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Connacht v Ulster - The Big One

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24567…13

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    #32
    Diabhal Beag
    Closed Accounts Posts: 15,238 ✭✭✭✭Diabhal Beag


    Ulster adopted Niall O'Connor off us and a kind gesture like that isn't forgotten.


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    #33
    flogthebog
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 259 ✭✭flogthebog


    bilston wrote: »
    No Trimble, Marshall or Olding this week but all three expected to be fit for Bordeaux.
    that would suggest much the same selection for friday's game as was put together for ospreys. from a connacht selection I suspect the only change will be kelleher for healy in the backline.

    I do wonder how delahunt hasn't been given the opportunities I would have thought he would have been given. He is a serious ball of strength, his lineouts have been fine and he is willing to dig a ball out as well as anybody. He is not as good as Tom, but then few are. Would like to see Romaine make the bench. He is a talent yet to be given the opportunity.

    Overall if Carty plays as well as he did last week and Jackson plays as poorly as he did, it could be a tight game.


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    #34
    flogthebog
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 259 ✭✭flogthebog


    anybody any thoughts on an aviva double bill for the provinces for all the interpro games?


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    #35
    awec
    Administrators Posts: 53,459 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭awec


    flogthebog wrote: »
    anybody any thoughts on an aviva double bill for the provinces for all the interpro games?

    So Ulster and Connacht miss out on a home game every year? I think not.


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    #36
    bilston
    Registered Users Posts: 17,758 ✭✭✭✭bilston


    flogthebog wrote: »
    bilston wrote: »
    No Trimble, Marshall or Olding this week but all three expected to be fit for Bordeaux.
    that would suggest much the same selection for friday's game as was put together for ospreys. from a connacht selection I suspect the only change will be kelleher for healy in the backline.

    I do wonder how delahunt hasn't been given the opportunities I would have thought he would have been given. He is a serious ball of strength, his lineouts have been fine and he is willing to dig a ball out as well as anybody. He is not as good as Tom, but then few are. Would like to see Romaine make the bench. He is a talent yet to be given the opportunity.

    Overall if Carty plays as well as he did last week and Jackson plays as poorly as he did, it could be a tight game.

    If fit Henderson will come in for Ulster and I would reckon there is a good chance Bowe will start as well. We'll probably rotate at LH as well.

    Alas I expect we'll see Cave and Payne again in the midfield but I'd stick LL to 13, Payne to 15 with Piutau and Bowe on the wings.


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    #37
    bilston
    Registered Users Posts: 17,758 ✭✭✭✭bilston


    flogthebog wrote: »
    anybody any thoughts on an aviva double bill for the provinces for all the interpro games?

    Someone would have to give up a home match?

    How would the monies be divided?

    Would there be enough seats to satisfy demand? Say 40k for Leinster and Munster and 20k for Ulster and Connacht, that's 10k too many.


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    #38
    flogthebog
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 259 ✭✭flogthebog


    as an example, connacht in murrayfield didn't seem to be at a disadvantage for the pro12 final. the aviva is our big stage. everybody steps up on such a stage. so you get 7,000 into the sportsground this weekend, nothing like what you can get into the kingspan, and then the kingspan is nothing to the aviva. And while there may be four provinces in ireland we all follow each other with much interest. So what a fantastic day out for everybody, with no advantage to anybody. And if all the interpros were played there, then there is literally no advantage to anybody while simple being a spectacle. Everybody loses home advantage. But you get to see the best of everything in Irish rugby on a day out. And the fans get a chance to mingle and slag each other. Now thats an extra bonus :-)


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    #39
    bilston
    Registered Users Posts: 17,758 ✭✭✭✭bilston


    flogthebog wrote: »
    as an example, connacht in murrayfield didn't seem to be at a disadvantage for the pro12 final. the aviva is our big stage. everybody steps up on such a stage. so you get 7,000 into the sportsground this weekend, nothing like what you can get into the kingspan, and then the kingspan is nothing to the aviva. And while there may be four provinces in ireland we all follow each other with much interest. So what a fantastic day out for everybody, with no advantage to anybody. And if all the interpros were played there, then there is literally no advantage to anybody while simple being a spectacle. Everybody loses home advantage. But you get to see the best of everything in Irish rugby on a day out. And the fans get a chance to mingle and slag each other. Now thats an extra bonus :-)

    Not everybody loses home advantage. In fact unless you play the reverse fixtures there as well only one team will lose him advantage (strictly speaking Leinster do too but they play at the Aviva enough for it to be a home game) and that's either Connacht or Ulster.

    It would make for a great occasion though.


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    #40
    flogthebog
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 259 ✭✭flogthebog


    bilston wrote: »
    Not everybody loses home advantage. In fact unless you play the reverse fixtures there as well only one team will lose him advantage (strictly speaking Leinster do too but they play at the Aviva enough for it to be a home game) and that's either Connacht or Ulster.

    It would make for a great occasion though.
    all reverse fixtures would be played in the aviva also. i don't see any team at a disadvantage. its a stage for everybody to show how good they are. It also gives our up and coming players an opportunity to play in front of mental fans in a cauldron. What an experience for them. Also it reflects the pressures of international rugby. So everybody benefits.


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    #41
    connemara man
    Moderators, Sports Moderators, Regional West Moderators Posts: 6,773 Mod ✭✭✭✭connemara man


    flogthebog wrote: »
    all reverse fixtures would be played in the aviva also. i don't see any team at a disadvantage. its a stage for everybody to show how good they are. It also gives our up and coming players an opportunity to play in front of mental fans in a cauldron. What an experience for them. Also it reflects the pressures of international rugby. So everybody benefits.

    So we'd never see Connacht vs any of the other provinces in the sportsground, Munster vs any of the provinces in thomond, Ulster vs the other provinces in ravenspan and Leinster wouldn't play Connacht or Ulster in the RDS.

    I'd hate that


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    #42
    flogthebog
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 259 ✭✭flogthebog


    connemara man wrote: »
    So we'd never see Connacht vs any of the other provinces in the sportsground, Munster vs any of the provinces in thomond, Ulster vs the other provinces in ravenspan and Leinster wouldn't play Connacht or Ulster in the RDS.

    I'd hate that
    we can't fit enough people into the sportsground for the interpros. munster have too big a stadium for anything. the kingspan is about right. the rds doesn't fit for the interpros.

    hence the suggestion that we use our national stadium and fill it rather than stadiums that are not fit for purpose for these events

    edit: stadia rather than stadiums


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    #43
    KBurke85
    Registered Users Posts: 1,100 ✭✭✭KBurke85


    Connacht team named https://twitter.com/connachtrugby?lang=en


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    #44
    Paul Smeenus
    Registered Users Posts: 4,382 ✭✭✭Paul Smeenus


    There's been a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth about Connacht's injuries - Ulster's current injury list makes for grim reading -

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Franco van der Merwe[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] suffered a ligament strain on his right ankle in the win over Ospreys at the weekend. He is expected to return to play in 2-3 weeks.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Charles Piutau[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] sustained a delayed onset concussion after the Ospreys game and is not fit for selection this week.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Tommy Bowe[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] came through the game against Ospreys well and is available for selection again this week.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Conor Joyce[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] is recovering from a concussion and won't be available for selection this weekend.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Stuart McCloskey[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] fractured a bone in his left foot in the game versus Glasgow and it is estimated that he will return to play in 6-8 weeks.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Stuart Olding[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] has made a good recovery from a recent injury in the right adductor region and he is expected to play next weekend.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Anton Peikrishvili[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] suffered a left calf strain in training and it is estimated he will return to action in 2-3 weeks.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Sam Windsor[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] suffered a rib injury in a club game two weeks ago. He is likely to return to play within the next fortnight.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Luke Marshall[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] made a rapid clinical recovery from his recent concussion, but given his history of previous concussions, the decision has been made to follow a more cautious return to play protocol. It is expected that he will return to play within the next 2-3 weeks.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Andrew Trimble[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] is expected to be fit for selection next week following a recent toe injury.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Jonny Simpson[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] suffered a high ankle sprain (right) in the pre-season game against Exeter and he will return to play this weekend.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Chris Henry[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] is rehabbing well post shoulder surgery and it is expected that he will return to play in 3-4 weeks.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Ricky Lutton[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] is still recovering from a right adductor groin injury and should return to play in 1-2 weeks.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Wiehahn Herbst[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] is rehabbing well following groin surgery to repair an avulsed adductor tendon. His estimated return to play date is 4-5 weeks from now.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Johnny Murphy[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] has recovered from a groin injury and he will return to play club rugby this weekend.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Dan Tuohy[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] will make a welcome return to rugby this week for the Ulster A team, following his recovery from an ankle injury.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Peter Nelson[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] continues to progress his rehab following a left mid foot injury and surgery (suffered December 2015 versus Edinburgh). No return to play date has been set.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Marcell Coetzee[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] continues to rehab following knee surgery. He will arrive in the Province this week and he is expected to return to play in January 2017.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Iain Henderson[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] has a right elbow infection and is on antibiotics. He will be available for Friday's game versus Connacht.[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Alan O'Connor[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif] has an illness and will miss the trip to Connacht on Friday.[/font]


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    #45
    BeardySi
    Registered Users Posts: 1,705 ✭✭✭BeardySi


    Injury update from ulster, Piutau is out.

    http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/15293.php#.V_YlT4dwYm9


    Edit: well feck! ;)


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    #46
    MarinersBlues
    Registered Users Posts: 1,290 ✭✭✭MarinersBlues


    No Marmion but Ronaldson back.

    I'm confused as to whether I'm ecstatic or distraught.


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    #47
    wp_rathead
    Registered Users Posts: 10,067 ✭✭✭✭wp_rathead


    That's a poor enough Connacht bench
    Blade vs Pienaar gonna be a massacre I fear


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    #48
    vienne86
    Registered Users Posts: 17,075 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    KBurke85 wrote: »
    Connacht team named https://twitter.com/connachtrugby?lang=en

    Is Roux injured?


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    #49
    wp_rathead
    Registered Users Posts: 10,067 ✭✭✭✭wp_rathead


    MarinersBlues wrote: »
    No Marmion but Ronaldson back.

    I'm confused as to whether I'm ecstatic or distraught.

    Ronaldson back is great but thought Robb deserved keep his spot
    Marmion loss can't be overstated, hopefully Blade proves me wrong

    Also Ili on bench over Poolman?


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    #50
    Bazzo
    Registered Users Posts: 7,047 ✭✭✭Bazzo


    Marmion AND Cooney out leaving a 20 year old Kerins on the bench and the struggling Blade starting. :(

    Ronaldson in at 12 will ease some of the pressure of Carty and with our big playmaking 12 in place hopefully Bundee is able to get back to lighting up midfield.


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    #51
    testtech05
    Registered Users Posts: 1,995 ✭✭✭testtech05


    vienne86 wrote: »
    Is Roux injured?

    Same question for Peter Robb, he lookes a bit groggy at the end of the game the last day and was being checked by DOC as the rest of the team left the pitch. Hopefully not another concussion but must be something to see craig thrown straight back in from the start....

    Must say delighted to have Craig back though hopefully can stay fit!


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    #52
    awec
    Administrators Posts: 53,459 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭awec


    Do Ulster have 23 players left to field a squad?


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    #53
    launish116
    Registered Users Posts: 2,437 ✭✭✭launish116


    awec wrote: »
    Do Ulster have 23 players left to field a squad?
    injury update is some length! pack greatly depleted, looking like Henderson gonna be wasted in 2nd row


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    #54
    Bazzo
    Registered Users Posts: 7,047 ✭✭✭Bazzo


    What size of a crater will be left if Henderson and Dillane end up running at each other at some stage?


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    #55
    launish116
    Registered Users Posts: 2,437 ✭✭✭launish116


    Bazzo wrote: »
    What size of a crater will be left if Henderson and Dillane end up running at each other at some stage?
    Money's on Henderson
    Could finaly see Mathew Rea make an appearance also!


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    #56
    Paul Smeenus
    Registered Users Posts: 4,382 ✭✭✭Paul Smeenus


    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Ulster team and replacements to play Connacht, Friday 7th October, Sportsground (kick-off 7.35pm, live on BBC2 NI & TG4):[/font]

    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif](15-9)[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif]: J Payne (C); T Bowe, L Ludik, D Cave, C Gilroy; P Jackson, P Marshall;[/font]
    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif](1-8)[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif]: C Black, R Best, R Ah You, R Diack, P Browne, I Henderson, C Ross, R Wilson;[/font]
    [font=OpenSans, sans-serif]Replacements (16-23)[/font][font=OpenSans, sans-serif]: R Herring, A Warwick, R Kane, K Treadwell, S Reidy, D Shanahan, B Herron, R Lyttle.[/font]


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    #57
    Bazzo
    Registered Users Posts: 7,047 ✭✭✭Bazzo


    Both teams missing their first choice scrum halves.

    CuFFigoW8AI-tmi.jpg


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    #58
    MarinersBlues
    Registered Users Posts: 1,290 ✭✭✭MarinersBlues


    Bazzo wrote: »
    Both teams missing their first choice scrum halves.

    Now it's got interesting.

    GAME ON!


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    #59
    Bazzo
    Registered Users Posts: 7,047 ✭✭✭Bazzo


    Diack and Browne in second row are both pretty handy lineout operators if memory serves. Seeing as our lineout has been misfiring all season without Muldowney(and now missing McCartney too) that could be a problem.

    EDIT: Although we do have Andrew Browne back in who's a step above all of our other locks in the lineout.


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    #60
    wp_rathead
    Registered Users Posts: 10,067 ✭✭✭✭wp_rathead


    Bealham vs Rodney gonna be juicy :)

    Pienaar not playing is a huge relief gotta say

    Andrew Browne back is massive as he does the Aly Muldowney role brilliantly and allows Dillane back to focus on what he does best - bashing lads on the Wings


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    #61
    awec
    Administrators Posts: 53,459 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭awec


    Connacht will win this.


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