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

awec

Former Former wrote: »

I don't know how reputable 'Belfast Live' is, and "sources" are always very dodgy, but the prospect of an Ireland player taking the IRFU to the Court of Arbitration...

Belfast Live is a legitimate news outlet.

The same story is also in the Mirror.

Former Former

Former Former wrote: »

but the prospect of an Ireland player taking the IRFU to the Court of Arbitration...

It's an unusual one. Worth considering that much like in contract negotiations or when a player is retiring, there is a need for a certain amount of posturing to get what you want. This could be kite flying to ensure that terms of departure are agreeable to Jackson. Or he could be very determined to play for Ulster / Ireland again, who knows.

prawnsambo

Deleted User wrote: »

It's an unusual one. Worth considering that much like in contract negotiations or when a player is retiring, there is a need for a certain amount of posturing to get what you want. This could be kite flying to ensure that terms of departure are agreeable to Jackson. Or he could be very determined to play for Ulster / Ireland again, who knows.

Well he'd be mad to say anything else tbf. Or have it said by a 'source', to be pedantic about it.

irishfan9

Deleted User wrote: »

It's an unusual one. Worth considering that much like in contract negotiations or when a player is retiring, there is a need for a certain amount of posturing to get what you want. This could be kite flying to ensure that terms of departure are agreeable to Jackson. Or he could be very determined to play for Ulster / Ireland again, who knows.

If he thinks he did nothing wrong.. then he may be determined to.

stephen_n

Funny that Olding has remained fairly quiet on all this, maybe he has already decided to cut his losses and go.

CommandoJack

stephen_n wrote: »

Funny that Olding has remained fairly quiet on all this, maybe he has already decided to cut his losses and go.

That's how I read it. Olding is a solid player and has great utility, but was never going to be world class. Even without any of the current controversy, given Ireland's current depth, he would have been unlikely to play many more tests in green. If his international career is done regardless, hopping across a pond or two and playing away from all the stigma here (short or long term) is absolutely the sensible option.
It's a completely different story for Jackson. Prior to his suspension, he was the best place kicker in the world. Absolutely the 10-in-waiting for Ireland and was very close to pressuring Sexton for the jersey at various points.
Realistically, if the trial hadn't happened, Carberry would be chasing the 15 shirt and Jackson would be a shoe-in, so I can see why he'd fight tooth and nail to stay on the island if there's even the slightest chance of redemption and playing again. Given the potential bombshell(s) that might drop next week and flip the media bias on its head, I can see this.posturing continuing for a while longer.

awec

CommandoJack wrote: »

That's how I read it. Olding is a solid player and has great utility, but was never going to be world class. Even without any of the current controversy, given Ireland's current depth, he would have been unlikely to play many more tests in green. If his international career is done regardless, hopping across a pond or two and playing away from all the stigma here (short or long term) is absolutely the sensible option.
It's a completely different story for Jackson. Prior to his suspension, he was the best place kicker in the world. Absolutely the 10-in-waiting for Ireland and was very close to pressuring Sexton for the jersey at various points.
Realistically, if the trial hadn't happened, Carberry would be chasing the 15 shirt and Jackson would be a shoe-in, so I can see why he'd fight tooth and nail to stay on the island if there's even the slightest chance of redemption and playing again. Given the potential bombshell(s) that might drop next week and flip the media bias on its head, I can see this.posturing continuing for a while longer.

Olding was actually an incredibly good prospect but the two major knee injuries have held him back somewhat. At one point he was the most highly rated of all our young backs.

Former Former

Ulster Rugby team to play Edinburgh, Friday 6th April at BT Murrayfield, kick-off 7.35pm (live on BBC2 NI):

(15-9): C Piutau, L Ludik; D Cave, S McCloskey, J Stockdale; J McPhillips, J Cooney;
(1-8): A Warwick, R Best (Capt), T O'Toole, M Dalton, I Henderson, M Rea, N Timoney, J Deysel;
Replacements (16-23): R Herring, T O'Hagan, R Ah You, A O'Connor, S Reidy, D Shanahan, A Curtis, T Bowe.

Tom O'Toole gets his debut, O'Hagan and Curtis likely to do so from the bench.

irishfan9

Ulster Rugby team to play Edinburgh, Friday 6th April at BT Murrayfield, kick-off 7.35pm (live on BBC2 NI):

(15-9): C Piutau, L Ludik; D Cave, S McCloskey, J Stockdale; J McPhillips, J Cooney;
(1-8): A Warwick, R Best (Capt), T O'Toole, M Dalton, I Henderson, M Rea, N Timoney, J Deysel;
Replacements (16-23): R Herring, T O'Hagan, R Ah You, A O'Connor, S Reidy, D Shanahan, A Curtis, T Bowe.

CommandoJack

awec wrote: »

Olding was actually an incredibly good prospect but the two major knee injuries have held him back somewhat. At one point he was the most highly rated of all our young backs.

Fair point - he was tearing it up rightly for the first couple of years. His last few seasons were definitely hampered by the injuries though, and comparing his most recent form with Ireland's current centres (injury crisis notwithstanding), I wouldn't have Olding in the discussion.

launish116

Good luck to the academy boys! Hopefully they play a blinder! Tough ask in Edinburgh

thomond2006

Edinburgh team to face Ulster in the Guinness PRO14 at BT Murrayfield on Friday 6 April (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on BBC ALBA.

15. Blair Kinghorn (61)
14. Dougie Fife (103)
13. Mark Bennett (8)
12. Phil Burleigh (71)
11. Duhan van der Merwe (14)
10. Duncan Weir (31)
9. Sam Hidalgo-Clyne (104)

1. Jordan Lay (8)
2. Stuart McInally (116) CAPTAIN
3. Simon Berghan (45)
4. Ben Toolis (84)
5. Grant Gilchrist (116)
6. Magnus Bradbury (49)
7. Jamie Ritchie (45)
8. Bill Mata (34)

Replacements: 16. Neil Cochrane (72) 17. Rory Sutherland (62) 18. WP Nel (113) 19. Lewis Carmichael (29) 20. Cornell du Preez (101) 21. Sean Kennedy (59) 22. Jaco van der Walt (14) 23. Chris Dean (63)

Very big ask for that Ulster lineup.

awec

No chance.

Locke_Lamora

awec wrote: »

CommandoJack wrote: »

That's how I read it. Olding is a solid player and has great utility, but was never going to be world class. Even without any of the current controversy, given Ireland's current depth, he would have been unlikely to play many more tests in green. If his international career is done regardless, hopping across a pond or two and playing away from all the stigma here (short or long term) is absolutely the sensible option.
It's a completely different story for Jackson. Prior to his suspension, he was the best place kicker in the world. Absolutely the 10-in-waiting for Ireland and was very close to pressuring Sexton for the jersey at various points.
Realistically, if the trial hadn't happened, Carberry would be chasing the 15 shirt and Jackson would be a shoe-in, so I can see why he'd fight tooth and nail to stay on the island if there's even the slightest chance of redemption and playing again. Given the potential bombshell(s) that might drop next week and flip the media bias on its head, I can see this.posturing continuing for a while longer.

Olding was actually an incredibly good prospect but the two major knee injuries have held him back somewhat. At one point he was the most highly rated of all our young backs.

I remember when Ulster players were doing preseason interviews maybe two years ago, they all highlighted Olding as the most talented player they had played with. And I think Schmidt kept bringing him into the training squads as soon as he was back from injury. Seemed to rate him highly.

MJohnston

Is it Pro 14 rules that every team have a Van Der Merwe now?

awec

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

I remember when Ulster players were doing preseason interviews maybe two years ago, they all highlighted Olding as the most talented player they had played with. And I think Schmidt kept bringing him into the training squads as soon as he was back from injury. Seemed to rate him highly.

Yea he was very good. He could play 12, 13, 15 to a high standard and could play 10 as well.

GeordieC

Does anyone know how the Champions Cup qualification works, with Cheetahs currently holding a spot?

• Guinness PRO14 (7): The three highest ranked clubs from each conference. The fourth-ranked clubs from each conference will play off for the seventh place. (NB South African clubs are not eligible.)

Currently Cardiff (Conf A) and Ulster (Conf in 4th spots would mean a playoff. However with Cheetahs ineligible, would Ulster have to play 5th from Conference A (Ospreys), or would we get the spot automatically?

If a playoff took place, do we know where/when?

Bazzo

GeordieC wrote: »

Does anyone know how the Champions Cup qualification works, with Cheetahs currently holding a spot?

• Guinness PRO14 (7): The three highest ranked clubs from each conference. The fourth-ranked clubs from each conference will play off for the seventh place. (NB South African clubs are not eligible.)

Currently Cardiff (Conf A) and Ulster (Conf in 4th spots would mean a playoff. However with Cheetahs ineligible, would Ulster have to play 5th from Conference A (Ospreys), or would we get the spot automatically?

If a playoff took place, do we know where/when?

The playoff still happens, just against 5th in conference A instead of 4th. Not sure of the date but home advantage for the playoff goes to the team with more league points.

baas baa

Olding was the most talented young back I can recall, could make the game look effortless, check out his cameo against Saracens in the HC semi in Wembley where players couldn’t lay a glove on him or his delayed pass to create a try for Dan Tuohy against Cardiff the same season, I used to get giddy watching him. Never had the same fleet of foot after the knee trouble. The first injury was a real sickener, last minute of an A interpro against Connacht that he probably shouldn’t have been playing in but Ulster were trying to find another option at 10 iirc.

bilston

MJohnston wrote: »

We should be cutting Coetzee too - he's crocked and will only be here for one season at best, he's completely useless to our future. Not to mention he's taking up a valuable NIQ spot

If Coetzee were to come back and hit his best he will be the first name on the teamsheet.

bilston

CommandoJack wrote: »

stephen_n wrote: »

Funny that Olding has remained fairly quiet on all this, maybe he has already decided to cut his losses and go.

That's how I read it. Olding is a solid player and has great utility, but was never going to be world class. Even without any of the current controversy, given Ireland's current depth, he would have been unlikely to play many more tests in green. If his international career is done regardless, hopping across a pond or two and playing away from all the stigma here (short or long term) is absolutely the sensible option.
It's a completely different story for Jackson. Prior to his suspension, he was the best place kicker in the world. Absolutely the 10-in-waiting for Ireland and was very close to pressuring Sexton for the jersey at various points.
Realistically, if the trial hadn't happened, Carberry would be chasing the 15 shirt and Jackson would be a shoe-in, so I can see why he'd fight tooth and nail to stay on the island if there's even the slightest chance of redemption and playing again. Given the potential bombshell(s) that might drop next week and flip the media bias on its head, I can see this.posturing continuing for a while longer.

If it weren't for injury and this mess Olding had the potential to be a top level international.

Dubinusa

A good lh, an experienced 10 and another 2nd row is the least they must do. Oh if PJ is gone. Obviously a head coach who can whip them into some type of coherent shape.
Ulster also need a defensive coach. The youngster's coming thru have massive potential. This season is in the books now so I would play a mix and match of experience and youth.
It would probably be prudent to cut Coetzee as he is so injury prone. The savings from his contract and Piatau's would cover a top end lh and a 2nd row. The issue is who would want to come to Ulster amid all the mayhem?
I think the backrow will be very good with Jordi coming up to Belfast and youngsters like Timoney, Rea and Dunleavy coming up. I still rate Greg Jones and think he could be a really good player.

bilston

Given the current alternatives I don't really see why we would cut Coetzee. Even if we got 10 games out of him next season it might be worth it if he helps bring along the likes of Timoney, Rea, Dalton, Agnew and Hall.

Look what Piutau has done for Stockdale. Hopefully Coetzee can do similar.

Ooops...

Bazzo

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Ooops...

I have it on good authority that Kiss has thrown caution to the wind and has booked a holiday for Aya Napia instead of a 5th consecutive year in Ibiza.

prawnsambo

Bazzo wrote: »

I have it on good authority that Kiss has thrown caution to the wind and has booked a holiday for Aya Napia instead of a 5th consecutive year in Ibiza.

Well they've copped on and fixed it. The only record of their faux pas is here.

bilston

Great to see O'Toole, Dalton and Curtis involved tomorrow night. It makes the game a lot more interesting with next season in mind.

launish116

bilston wrote: »

Great to see O'Toole, Dalton and Curtis involved tomorrow night. It makes the game a lot more interesting with next season in mind.

Don't forget O'hagan on bench, would love to see a little more of O'Sullivan also. Gonna be baptism of fire for sure, Edinburgh's forwards have been good under Cockerill. 
Little hope on the horizon now with what the academy is starting to produce. Just hoping they all push on, opportunities are there for them who want them.

Wikidy

Given that there is a game of rugby on tonight this thread has gone very quiet. Are we expecting the inevitable?

launish116

Wikidy wrote: »

Given that there is a game of rugby on tonight this thread has gone very quiet. Are we expecting the inevitable?

Expecting, but hoping the young guns have a good game!