If you were Nucifora...

rsh118

What would your provincial team end up looking like? Remember that putting the whole Ireland squad into it would weaken you for each international window. With that in mind, my Nucifora'd Ulster team would include:

1, Jack McGrath
7, Jordi Murphy
11, Zebo
13, Aki

I'd want Dillane but we'd need some promises from Jose that he's being dropped. Dillane-Henderson makes my knees go weak, palms go sweaty.

Frankly I'd Nucifora almost any decent performing back row in, and it would be an improvement.

jacothelad

rsh118 wrote: »

What would your provincial team end up looking like? Remember that putting the whole Ireland squad into it would weaken you for each international window. With that in mind, my Nucifora'd Ulster team would include:

1, Jack McGrath
7, Jordi Murphy
11, Zebo
13, Aki

I'd want Dillane but we'd need some promises from Jose that he's being dropped. Dillane-Henderson makes my knees go weak, palms go sweaty.

Frankly I'd Nucifora almost any decent performing back row in, and it would be an improvement.

I wouldn't think Ulster would benefit a lot from Zebo. We have plenty of better full backs than him..:D Aki would also be nice but surplus.

I'd have Cooney or Blade if they were available and Conan or any Leinster back rower Ethel the tea lady would be better than some we have there.

Ulster need a tight head prop above all else. It's a pity they didn't see the value in Bealham when he was here....or Paddy McAllister ...or Steenson, or Tommy Seymour, or Whitten or Farrell or Scholes and Williams for next season.

thomond2006

I don't see how Ulster would have been able to retain Farrell. He was injured a lot and other players had taken his spot.

Zzippy

jacothelad wrote: »

I wouldn't think Ulster would benefit a lot from Zebo. We have plenty of better full backs than him..:D Aki would also be nice but surplus.

I'd have Cooney or Blade if they were available and Conan or any Leinster back rower Ethel the tea lady would be better than some we have there.

Ulster need a tight head prop above all else. It's a pity they didn't see the value in Bealham when he was here....or Paddy McAllister ...or Steenson, or Tommy Seymour, or Whitten or Farrell or Scholes and Williams for next season.

Don't worry, you have Rodney on the way... :P

Also, Aki would not be surplus. He would render any other centre surplus...

jacothelad

Zzippy wrote: »

Don't worry, you have Rodney on the way... :P

Also, Aki would not be surplus. He would render any other centre surplus...

Well I disagree. Any time Aki has played v. Ulster he has looked pretty average.....:p

Once Dave gets here and undertakes a health regime of Ulster fry ups twice a day he'll soon get back to his fighting weight.

jacothelad

thomond2006 wrote: »

I don't see how Ulster would have been able to retain Farrell. He was injured a lot and other players had taken his spot.

Farrell was offered an extension but it was most likely a joke in it's terms as were others at the time I am led to believe....like Whitten and McAllister.

The Pheasant2

After some thought, this thread has led me to conclude Leinster have depth to a degree I'm pretty happy with:

- Well stocked at front row
- Lock is okay with Mick Kearney looking very good thus far and a promising prospect in Malonely. A Henderson wouldn't go amiss but I feel we're at an acceptable level here.
- Back row clogged with players

- Scrummy is the only position that actually made me pause. As good as McGrath is looking, a good SH could be handy before he's fully developed as a player.

- Just fine at OH

- Centre's grand with Henshaw on the way and Ringrose looking the real deal.

- Plenty of decent back 3 players

Buer

Wouldn't say we're just fine at OH, really. We've one superb option there and then the cupboard is very bare. That superb option is also 31 this summer and has shipped a fair few knocks in his career. It's important that we start to develop a replacement from next season onwards. After next season, we'll have to start really managing Sexton's game time if he's still playing.

The Pheasant2

Buer wrote: »

Wouldn't say we're just fine at OH, really. We've one superb option there and then the cupboard is very bare. That superb option is also 31 this summer and has shipped a fair few knocks in his career. It's important that we start to develop a replacement from next season onwards. After next season, we'll have to start really managing Sexton's game time if he's still playing.

Yeah I was thinking in the short term - you raise a good point though, especially with Madigan's impending exit. Obviously there's Ross Byrne coming through and then Marsh (not sure he has what it takes to be a top level 10 however). I wonder would they have a look at someone like JJ when available.

Paul Smeenus

rsh118 wrote: »

What would your provincial team end up looking like? Remember that putting the whole Ireland squad into it would weaken you for each international window. With that in mind, my Nucifora'd Ulster team would include:

1, Jack McGrath
7, Jordi Murphy
11, Zebo
13, Aki

I'd want Dillane but we'd need some promises from Jose that he's being dropped. Dillane-Henderson makes my knees go weak, palms go sweaty.

Frankly I'd Nucifora almost any decent performing back row in, and it would be an improvement.

I'd assume that you can't Nucifora in a first choice from another province?

I'd Nucifora in Conan at number eight, and one of the young bucks at Connacht at scrumhalf. Possibly Leavy as well - our back row genuinely is by far the weakest unit of the team.

Our need for Aki is negligible, our need for Zebo is non-existent.

What young players have actually moved to another province because they're not getting enough game time? How many ticks does Nucifora actually get?

Sam Arnold went to MUnster. What others?

jacothelad

Buer wrote: »

Wouldn't say we're just fine at OH, really. We've one superb option there and then the cupboard is very bare. That superb option is also 31 this summer and has shipped a fair few knocks in his career. It's important that we start to develop a replacement from next season onwards. After next season, we'll have to start really managing Sexton's game time if he's still playing.

Munster and even more so, Ulster are pretty screwed if the 1st choice 10 is out / holding tackle bags for LeinsterIreland. Munster need a good sports psychologist to get the heebie jeebies out of Keatley's head. Ulster would be gifted if they could sign Keatley. Instaed we sign a kid /guy who plays in South West Division III. Ulster need a sniper to get rid of Doak and Clarke. I'm sure however that is beyond the remit of Nucif%kinuseless.
Frankly, if Nucifora was doing his job he'd haul in the daft buggers who re-signed Wilson on a multi year deal and who signed the likes of Rowley, Windsor, C. Ross et al and unless there were ironclad reasons that they were the best deals that could be done, If not utterlyconvincing, the feckers should be sacked for moronity of the highest order. Who in their right mind sees players who can't get a start for London Welsh and says to themselves, " Holy Moly I have to get us a dose of those guys". It's bad enough watching ex-Ulster players coming good elsewhere without watching the clowns that are their heirs.

thomond2006

Ulster do seem to have had a penchant for signing useless or unncessary IQ squad players. Was there a 9 in the academy that could have taken Rowley's spot?

wp_rathead

Fun exercise
For Connacht:
Conan and James Ryan from Leinster (imagine Ryan and Dillane partnership PHWOAARR)
Marshall or Olding for 13 from Ulster be nice but they arguably first choice players so that's cheating

jacothelad

thomond2006 wrote: »

Ulster do seem to have had a penchant for signing useless or unncessary IQ squad players. Was there a 9 in the academy that could have taken Rowley's spot?

Yes.

Buer

wp_rathead wrote: »

Fun exercise
For Connacht:
Conan and James Ryan from Leinster (imagine Ryan and Dillane partnership PHWOAARR)
Marshall or Olding for 13 from Ulster be nice but they arguably first choice players so that's cheating

It's a brilliant and not really spoken about element of Connacht's success. All of a sudden, they're not the poor relations. Players who aren't getting the full run in their home province will see Connacht as a viable option. Not only that but they'll see how guys like Healy, Cooney, Roux or Adeolukun were ditched or peripheral players at Leinster and are now quite highly rated with the match exposure and different coaching.

If I was a promising player at Leinster or Ulster, a move to Galway would suddenly be looking very tempting. If I was Dan Leavy or Ed Byrne or Jacob Stockdale, I'd be really interested in moving there.

For someone more left field, I think it's a shame that Darren Cave is signed up until 2018. He is clearly slipping down the pecking order in Ulster and will only regress as a player unless he starts getting more time on the pitch. With Connacht losing Henshaw, Cave would be a great acquisition.

The Lost Sheep

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

After some thought, this thread has led me to conclude Leinster have depth to a degree I'm pretty happy with:

- Well stocked at front row
- Lock is okay with Mick Kearney looking very good thus far and a promising prospect in Malonely. A Henderson wouldn't go amiss but I feel we're at an acceptable level here.
- Back row clogged with players

- Scrummy is the only position that actually made me pause. As good as McGrath is looking, a good SH could be handy before he's fully developed as a player.

- Just fine at OH

- Centre's grand with Henshaw on the way and Ringrose looking the real deal.

- Plenty of decent back 3 players

Why not let McGrath fully develop by playing as much as possible and keep Reddan.... Wouldnt McGrath develop more simply by playing more games.

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

Yeah I was thinking in the short term - you raise a good point though, especially with Madigan's impending exit. Obviously there's Ross Byrne coming through and then Marsh (not sure he has what it takes to be a top level 10 however). I wonder would they have a look at someone like JJ when available.

But a signing like JJ would just impede Byrne, Marsh. JJ isnt whats needed to aid Byrne/Marsh. JJ isnt the signing you would need if getting a 10

RichieRich89

I think Ricky Lutton's a good player, so if he ends up behind Herbst and Ah You it might be good to bring him to Leinster when Ross retires

freyners

Buer wrote:

For someone more left field, I think it's a shame that Darren Cave is signed up until 2018. He is clearly slipping down the pecking order in Ulster and will only regress as a player unless he starts getting more time on the pitch. With Connacht losing Henshaw, Cave would be a great acquisition.

With Eoin Griffin on his way back I wouldnt see the need. Ronaldson, Robb, Aki, Griffin, Parata and hopefully McSharry will be plenty of depth

Stan27

Leavy to Ulster and compete for the 7 shirt. (He will her more game time)

Same for one of Byrne or carberry to Ulster (more game time)

Copeland to Ulster. (Great runner with the ball wil suit them)

Connacht need another loose head (plenty in Leinster Leinster)

Try and get jj back to Munster asap

Adbrowne

Stan27 wrote: »

Copeland to Ulster. (Great runner with the ball wil suit them)

Connacht need another loose head

1. Copeland isnt surplus to requirement at munster?

2. who have leinster got after McGrath, Healy and Dooley?

Buer

Stan27 wrote:

Same for one of Byrne or carberry to Ulster (more game time)

With Madigan leaving there's a big opportunity in Leinster. Even if Marsh gets the back up spot there's a lot of game time available during the test windows. Neither will be interested in leaving for at least another 1-2 years.

Stan27 wrote:

Copeland to Ulster. (Great runner with the ball wil suit them)

Great carrier but not what Ulster need. He's completely powder puff at the breakdown. Bit of a show pony when Ulster need a rabid dog.

Stan27

Adbrowne wrote: »

1. Copeland isnt surplus to requirement at munster?

2. who have leinster got after McGrath, Healy and Dooley?

1-I think cope land would suit Ulster a lot better.

2- ed Byrne , loughman, porter.

Stan27

Buer wrote: »

With Madigan leaving there's a big opportunity in Leinster. Even if Marsh gets the back up spot there's a lot of game time available during the test windows. Neither will be interested in leaving for at least another 1-2 years.



Great carrier but not what Ulster need. He's completely powder puff at the breakdown. Bit of a show pony when Ulster need a rabid dog.

Yes but a great opportunity in Ulster for one of them. Less competition.

Can someone explain the verb "to Nucifora" to me

jacothelad

Deleted User wrote: »

Can someone explain the verb "to Nucifora" to me

"to Nucifora": Literally: Say a lot but do very little while feeling s3elf-important..

The Pheasant2

Moore to Ulster
Dom Ryan on loan to Ulster

sydthebeat

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

Moore to Ulster
Dom Ryan on loan to Ulster

Which moore?

sydthebeat

sydthebeat wrote: »

Which moore?

CMOTDibbler

sydthebeat wrote: »

Which moore?

Marty?

sydthebeat

CMOTDibbler wrote: »

Marty?

That's why I asked.

I'm not sure nucifer can do much about moving him to Ulster.

The Pheasant2

sydthebeat wrote: »

That's why I asked.

I'm not sure nucifer can do much about moving him to Ulster.

Yeah I meant Marty, ah I suppose he's out of Nucifora's jurisdiction but I'm sure he could do something in terms of getting the ball rolling for his return to Ireland.
I really think it's their lightweight pack up north holding them back - they've some serious talent in the back divisions but the forwards aren't at the same standard.

Neil3030

Jonno will sort the pack out, if given time. I really wouldn't worry about that.

CIARAN_BOYLE

Neil3030 wrote: »

Jonno will sort the pack out, if given time. I really wouldn't worry about that.

Jonno needs raw materials and a good TH Prop can be the cornerstone of a pack. Herbst is good but has been injured a few times, and Rodney is Rodney.

Erik Shin

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Jonno needs raw materials and a good TH Prop can be the cornerstone of a pack. Herbst is good but has been injured a few times, and Rodney is Rodney.

Moore may not want to move north..I'm fairly sure the guy would have some small say in his future

CIARAN_BOYLE

Erik Shin wrote: »

Moore may not want to move north..I'm fairly sure the guy would have some small say in his future

True. All anyone is saying is that it would be perfect move for Ulster.

Erik Shin

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

True. All anyone is saying is that it would be perfect move for Ulster.

Don't see any Ulster fans saying it her Though... Genuinely wonder if they want him

The Pheasant2

Erik Shin wrote: »

Don't see any Ulster fans saying it her Though... Genuinely wonder if they want him

Can't see why they wouldn't, he's been going well at Wasps from the little I've seen him and by most other accounts. Would also be to Ireland's benefit.

If Marty is willing to move then I can't really see any drawbacks

jacothelad

Erik Shin wrote: »

Don't see any Ulster fans saying it her Though... Genuinely wonder if they want him

He would be most welcome but why would he leave his new life and £££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££ in England?

Erik Shin

jacothelad wrote: »

He would be most welcome but why would he leave his new life and £££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££ in England?

That's my reading of it anyway

stephen_n

jacothelad wrote: »

He would be most welcome but why would he leave his new life and £££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££ in England?

He'd still be getting ££££'s up north, all be it different ££££'s but the same value. I suppose it would depend on the offer and also if he has international aspirations.

irishbucsfan

stephen_n wrote: »

He'd still be getting ££££'s up north, all be it different ££££'s but the same value. I suppose it would depend on the offer and also if he has international aspirations.

No way Ulster could match Wasps

The Pheasant2

jacothelad wrote: »

He would be most welcome but why would he leave his new life and £££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££ in England?

I suppose international rugby would be the carrot that would balance the difference in wages...although with the rise of Furolong that carrot must look at lot less...orange(?) from Marty's point of view!

Erik Shin

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

I suppose international rugby would be the carrot that would balance the difference in wages...although with the rise of Furolong that carrot must look at lot less...orange(?) from Marty's point of view!

Even Ryan seems to have moved ahead in the pecking order now...So he'd be third choice if he came back and would need a break to get back in the side.... Probably staying in England and getting well paid for it is better for him

The Pheasant2

Erik Shin wrote: »

Even Ryan seems to have moved ahead in the pecking order now...So he'd be third choice if he came back and would need a break to get back in the side.... Probably staying in England and getting well paid for it is better for him

Well given he's more or less ineligible for selection I'm not sure you can place him in the pecking with any accuracy except that he's behind Furlong. If he were starting TH for Ulster I could well see him giving Ryan a serious challenge - he offers more around the park imo without a big drop off in scrummaging.

Erik Shin

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

Well given he's more or less ineligible for selection I'm not sure you can place him in the pecking with any accuracy except that he's behind Moore. If he were starting TH for Ulster I could well see him giving Ryan a serious challenge - he offers more around the park imo without a big drop off in scrummaging.

He's behind himself? Touch of panto about that post

The Pheasant2

Erik Shin wrote: »

He's behind himself? Touch of panto about that post

Apologies, meant Furlong - post edited. Anything constructive to add?

Erik Shin

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

Apologies, meant Furlong - post edited. Anything constructive to add?

Other than there is no chance of him going to Ulster and leaving the well paid shores of England, nope, that's it...All done

Squidgy Black

Erik Shin wrote: »

Other than there is no chance of him going to Ulster and leaving the well paid shores of England, nope, that's it...All done

Has Moore signed a new contract with Wasps? His initial contract was a 1 year job as far as I'm aware. What if it's a case that he has no option to stay in England?

Former Former

_Tyrrell_ wrote: »

Has Moore signed a new contract with Wasps? His initial contract was a 1 year job as far as I'm aware. What if it's a case that he has no option to stay in England?

No, it was a three year deal. He's interviewed in today's Sunday Times saying he's very happy and learning lots from David Young.

He'll still only be 28 when that deal ends so would be great to have him back.

Former Former

Former Former wrote: »

No, it was a three year deal. He's interviewed in today's Sunday Times saying he's very happy and learning lots from David Young.

He'll still only be 28 when that deal ends so would be great to have him back.

He's playing good rugby and has turned into a bit of a fan favourite. Wouldn't be surprised to see him back with Ireland during the tenure of that contract. Not sure Joe trusts anyone outside of Furlong in the big games at the moment.

thomond2006

The Moore deal worked out pretty well for all parties. Had he stayed at Leinster perhaps Furlong wouldn't have emerged.