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

prawnsambo · 21-04-2018 07:52PM

Well three in a row is starting to look like a movement. Pity Gibbes is going, clearly knows what he's doing. Great to see the wins starting to mount up. Still a difficult mountain to climb but getting wins and BPs is the right way to go about it.

bilston · 21-04-2018 07:57PM

jacothelad wrote: »

I really like the look of Angus Curtis. He seems to have 'presence' on the pitch. He'll forget about his conversion I'm sure.....:D

He gave a pass to Piutau which was probably really simple but there was something very classy about it. I've seen him a few times for the U20s and I reckon he has a big future for Ulster. Not sure if it will be at 10 or 12 though.

jacothelad · 21-04-2018 07:59PM

bilston wrote: »

He gave a pass to Piutau which was probably really simple but there was something very classy about it. I've seen him a few times for the U20s and I reckon he has a big future for Ulster. Not sure if it will be at 10 or 12 though.

What is his brother like as a 9?

bilston · 21-04-2018 08:00PM

prawnsambo wrote: »

Well three in a row is starting to look like a movement. Pity Gibbes is going, clearly knows what he's doing. Great to see the wins starting to mount up. Still a difficult mountain to climb but getting wins and BPs is the right way to go about it.

It did occur to me earlier that maybe Gibbes was starting to make an impact. Our mini renaissance is down to a more direct approach by the pack which can only happen when they are getting over the gainline and have a strong set piece. For the last 2 weeks I thought it was down to the return of Best and Henderson but today proved there is more to it than that.

jacothelad · 21-04-2018 08:01PM

The interview with Paul Marshall was very emotional. It's been a horrendous year for him. My heart went out to him. It's not like me as I usually don't have one.

bilston · 21-04-2018 08:05PM

jacothelad wrote: »

bilston wrote: »

He gave a pass to Piutau which was probably really simple but there was something very classy about it. I've seen him a few times for the U20s and I reckon he has a big future for Ulster. Not sure if it will be at 10 or 12 though.

What is his brother like as a 9?

Haven't seen him play. I don't even know what club he's at. Or he is at school over here? I think he was playing for an Ulster U18 or U19 side recently.

Here's a question...did Johnny McPhillips play under Kiss at all? Or was his first game under Jono? I know he isn't perfect but you have to ask how on earth Pete Nelson was ever preferred to him at 10?

I'm not trying to knock Nelson as I like him as a FB, but I feel that a couple of years of his career has been wasted at 10.

bilston · 21-04-2018 08:08PM

jacothelad wrote: »

The interview with Paul Marshall was very emotional. It's been a horrendous year for him. My heart went out to him. It's not like me as I usually don't have one.

Yeah it was a tough watch...and I'm glad Thomas Niblock had the decency to end the interview when it became obvious Paul was getting emotional. Other people would have tried to milk it.

I don't know how his wee boy is doing now but it was nice to see him on the pitch with his dad and his sister at the end of the game.

launish116 · 21-04-2018 08:23PM

bilston wrote: »

jacothelad wrote: »

bilston wrote: »

He gave a pass to Piutau which was probably really simple but there was something very classy about it. I've seen him a few times for the U20s and I reckon he has a big future for Ulster. Not sure if it will be at 10 or 12 though.

What is his brother like as a 9?

Haven't seen him play. I don't even know what club he's at. Or he is at school over here? I think he was playing for an Ulster U18 or U19 side recently.

Here's a question...did Johnny McPhillips play under Kiss at all? Or was his first game under Jono? I know he isn't perfect but you have to ask how on earth Pete Nelson was ever preferred to him at 10?

I'm not trying to knock Nelson as I like him as a FB, but I feel that a couple of years of his career has been wasted at 10.

My Philips has come along under Gibbes! Would honestly rather play him than bring in a mercenary! He’s done very well for someone a few senior games in! And Lowry etc is ranked higher?

Curtis is a class act! Was for u20s reminds me of a Giteau

prawnsambo · 21-04-2018 08:27PM

bilston wrote: »

Here's a question...did Johnny McPhillips play under Kiss at all? Or was his first game under Jono? I know he isn't perfect but you have to ask how on earth Pete Nelson was ever preferred to him at 10?

When did Kiss leave? McPhilips was on the bench four times before his first start in Feb.

bilston · 21-04-2018 08:35PM

prawnsambo wrote: »

bilston wrote: »

Here's a question...did Johnny McPhillips play under Kiss at all? Or was his first game under Jono? I know he isn't perfect but you have to ask how on earth Pete Nelson was ever preferred to him at 10?

When did Kiss leave? McPhilips was on the bench four times before his first start in Feb.

Think it was just after we went out of Europe so end of January.

prawnsambo · 21-04-2018 09:08PM

bilston wrote: »

Think it was just after we went out of Europe so end of January.

So he must have selected McPhlips a couple of times on the bench.

stephen_n · 21-04-2018 09:18PM

McPhillips played against Leinster in January, don’t think he started that night though? P

prawnsambo · 21-04-2018 09:31PM

stephen_n wrote: »

McPhillips played against Leinster in January, don’t think he started that night though? P

No he came on in the second half and made an impression on me anyway.

stephen_n · 21-04-2018 09:36PM

prawnsambo wrote: »

No he came on in the second half and made an impression on me anyway.

Yeah I remember being impressed with him too.

stl.ire · 21-04-2018 10:13PM

McPhillips’ performances have now been enough to say Ireland need to really try keep him on the island. There are not many Irish qualified 10s about and if any show potential the IRFU can’t mess around.

Not saying he’s the next Sexton but after the WC we will need challengers for Carbery etc.

That’s before we get to Ulsters situation. Losing two 10s (3 if you feel like counting Herron) in the space of a few months would be crazy

stephen_n · 21-04-2018 10:16PM

stl.ire wrote: »

McPhillips’ performances have now been enough to say Ireland need to really try keep him on the island. There are not many Irish qualified 10s about and if any show potential the IRFU can’t mess around.

Not saying he’s the next Sexton but after the WC we will need challengers for Carbery etc.

That’s before we get to Ulsters situation. Losing two 10s (3 if you feel like counting Herron) in the space of a few months would be crazy

Hopefully the rumors of him leaving are just kite flying for a better contract, or guarantees about getting starts. Looks like a handy prospect.

Dubinusa · 22-04-2018 12:37AM

Great to see Ulster play some good stuff. Fair play to them.

Hands Like Flippers · 22-04-2018 07:15AM

I was behind Ulster in the 2nd half. Piteau is so assured at the back. It must be good to play with the knowledge that your fb is safe yet dangerous.

bilston · 22-04-2018 10:57AM

Talk elsewhere that Schmidt and Nucifora called to see Leo Cullen last week to apply pressure to make either Byrne or Carbery move to Ulster for a year.

Leinster, understandably IMO, were not amused that this was done in the build up to their Champions Cup semi final.

That said it makes sense on a number of levels. I just don't see any realistic NIQ options this close to a WC, so this would buy us a bit of time and give whichever player, probably Carbery, valuable gametime at 10. He could then return to Leinster a better out half. The downside is if Leinster suffer a series of injuries at 10 next season...then what happens...

jacothelad · 22-04-2018 11:04AM

Given the circumstances I doubt if moving guys against their better judgement would work for anyone. Ulster have players to develop. 'Developing' Carbery or Byrne for a season for Leinster's future use is nonsense. Kicking the can down the road hasn't worked here at all.

sydthebeat · 22-04-2018 11:17AM

jacothelad wrote: »

Given the circumstances I doubt if moving guys against their better judgement would work for anyone. Ulster have players to develop. 'Developing' Carbery or Byrne for a season for Leinster's future use is nonsense. Kicking the can down the road hasn't worked here at all.

Ulster have "developed" one international half back in the last 10 years, no?

Buer · 22-04-2018 11:21AM

If someone went north, I don't think it would necessarily be with a mind to Ulster developing them and they return to Leinster.

Leinster have a few young outhalves coming through including some very highly rated guys. I'd expect two to be joining the academy this summer in Harry Byrne (starting Irish U20 outhalf at 18) and David Hawkshaw who has arguably been the best schools player in Leinster over the last two years.

There's a good chance that Leinster won't have an available slot for any returning outhalf in a few years.

Paul Smeenus · 22-04-2018 11:28AM

It's not for Leinster's benefit. It's for Ireland's. He seems to be second choice Irish 10 with Jackson gone, and when he starts, rather than coming on to see out a win, he doesn't look assured or to have a great deal of control. He had to be hoiked against the US, for example. He needs game time. I'm not sure if I want him up here - I certainly don't if he doesn't have the stomach for it. But this isn't about Leinster.

Also, surprised people are crediting Gibbed with starting to turn the team around. Far more likely, in my humble opinion, to be a reaction to Jackson and Olding leaving, and the awareness that some Ulster stalwarts are finishing at the end of this season. It's such a psychological sport. The season we lost Spence we went in something like a 14 game unbeaten run. And on his anniversary this season, after a minute's silence at the top of the match, we put in a surprisingly powerful performance and beat someone we weren't expecting to (can't remember who).

I'm just properly delighted to see Kane, O'Toole, Dalton, Stewart and Curtis start to poke their heads above the parapets. Rea seems to have improved dramatically at this end of the season, as indeed has McPhillips.

We're rebuilding for a few years at least. I just want to get cracking.

bilston · 22-04-2018 11:41AM

Buer wrote: »

If someone went north, I don't think it would necessarily be with a mind to Ulster developing them and they return to Leinster.

Leinster have a few young outhalves coming through including some very highly rated guys. I'd expect two to be joining the academy this summer in Harry Byrne (starting Irish U20 outhalf at 18) and David Hawkshaw who has arguably been the best schools player in Leinster over the last two years.

There's a good chance that Leinster won't have an available slot for any returning outhalf in a few years.

That's not what Ulster need. We have our own up and coming 10s like McPhillips, Michael Lowry, Angus Curtis and Bruce Houston. We need someone who is good enough to play in the Champions Cup (if we are in it) next October.

Edit - to be fair that could be Johnny McPhillips.

Buer · 22-04-2018 11:51AM

bilston wrote: »

That's not what Ulster need. We have our own up and coming 10s like McPhillips, Michael Lowry, Angus Curtis and Bruce Houston. We need someone who is good enough to play in the Champions Cup (if we are in it) next October.

Edit - to be fair that could be Johnny McPhillips.

I didn't mean that Ulster should look at Hawkshaw or Harry Byrne but that if Ross Byrne or Carbery went north, those lads will be coming through at Leinster and Carbery/RB wouldn't have the option of returning. Just highlighting that a move wouldn't be Ulster developing Carbery or Byrne for Leinster. I'd imagine once gone they'd stay gone.

Paul Smeenus · 22-04-2018 11:54AM

Sunday Times and Sportsjoe.ie both reporting that Nucifira and Axhindt have told Cullen to choose one of Byrne and Carbery to move to Ulster next season.

The Black Stags · 22-04-2018 11:56AM

bilston wrote: »

Buer wrote: »

If someone went north, I don't think it would necessarily be with a mind to Ulster developing them and they return to Leinster.

Leinster have a few young outhalves coming through including some very highly rated guys. I'd expect two to be joining the academy this summer in Harry Byrne (starting Irish U20 outhalf at 18) and David Hawkshaw who has arguably been the best schools player in Leinster over the last two years.

There's a good chance that Leinster won't have an available slot for any returning outhalf in a few years.

That's not what Ulster need. We have our own up and coming 10s like McPhillips, Michael Lowry, Angus Curtis and Bruce Houston. We need someone who is good enough to play in the Champions Cup (if we are in it) next October.

Edit - to be fair that could be Johnny McPhillips.

Agreed, McPhillips has looked good and Curtis has a bit about him too. We would not benefit too much from a Byrne or Carbery. I think we need more of a mentor for the younger guys to bring them along.

22-04-2018 12:03PM

bilston wrote: »

That's not what Ulster need. We have our own up and coming 10s like McPhillips, Michael Lowry, Angus Curtis and Bruce Houston. We need someone who is good enough to play in the Champions Cup (if we are in it) next October.

Edit - to be fair that could be Johnny McPhillips.

Schmidt and Nucifora showing up and demanding a move for Carbery or Byrne might hint that McPhillips is indeed going.

It's a serious amount of pressure to have put on Cullen and the timing might suggest that there is urgency to have someone signed up before they announce McPhillips departure.

Nothing conclusive at all, just a musing on my part.

launish116 · 22-04-2018 12:04PM

Deleted User wrote: »

bilston wrote: »

That's not what Ulster need. We have our own up and coming 10s like McPhillips, Michael Lowry, Angus Curtis and Bruce Houston. We need someone who is good enough to play in the Champions Cup (if we are in it) next October.

Edit - to be fair that could be Johnny McPhillips.

Schmidt and Nucifora showing up and demanding a move for Carbery or Byrne might hint that McPhillips is indeed going.

It's a serious amount of pressure to have put on Cullen and the timing might suggest that there is urgency to have someone signed up before they announce McPhillips departure.

Nothing conclusive at all, just a musing on my part.

Hopefully not! McPhilips really is shaping up well

Dubinusa · 22-04-2018 01:06PM

What if neither wants to leave? It makes no sense. Forcing a move might hamper their development.
If that were the case, I bet the salary would have to be significantly raised. Byrne is on a development contract. Hard to believe he would move unless the finances were drastically improved.
Carberry is on a full contract, I think?

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

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