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

Has Ward really emerged? There is a lot of noise about him and I watched him in the Olympics and definitely thought Ulster should look at him. But to go from there to a 3 year deal has really surprised me given he has played 2 games for the senior side. He's a big lad and is quick and obviously has pedigree.

Anyone seen him in the AIL this season? I take it he plays Hinch (just because his bro does and famously so did his da back in the 90s).

He must be 26 by now. Those of us with longer memories will remember Andy having to be subbed at half time in the European Q/F against Toulouse at Ravenhill to race to the hospital in time for him to be born. Ulster held out and of course eventually went on to win the cup. If Zac ever does make the big time with Ulster then that will be an even cooler story than it is already!

Connacht v Ulster, Saturday 28th December 7.35pm, Round 9, BKT United Rugby Championship, Dexcom Stadium (Live on Premier Sports, RTE, BBC Radio Ulster)

15. Michael Lowry (113)

14. Werner Kok (10)

13. Ben Carson (7)

12. Jude Postlethwaite (20)

11. Rory Telfer (2)

10. Jack Murphy (1)

9. Nathan Doak (76)

1. Eric O’Sullivan (124)

2. Rob Herring (244)

3. Scott Wilson (22)

4. Alan O’Connor (Capt) (203)

5. Cormac Izuchukwu (34)

6. Matty Rea (104)

7. Nick Timoney (154)

8. James McNabney (9)

Replacements:

16. John Andrew (127)

17. Andrew Warwick (204)

18. Corrie Barrett (5)

19. Kieran Treadwell (167)

20. David McCann (55)

21. John Cooney (147)

22. Aidan Morgan (10)

23. Wilhelm De Klerk (0)

Well, it's becoming clear that it's a much more open field than previously thought. Flannery is just getting back from injury, Humphreys has looked more skilful than expected, Morgan hasn't looked hugely better at getting our backline going than anyone else. All to play for, for all of them.

I disagree. Genuinely excellent short kicking game, and overly maligned, but between Morgan, Humphreys and Murphy, I think we'll find a definite improvement within a season or two.

McNabney playing really well.

In fairness for all the haters Carson has really done well this season.

don’t think Carson has that many haters. He’s going to be a good player for ulster.

He’d be behind Moore and Hume if they were fit though.

There are no Carson haters.

Personally, I was sceptical about him at U20s, off the back of his performances, and didn't really understand why he was there. In his performances for the senior team, he has been powerful, fast and a good defender at 13.

A mate was talking to Bryn Cunningham about Zac Ward a week or so ago.

It wasn't long before Bryn C started raving about what Bryn W would do for the team rather than Zac.

As others have said, I never rated him off his u20 performances - seemed too one dimensional without the size/power to back up the style he played with at age-grade level. Didn't think it would translate but I remember there was an article about a very serious illness he was dealing with (possibly considering retirement iirc) which put things in a bit more context. Very pleased so far.

he was a machine at u20 level. Just bouncing off young fellas when ball carrying.

If you think EOS can scrum, I recommend an optician. Your eyes deceive you. A senile blind giraffe watching the scrums yesterday and counting the penalties against Ulsters with EOS collapsing constantly, would see a poor scrummage. But, not you.

Lol. You are the scrum guru? Your talking outta it hole. Playing for Trinity is not exactly inspiring. I bet Ulsters fans for the most part, don't rate him.