Ulster Team Talk Thread IV... Go On My Henderson...

Shefwedfan wrote: »

No idea what point if signing Mathewson again when you could move someone from another province to get game time.

Because maybe those players don't want to move? Why would Blade move from Connacht where's he's fighting for a starting spot to be a backup to Cooney, and none of the Munster or young Leinster lads are really capable as a short term stop gap.

Mathewson's a great player and has proved he's more than capable as a backup, and with Cooney in the 23 for Ireland now it's clear Ulster need a proper backup.

bilston wrote: »

Finlay is showing promise for the U20s, but he is 19, he isn't going to be a consideration for at least another year or so.

.

He will be very good to have around for Finley’s development too.

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Sorry as I said many times, if so good why can he not get a contract with any other club? His family never moved to Ireland last interview I seen and he has played all over the world

Simple reason is he is able average at best, just because he threw one silly pass MUNSTER fans think he is clad

Casey is class, potential to be a lot better than Mathewson ever was

Two different provinces will have him on the books, he must be doing something right. I have no idea why he's not under contract now, it could be for any number of reasons.

Mathewson was Munster's best nine last year. If you think he's rated because of one quarterback pass then I can't help you.

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Game's off.

https://twitter.com/PRO14Official/status/1231911950453477376

Thought that might happen.

It will be "interesting" to see how this develops.

I know Italian fans don't travel in th same numbers as Irish, English, French etc but there will probably be a couple of thousand at least coming over the for the 6Ns game in two weeks time.

errlloyd wrote: »

How many cases of Corona Virus have there actually been in Italy?

I don't think the general seriousness of Corona Virus has been overstated. It is very serious. It may be no more dangerous than the regular flu, but if we have the chance to avoid another illness as serious as the flu we should move mountains.

That said, it seems like this might be an overreaction.

5 deaths

It's not really an overreaction. The fataility rate isn't as high as the likes of SARS but the level of infection is vastly higher. There are 10 times the number of cases identified of Coronavirus than there were of SARS, for context. It's highly contagious compared to other outbreaks in recent times. Italy has the third highest number of identified cases in the world which is a good enough reason for them to go into lockdown.

I would imagine there will be attempts to dissuade Italian fans to travel although I'd imagine not many of them will be making the trip now anyway for the 6N.

jacothelad wrote: »

5 dead so far and hundreds with the virus.

6 deaths now

Buer wrote: »

It's not really an overreaction. The fataility rate isn't as high as the likes of SARS but the level of infection is vastly higher. There are 10 times the number of cases identified of Coronavirus than there were of SARS, for context. It's highly contagious compared to other outbreaks in recent times. Italy has the third highest number of identified cases in the world which is a good enough reason for them to go into lockdown.

I would imagine there will be attempts to dissuade Italian fans to travel although I'd imagine not many of them will be making the trip now anyway for the 6N.

We will see how it develops but there might be consequences for the 6Ns game against Italy.

Foot and Mouth saw the postponement of 3 games back in 2001 and that was affecting cows!!

https://twitter.com/UlsterRugby/status/1232259531452899329

Quality signing

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Just beat me to it. Hopefully, he can really help Lewis and Doak develop - and maybe Shanahan, if it's not too late for him.

I do like that we're being proactive in bringing in players who can help our younger talents.

That Lewis chap doesn't seem to have much to learn. Quality player.

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Frig, that's impressive.

What you would call next level scrum-halfery. . That English player surely didn't know what hit him. Just floored from behind.

I've watched most of their matches now and he hasn't failed to impress me. Has all the bits needed and a bit more besides. Really hope he makes it.

Also, Dan Tuohy elaborated on his "rugby is rotten to the core" comment.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/dan-tuohy-explains-rotten-to-the-core-comments-1.4183546?mode=amp

prawnsambo wrote: »

The RFU in particular it seems.

Saracens and the RFU taking money off the second tier teams seems to be it.

Burkie1203 wrote: »

2 ppl dead in France from cov19

Implication for Euro qf

I think sport will be going on the back burner for a few months.

It might even stop Liverpool and winning the Premier League!