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

FYI Coach announcement delayed till next week.

awec wrote: »

The draw for the pools isn't until the 20th.

But Ulster are in the fourth pot, which means there are some horrific draws possible.

I meant the Pro14 pools in relation to reaching a league semi-final.

Aren't the supposed to change based on league position?

awec wrote: »

Oh they are already done, there is a formula for that based off league finish.

If I remember right, they are the exact same as this year except Munster and Leinster swap.

That's probably a good enough situation for Ulster then. If they get their fingers out, I can see them definitely challenging for a top 2 spot.

I expect Munster to be stronger next season but Scarlets are a really unknown factor given they're losing Beirne, Barclay and Scott Williams. They've made some really promising signings but it's up in the air as to how they'll go and will surely take time to settle.

awec wrote: »

That is a LOT more difficult than this year.

That's poxy.

Makes you wonder why Ulster didn't sign Carbery.

Sammy Arnold wrote: »

Can't come between a young man and his dream of playing for Munster.

Amen.

launish116 wrote: »

It transpires Ulster had interest elsewere looking for a 10 and then Carbery took his interest to Munster!

Our new coach to be announced believes Lowry is the most talented player he’s come a cross!

I saw a it of Lowry as a schoolboy and he is undoubtedly a talent. Similar to Jackson, he has been touted from about the age of 15.

I still worry a bit about his size, plus he doesn't place kick, although that shouldn't be an issue in an Ulster context as there as plenty of other kickers.

I'm still expecting a player signing. I don't see how we can't be signing a back of some description! Honestly...I'd happily take Dave K at the moment!

awec wrote: »

I'd probably take Keatley but wouldn't really be jumping for joy at the signing. The optics of Keatley getting bumped north now are not that great.

I really hope Ulster are shopping for a NIQ outside back.

Can't Keatley play 12? That might be a factor given the loss of Olding and injury to Marshall. If we signed Keatley as a 10 who can fill in at 12 and then a back three player then I'd be happy.

It's worth repeating, we literally have 3 wingers for next season in Stockdale, Gilroy and Lyttle. One is always injured and the other will miss a fair bit due to Ireland duty.

Edit - Ludik can play wing, and Nelson could presumably do it if absolutely necessary. Not sure if wing is part of Addison's skillset?

awec wrote: »

I don't think Keatley really plays 12? He can probably fill in there, but I don't think he's really considered there except for emergency?

Isn't he more 10 / 15 ?

You could be right. I thought I'd seen him play 12 outside Blyndehall a few times

Buer wrote: »

Keatley has played 12 a handful of times across his career. Mostly at 10, a bit at 15 and a few matches at 12. He has even played 13 once or twice.

Any time I've seen him play 12, he's impressed me. Going forward anyway. Did he slot in there against Racing in the semi at the end?

Don’t know why Keatley would join Ulster. Carbery doesn’t deserve to have Munster’s jersey handed to him and Keatley has been a decent incumbent. So beat out Carbery and there’s a shot at a WC place. If he moves north it’s to be a mentor and nothing else really. I could see calls for McPhillips to start the minute anything goes wrong. Munster are likely to keep all those 10s and the IRFU won’t likely care as long as Carbery gets time.

stl.ire wrote: »

Don’t know why Keatley would join Ulster. Carbery doesn’t deserve to have Munster’s jersey handed to him and Keatley has been a decent incumbent. So beat out Carbery and there’s a shot at a WC place. If he moves north it’s to be a mentor and nothing else really. I could see calls for McPhillips to start the minute anything goes wrong. Munster are likely to keep all those 10s and the IRFU won’t likely care as long as Carbery gets time.

I would imagine Carbery has some sort of agreement to play 10 as often as possible too. If he isn't playing 10 then a move is pointless

Squidgy Black wrote: »

I would say he was told he'd be in prime position to get as much of a chance to retain the 10 shirt as possible (which given the other options at Munster is true considering injury profile and previous performances), but there wouldn't be any concrete agreement in place.

No team would contractually guarantee a player to get a minimum/certain amount of game time.

Yeah that's what I would think came from his meeting with JVG

thomond2006 wrote: »

Jeff Hassler is still a free agent. Ulster should inquire.

Really can't understand why no1 has snapped him up, even in the Aviva.
Rumour has 1 of 2 targeted players have been signed, but imagine it will be more marque to use the NIQ spots on.