddymcallister/

Crap timing, I was hoping he would challenge Court for the LH shirt. Who will step up as backup now?

I am pie · 12-08-2012 9:36pm

thomond2006 wrote: »

Bad news, according to the man himself Paddy McAllister is out for the season with torn knee ligaments. I assume he did them at the Bayonne match.

https://twitter.com/paddymcallister/

Crap timing, I was hoping he would challenge Court for the LH shirt. Who will step up as backup now?

Sh1te news. Was. Hoping for a big sason from Paddy. Gutted for the lad.

Ulster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

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