Ulster Team Talk Thread III: Les Miserables SEE MOD WARNING POST #1924 + #2755

Locke_Lamora

It's not looking good is it? When we beat Racing, Coetzee and Addison put in incredible performances but are still out as well, and I'd say those three having great games is essential to our chances of pulling off an upset. Henderson and Coetzee are our only world class forwards and we lose what little forward momentum we might have had without them - and we'll be going up against what is surely a top 3 pack in club rugby? Our backs have performed well recently, but Addison is the creative centre and is pretty important to getting the absolute best out of our team.

I'm flying home for this as well, and I can be pretty unbearable after a bad loss. Could be a long drive home for my family.

bilston

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

It's not looking good is it? When we beat Racing, Coetzee and Addison put in incredible performances but are still out as well, and I'd say those three having great games is essential to our chances of pulling off an upset. Henderson and Coetzee are our only world class forwards and we lose what little forward momentum we might have had without them - and we'll be going up against what is surely a top 3 pack in club rugby? Our backs have performed well recently, but Addison is the creative centre and is pretty important to getting the absolute best out of our team.

I'm flying home for this as well, and I can be pretty unbearable after a bad loss. Could be a long drive home for my family.

Hopefully Coetzee will be fit. Not sure about Addison, but it is interesting that Luke Marshall and James Hume were both added to the Euro Squad and Rob Lyttle wasn't. That might suggest Addison won't be available.

Henderson though would be a massive blow. I think he is very underrated by many outside Ulster, and this would have been a great opportunity to put down a marker against Ryan and Toner (if he is fit).

launish116

Nicked from Planet rugby forum - thank Kanbei.

Here's what happened at the Ulster season ticket event;

On being transparent and his use of social media
Petrie: Has tried to be as visible as possible, doesn't want to just sit in the office all the time, want people to know me. Understands that I am the focal point of the club and needs to understand that Ulster is more than just the professional game

What has he learnt so far?
Petrie: How much it matters to people here. In Edinburgh it mattered but it was more at the side. Here, the club is in the middle of everything. The Club hasn't performed on or off the field in the past few years and wants to make people proud.

Why leave Edinburgh?
Petrie: In Edinburgh he was just looking after the professional game, broader role here. Gets to influence the grassroots from top to bottom. Club has huge heritage and potential and can feel that there is a great platform here and there is a great warmth to the club. Feels there has been a total turnabout now, wanting to see Edinburgh lose!

Improving grassroots
Petrie: No easy answer, has to improve point of access for everyone to play and that means creating opportunities, not necessarily just via leagues or teams. Has to create a clear pathway for clubs and schools to the Ulster senior team, not enough has been done in the last number of years, simply can't miss any talent coming through. People want to see something they can be proud of and in this case the professional team drives everything.

Business balance of Academy players v Star Players
Petrie: Signing star players is not off the table. Though very difficult to sign them in current environment due to inflation in player salaries, have to build a competitive and sustainable squad. Kind of judged more on your 2nd XV than your 1st XV, this where we have struggled in recent years. Have to balance having a competitive squad now and planning for future.

What's your vision?
Petrie: Success is seeing the team winning, with the stadium packed every week while everyone is interested and engaged. We cannot buy success, foundations are important and there will be a few bumps on the road but we have to build for the future.

Visibility of Ulster Rugby (New tv deal)
Petrie: One of the main differences between Edinburgh and here, Edinburgh were hidden in Scotland on BBC Alba whereas Ulster were on BBC2 every week. BBCNI did a great job in promoting the game here but feels Premier Sports are doing a good job. It was a league decision and the league felt the move was required to help facilitate other things.

On not "reopening old wounds"
Petrie: Understands that the whole situation was highly divisive and not an easy situation. Ulster were on the front and back pages for all the wrong reasons. Has to draw a line in the sand, move the club forward and make it all about the sport and the rugby, not anything else.

What his priorities are
Petrie: Has to move the club into a growth cycle, have to stop worrying about being insular and cutting costs. Set out the way forward which everyone can be proud of. This goes through the entire organisation be it the professional team, academy, schools, clubs and the business. It's a big challenge and a change, took him a month to find out what a "fleg" was

Are you loving it?
Petrie: Understand it's not a 9-5 job, brought all his family over here to ensure that it's a success here. His listening and understanding is nearly over and we should see a change of pace from him soon and it will be quick.

Enjoying being a head coach?
McFarland: Has been a steep learning curve, he is the one accountable for all the decisions for the first time in his career but it is absolutely brilliant and is loving it.

Are you further on than you thought?
McFarland: At the start of the season there were no expectations or limits but is pleased to make the quarter final and has achieved what I wanted. Have to understand that the Conference we are in is tough, 3 Champions Cup quarter finalists, semi-finalists from last year and a resurgent Treviso. Have to keep winning.

On Squad rotation
McFarland: Lots of injuries early on which gave us a great sight of upcoming players. Gave good idea of who needed to be retained and who to recruit. Need to have sustainability, other clubs pay for trophies, that is not us.

Have the Academy players surprised you?
McFarland: Yes, knew nothing about them before he came here. Understand that alot of them did well in the underage teams but that is no guarantee that they would make the transition. 

Balance between NIQs, IQs and Ulster players in squad
McFarland: Essential that core is people who understand the culture, doesn't necessarily mean they have to be Ulster born but obviously helps

How do you rate the current squad?
McFarland: Need to build depth, there is obviously a difference in our Champions Cup squad and when our internationals aren't available but feels the last month has shown an improvement in this regard.

On Henderson Injury
McFarland: Hendy has a remarkable talent of being injured, coming back early and being man of the match in the next game. Won't know for sure about the QF until the week of it.

Are you looking forward to the QF?
McFarland: Focus is on Kings at the moment, it's too important a game not to look at. Coaches have started doing a bit of pre-planning for the match but the players are completely focussed on Kings. The QF is a brilliant opportunity to play the best team in the world in a big stadium

Petrie: personally can't wait, can't believe it sold out as quickly as it did. Initial estimates are 15k-20k Ulster fans are travelling.

Support form the IRFU
Petrie: There is a negative view of the IRFU up here but personally it has been all positive. He thinks that people think Leinster might be seen as the preferred province but feels this comes from so many Leinster players on central contracts, allows them to invest elsewhere. Have to build a collaborative relationship with the IRFU but he is here to represent Ulster and fight our corner.

Then came questions from the floor;

On Burns not being to the required standard compared to Jackson
Petrie: Competition at half back is key, have to remember that Burns is still a young player and has alot of learning and development to do and he definitely has the potential to be in the world class bracket. We need to be patient.

How do D4 get involved with the decision making process?

Petrie: in recruitment they are in constant conversations with Nucifora. Of course there is influence from Dublin, they have to have a successful national team. Though already he has had many robust conversations with him

McFarland: In selection, IRFU wants Ulster to be successful, Ulster doing well means Ireland players doing well and will also help everyone fiscally. He wants hungry, young players to represent Ireland and is in constant conversation with Schmidt about when to play and rest players.

Are IQ players being signed just because they are IQ'd?
Petrie: Not being forced to sign any IQ player, have to bring as many Irish players through as possible

Will Kingspan Stadium ever return to being Ravenhill?
Petrie: Place is still Ravenhill at heart, even Kingspan realise that. There has to be a balance with the commercial needs of the club. Naming rights bring huge benefits but of course there is a need to protect the heritage of the ground and maintain it's heart and soul.

Outreach to other parts of the province
Petrie: Although we are based in Belfast we can't be a Belfast centric club, have to get out of the bubble of Belfast and we have to go to them. Have to encourage other parts of the province, will see more open training sessions around the province. Great to see the busloads of fans coming from all over the province to watch the games.

A Team trip to USA vs needs of 1B Clubs
Petrie: Feel we have a good relationship with the clubs and realise it's a time of important games with resources stretched for all. Academy players will go on the trip but won't be picking any club players to limit impact on the clubs.

Any chance of a return for Jackson or Olding?
Petrie: Not considering it, line has been drawn in the sand. We are investing in Billy Burns. We are looking forward, not back.

On Carter, Milasinovich & opinion on Jack McGrath
McFarland: Feels McGrath is a great player (but says no more). Been looking for a 2nd row, Treadwell has played every game this year and O'Connor has moreorless done the same. Could say it's been lucky that they have been available all season. Henderson is one of the best 2nd rows in Ireland but naturally means he is away. Carter is a great signing with many Aussie and Brumbie caps, describes him as a "nuts and bolts" 2nd row and will add alot of leadership experience. Milasinovich brings something we don't have, in that he is a big prop. Not necessarily required for a prop but is helpful. Primarily a tight head but can cover loose head, will bring added depth to the squad.

On the Pro14 future
Petrie: Understands there will definitely be 4 Welsh teams next season. Interesting one is South Africa, feels hey have brought something different to the league and there is talk of adding more teams from there. If they do it will not be more like the Stormers or Bulls than weaker teams. USA teams are not happening anytime soon. Everyone wants to see a league structure that makes sense.

On Ulster's financial model
Petrie: Run on a break even budget, have gone into cash reserves in previous years but we can't cut too much as that ends up in a never ending downward spiral. Need to get into a growth cycle again and we have been constrained financially but the business plan is good and is achievable and sustainable in the long term.

On signing Southern Hemisphere players on "loans"
McFarland: Budget constraints stopped us from keeping Speight longer, was needed early on because of injuries. Speight had a big impact and is still in the top 10 of defenders beaten in the Pro14. Need to have value from Southern Hemisphere players.

Current Injuries
McFarland: Addison has a back injury and is back with Ulster, on a progressive plan and he is improving but no return date. Gilroy's back was a complex issue and no date has been set yet. On Luke Marshall he is back training and is ripping it up, is wearing the white bib meaning "non-contact" he then proceeded to take out another white bib player.

On Rory Best
Petrie: Great leader and great experience, hasn't announced anything officially yet. But thinks his quotes earlier in the week were only referring to his international career.

bilston

Good stuff, although sounds like Addison won't be around for the QF. Also I don't like the sound of weak SA sides coming into the comp rather than the likes of the Stormers or Sharks etc.

One thing, who asked the question about Burns not being up to standard? Idiot

bilston

Sam Carter, Lealifilano and Speight all starting for the Brumbies against the Waratahs right now for anyone who is interested.

Scythica

bilston wrote: »

Good stuff, although sounds like Addison won't be around for the QF. Also I don't like the sound of weak SA sides coming into the comp rather than the likes of the Stormers or Sharks etc.

One thing, who asked the question about Burns not being up to standard? Idiot

I heard somewhere that Addison's back injury is so bad he isn't even allowed to drive?

He's had a history of back issues but I'd be worried for him personally if that's the case.

awec

If Hendo isn't fit for the quarter final then that's our goose cooked. We are a different team without him.

mfceiling

awec wrote: »

If Hendo isn't fit for the quarter final then that's our goose cooked. We are a different team without him.

Yep... It was 99% impossible to win...The odds have become worse.

bilston

awec wrote: »

If Hendo isn't fit for the quarter final then that's our goose cooked. We are a different team without him.

Definitely

Locke_Lamora

After a good nights sleep, I've changed my mind. There's no way we can lose this. McCloskey in second row, give the ball to Stockdale every third phase, and Lowry to run between Toner's legs to score the winning try. Sorted.

troyzer

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

After a good nights sleep, I've changed my mind. There's no way we can lose this. McCloskey in second row, give the ball to Stockdale every third phase, and Lowry to run between Toner's legs to score the winning try. Sorted.

Toner won't be playing.

That's your plan snookered.

Locke_Lamora

troyzer wrote: »

Toner won't be playing.

That's your plan snookered.

He can run under just about anyone if he just ducks his head a little bit.

Locke_Lamora

Squad for the US trip:

Forwards (14)
Claytan Milligan, Zack McCall, Callum Reid, Corrie Barrett, Peter Cooper, Ross Kane, Jack Regan, Bradley Luney, JJ McKee, Charlie Clarke, Joe Dunleavy, David McCann, Marcus Rea, Caleb Montgomery

Backs (10)
Michael Stronge, Lewis Finlay, Graham Curtis, Bruce Houston, Johnny McPhilips, Jack Owens, Ben Power, Stewart Moore, Iwan Hughes, Ben McCaughey

Thought Callum Reid scrummed very well when he came on for the u20's but didn't really get a chance to show much else. Bradley Luney and JJ McKee were named in the extended u20 squad, but there were some very talented 2nd rows this year and no injuries, so didn't get a chance. McCann was good enough to be selected on the u20 bench ahead of older players, and he captained the Ireland u19 team. Don't know anything about Charlie Clarke, but a quick google shows he captained Ulster in their win against Australia schools, and the game is on youtube if you want to have a look. No Azur Allison or Aaron Hall is a disappointment (both must be struggling with injury) and I haven't heard anything about Ryan O'Neil in ages - is he still involved with AIL?

Good to see Stewart Moore back playing after taking time off due to concussions, he'd definitely be my player to watch at the JWC if he's involved. I like Lewis Finlay when I've seen him playing, but no Rhys O'Donnell I think is a mistake - but I should probably just get over it.

Quite a few players you would think are looking to prove that they can cut it at the next level after careers maybe plateauing a little bit.

Paul Smeenus

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

Squad for the US trip:

Forwards (14)
Claytan Milligan, Zack McCall, Callum Reid, Corrie Barrett, Peter Cooper, Ross Kane, Jack Regan, Bradley Luney, JJ McKee, Charlie Clarke, Joe Dunleavy, David McCann, Marcus Rea, Caleb Montgomery

Backs (10)
Michael Stronge, Lewis Finlay, Graham Curtis, Bruce Houston, Johnny McPhilips, Jack Owens, Ben Power, Stewart Moore, Iwan Hughes, Ben McCaughey

Thought Callum Reid scrummed very well when he came on for the u20's but didn't really get a chance to show much else. Bradley Luney and JJ McKee were named in the extended u20 squad, but there were some very talented 2nd rows this year and no injuries, so didn't get a chance. McCann was good enough to be selected on the u20 bench ahead of older players, and he captained the Ireland u19 team. Don't know anything about Charlie Clarke, but a quick google shows he started for Ulster in their win against Australia schools, and the game is on youtube if you want to have a look. No Azur Allison or Aaron Hall is a disappointment (both must be struggling with injury) and I haven't heard anything about Ryan O'Neil in ages - is he still involved with AIL?

Good to see Stewart Moore back playing after taking time off due to concussions, he'd definitely be my player to watch at the JWC if he's involved. I like Lewis Finlay when I've seen him playing, but no Rhys O'Donnell I think is a mistake - but I should probably just get over it.

Quite a few players you would think are looking to prove that they can cut it at the next level after careers maybe plateauing a little bit.

Delighted to see Stewart Moore back. Bit concerned that at this stage we may write off Aaron Hall. Johnny McPhilips must be crushed. Heard good stuff about Luney.

Locke_Lamora

I'm a fan of Hall, so really hope he can get back to full fitness and put these injuries behind him. Lyttle is doing great now after being patient with him for so long. I've only seen Luney once coming off the bench in a blowout loss to Scarlet A's and he played reasonably well, but it's a little telling that neither him or McKee got any game time in the u20's - not the end of the world though.

launish116

Injury update from twitter.

- Coetzee training and fit for saturday
- Irish players who didn't play at weekend all good to play, Best/Stockdale be rested.
- Henderson should be fit for QF
- Gilroy & Addison likely to miss QF
- Marshall couple weeks out

bilston

launish116 wrote: »

Injury update from twitter.

- Coetzee training and fit for saturday
- Irish players who didn't play at weekend all good to play, Best/Stockdale be rested.
- Henderson should be fit for QF
- Gilroy & Addison likely to miss QF
- Marshall couple weeks out

Good news.

Shame about Addison though.

launish116

Cave considering retirement at end of the season

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/rugby-union/47629263?__twitter_impression=true

Squidgy Black

launish116 wrote: »

Cave considering retirement at end of the season

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/rugby-union/47629263?__twitter_impression=true

Not surprised, he's already got a start on his media career with appearances on The Rugby Pod, and has spoken quite a bit about being on the B team these days.

launish116

Squidgy Black wrote: »

launish116 wrote: »

Cave considering retirement at end of the season

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/rugby-union/47629263?__twitter_impression=true

Not surprised, he's already got a start on his media career with appearances on The Rugby Pod, and has spoken quite a bit about being on the B team these days.

Has ulster maybe not offered him a new contract or low balled him?

Squidgy Black

launish116 wrote: »

Has ulster maybe not offered him a new contract or low balled him?

He was on a one year extension this year, I'd say if he was offered a new contract it would be have been another one year job with a lowball figure.

bilston

He still has something to offer, even just by being around the squad, but we have Addison who will clearly start ahead of him, Luke Marshall is another and then there is Hume is getting better with every game and is actually quite similar to Cave and finally there is a kid called Stewart Moore in the Academy who is very highly thought of. Personally I'd be trying to keep him for another year, as Addison is a bit of a sick note, Marshall may sometimes be needed at 12, Hume is still learning and Moore may be highly rated but is completely untried.

launish116

bilston wrote: »

He still has something to offer, even just by being around the squad, but we have Addison who will clearly start ahead of him, Luke Marshall is another and then there is Hume is getting better with every game and is actually quite similar to Cave and finally there is a kid called Stewart Moore in the Academy who is very highly thought of. Personally I'd be trying to keep him for another year, as Addison is a bit of a sick note, Marshall may sometimes be needed at 12, Hume is still learning and Moore may be highly rated but is completely untried.

Would hope Addison would lock down fullback! Then there is questions over is Faddes signed?
But surely he has something to offer the likes of Hume/Moore etc. Offload some game management/defense knowledge.

Financially mighten make sense though and with the recent squad cull. X amount to ocasionally sit on the bench/B's doesnt sound feasible. Dan seems keen to get the academy involved (well in the backs).

On another note, majority of academy in USA, including Kane & Mcphilips. Doesnt look like any academy backrowers will get game time this season.

bilston

launish116 wrote: »

Would hope Addison would lock down fullback! Then there is questions over is Faddes signed?
But surely he has something to offer the likes of Hume/Moore etc. Offload some game management/defense knowledge.

Financially mighten make sense though and with the recent squad cull. X amount to ocasionally sit on the bench/B's doesnt sound feasible. Dan seems keen to get the academy involved (well in the backs).

On another note, majority of academy in USA, including Kane & Mcphilips. Doesnt look like any academy backrowers will get game time this season.

I forgot about Matt Faddes. In that case if we do sign him then maybe there is an argument to let Cave go. It seems a shame though.

Squidgy Black

bilston wrote: »

I forgot about Matt Faddes. In that case if we do sign him then maybe there is an argument to let Cave go. It seems a shame though.

It all comes down to whether Cave wants to stay on, and what sort of money he would be trying to negotiate I guess. It's great to have experienced players in the squad as backup, but it's all down to whether he wants to potentially be playing with the Ravens and picking up starts against the likes of Zebre and the Dragons or the South African teams if he's pushed out of the squad when everyone's fit.

Locke_Lamora

bilston wrote: »

I forgot about Matt Faddes. In that case if we do sign him then maybe there is an argument to let Cave go. It seems a shame though.

In my head Faddes is already signed along with McGrath and I have to keep reminding myself that we've heard absolutely nothing substantial about either player. If we do conjure up some money to land Faddes then it makes sense to not resign Cave (practically and financially). Otherwise we should give him a one year extension, unless the coaches have a lot of confidence in the academy players because our other 13 options are Marshall and Ludik. Marshall is injury ridden and will cover 12, and Ludik is really showing the sign of aging, and he'll be covering 15 as well.

Dubinusa

Just got my tickets for the Freejacks v Ulster "A".

launish116

With the Sunwolves folding, any players worth tempting north?

I'm right in thinking we still have room even if Faddes signs?

Utah_Saint

when was this announced?

any decent players?

troyzer

Utah_Saint wrote: »

when was this announced?

any decent players?

This morning. There are a handful but most of the best will be absorbed back into the Top League I'd say.