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

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

I'd be happier with a 15 who can cover 10 than a 12 who can do so.

Isn’t that Nelson?

I’d think at this stage anyone coming in should be doing so as a backup to McPhillips. A player of CL’s stature isn’t that. If Carbery goes it should not and would not be with any guarantee of starts ahead of McPhillips either.

It's a really tricky one this. I can see all sides of it and it's impossible to know what the right solution is. If there even is a singular right solution.

At the end of the day Ireland need to develop their depth at 10 for the RWC. An injury to Sexton and we're potentially back to where we were in the Argie game. Nobody wants that. But can Ulster afford to be a "development" province for a season given the last few years? I don't think so. Can we even guarantee Joey game time at any of the provinces at this point? Not really.

In some ways I think Munster is a better bet. Leinster and Ulster are the only sides to develop international quality 10s in the last decade. If anyone should be "forced" to take a hit for Team Ireland (if we want to look at it that way) it's probably only fair that it not be one of those 2. But the situation up North has opened a door that isn't as readily available elsewhere. Asking Keatley to move would surely make this less likely. Whatever about getting 1 guy to move at short notice, getting 2 to move would be tough. Especially if Leinster and Munster want to hold on to the guys too.

It's a mess of a situation, created in part due to the lack of quality 10s developed by the other provinces and the loss of Jackson. I really don't know what the right answer is, but the Carbery to Munster and Keatley to Ulster seems the least worst option at the moment.

launish116 wrote: »

Sadly this Avenue has already been rejected rumour has! Even with Restricted coach/player role.

That rumour is a bit questionable is it not? Thought RP was contracted till the end of 2018/19 season?

launish116 wrote: »

Cause contracts mean a lot now a days?

Not sure Montpelier would see it that way somehow.

Squidgy Black wrote: »

In fairness this whole scenario is based on rumours. Such as Carbery not wanting to go to Ulster, the Carbery being approached to move to Ulster, the IRFU rejecting Ulster's request for a journeyman 10.

Until the IRFU or Ulster or any of the players involved make a statement about any of the above it's all rumours and people interpreting things to fit their belief.

The Leinster coaches have more or less directly confirmed that Carbery has been approached to move. This rumour about the IRFU rejecting this move is just badness.

launish116 wrote: »

Rejection I was referring was to Pienaar returning as player/coach. Just to clarify.

Yeah. Which I don't believe for a split second, not least because the guy is still under contract with a very wealthy and ambitious employer. However I certainly believe there are people who really want this to be true so they can continue their personal crusades.

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Yeah. Which I don't believe for a split second, not least because the guy is still under contract with a very wealthy and ambitious employer. However I certainly believe there are people who really want this to be true so they can continue their personal crusades.

Totally agree with what your saying and it could well turn out to be the case.

The sad fact is that he is the type of player we need! Experienced and committed to the cause, not the cash!

Be interesting to see how Ulster play out things before next season? Awaits the PR band wagon!

Bridge93 wrote: »

The turnover in Ulsters outside backs the last few years is remarkable. To think a few years ago players were leaving due to the backlog of bodies and now there appears to be a bit of a shortage

Ironic ain’t it. Academy has tried to aid the back row issue now we have no backbone!

What about the CCB prop J McKee to Academy? Captained CCB to schools cup, Ulster u18 to first inter pro in years and captained Irish Schools.

Digifriendly wrote: »

Very poor crowd at HQ yesterday. Maybe the fact that so much else was on this weekend including NW200/FA Cup Final/Balmoral Show/Royal Wedding and fatigue had set in. Also the indifferent form of the team this season and Sunday rugby just does not seem to work for Ulster rugby. Premier Sports should take note of this and not schedule Ulster to play on a Sunday but stick to Friday nights with the odd Saturday evening game.

Premier Sports shouldnt really do that. Sunday Sport for rugby doesnt completely work but it doesnt really work for all provinces and Ulster cant not get any sunday games compared to the others.

Hands Like Flippers wrote: »

What about the CCB prop J McKee to Academy? Captained CCB to schools cup, Ulster u18 to first inter pro in years and captained Irish Schools.

Captained under 18 schools and irish u18s and should make academy. Not exactly many others standing out in his position

The pro14 already confirmed that Sunday games aren't coming back.