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

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Comments

  • #11042
    Paul Smeenus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,922 ✭✭✭Paul Smeenus


    Johnny Bell gone.

    https://ulster.rugby/content/jonny-bell-departs-ulster-rugby-coaching-team

    Faloon taking responsibility for defence.



  • #11043
    awec
    Administrators Posts: 55,061 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭awec


    This is the right move for all concerned. It wasn't working, our defensive record spoke for itself.

    Better to rip the plaster off and just let him go now.

    He is leaving for a job outside of rugby which to me means he knew he was for the chop this season and the likelihood of him getting another decent role anywhere else was pretty slim.



  • #11044
    Scythica
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 997 ✭✭✭Scythica


    Best decision for all involved. Whether by his own design or whatever, clearly we've had defensive frailties.

    Hume, McCloskey & Stockdale all fit for this weekend too.



  • #11045
    ionadnapóca
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,201 ✭✭✭ionadnapóca


    Something had to happen after Zebre and Someone was going to get it in the neck.

    I don't think it will resolve any of the issues.



  • #11046
    Digifriendly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,101 ✭✭✭Digifriendly


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123134135#Comment_123134135

    Fills me with great optimism your final comment. 😆



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  • #11047
    Paul Smeenus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,922 ✭✭✭Paul Smeenus


    I disagree, for what it's worth.

    Bell has been a weak link for a number of seasons now, so I fully expect Faloon to be an improvement. Towards the end of McFarland's reign, we were scoring maul tries for fun, but never got anywhere because we still couldn't defend. Sexton should be a step up on Soper (as an attack coach - Soper was hell of a skills coach).

    Next season -

    Richie Murphy - Head Coach

    Jimmy Duffy - Forwards Coach

    Willie Faloon - Defence Coach

    Mark Sexton - Attack coach

    Dan Soper - Transition Coach

    That looks alright to me. Would love Davidson as some sort of DoR or replacing Cunningham, but dunno that that's likely.

    Every coach is Irish (alright, Soper's from NZ but he began coaching at Inst) and has been involved in an underage/academy/schools set-up.



  • #11048
    awec
    Administrators Posts: 55,061 Admin ✭✭✭✭✭awec


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123136805#Comment_123136805

    Falloon is only a temporary appointment though, I don't know if the intention is to make that permanent or if they are looking elsewhere.

    I dunno if Jared Payne has a job right now, if Falloon isn't interested maybe he could be tempted back though he left cause he didn't want to be defence coach so maybe not.



  • #11049
    ionadnapóca
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,201 ✭✭✭ionadnapóca


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123136421#Comment_123136421

    Yes. Sorry. it is a very pessimistic outlook. I certainly cant see the evidence that's its all on Jonny Bell.

    The IRFU have already ripped off the plaster. The wound is still not healed. It's going to take years, because its been festering for years.

    19th Feb 2024 (After the Ospreys game) I said - "Its broken. Its broken in Ulster"

    21st Feb 2024 - McFarland gone.

    Murphy IN.

    23rd March 2024 -1st game v Sharks. 22-12 Loss

    25th Mar 2024 - Petrie gone.

    30th March 2024 - 2nd game v Bulls. 13-7 Loss

    ALARM BELLS - It was the lack of effort in those games. The lack of fight. A new coach in place. It was unforgivable.

    https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/2024/03/22/ulster-favoured-to-win-away-to-sharks-in-richie-murphys-first-game/

    Some of the biggest culprits that day are all gone or going.

    That's my biggest issue. This is on the players. It cant always be the coaches at Ulster.

    There is a rot and a deep malaise taken hold in that squad. Over years and years.

    I can see only 1 way out of it - short term.

    More honest-to-goodness, hard-nosed, hard bastard, 100%'ers are needed to replace the rot.

    Werner Kok - TICK

    Another Johan Muller is desperately required.

    David Humphreys is the right man, in the right place, for Ulster.

    https://www.the42.ie/david-humphreys-irfu-2-4507388-Jan2025/

    I feel a bit sorry for the way Bell has been treated.

    I just hope they are equally, in fact, even more ruthless when it comes to getting rid of some of the players in the squad.

    https://www.irishrugby.ie/2025/02/04/bell-departs-ulster-coaching-team/

    “From growing up watching the heroes of the ’80s, I developed a passion for the game and the province that has stayed with me since.

    “While it’s time for me to step into a new challenge outside of rugby, my passion for Ulster will never change.

    “I am deeply thankful to everyone who has supported me throughout this incredible journey. I look forward to following the team as a fan and wish them every success for the future.”



  • #11050
    Paul Smeenus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,922 ✭✭✭Paul Smeenus


    We've got Juarno Augustus coming as well. Hopefully a third NIQ.

    Anyway, expecting to be manshamed by the Reds.

    Ulster Rugby team to play Queensland Reds, Bank of Ireland Mid-Season Challenge, Friday 7 February, 7.35pm at Kingspan Stadium:

     

    1. Andrew Warwick

    2. Tom Stewart

    3. Corrie Barrett

    4. Alan O’Connor (Capt.)

    5. Matthew Dalton

    6. Matty Rea

    7. Lorcan McLoughlin

    8. David McCann

     

    9. Conor McKee

    10. Aidan Morgan

    11. Jacob Stockdale

    12. Stuart McCloskey

    13. James Hume

    14. Zac Ward

    15. Jake Flannery

     

    Replacements:

    James McCormick, Eric O’Sullivan, Bryan O’Connor, Harry Sheridan, Tom Brigg, David Shanahan, James Humphreys, Wilhelm De Klerk, Jacob Boyd, Reuben Crothers, Michael Lowry, Ben Carson, Jude Postlethwaite, Stewart Moore, Michael McDonald, Kieran Treadwell.



  • #11051
    Jump_In_Jack
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,039 ✭✭✭Jump_In_Jack


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123137422#Comment_123137422

    Will that match be online or televised anywhere? Thanks



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  • #11052
    Paul Smeenus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,922 ✭✭✭Paul Smeenus


    It's being streamed but you have to pay for a Live Stream Pass.

    https://ulster.rugby/content/ulster-rugby-live-re-launched-with-ulster-v-queensland-reds



  • #11053
    Paul Smeenus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,922 ✭✭✭Paul Smeenus


    Actually quite enjoyed that.



  • #11054
    bilston
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,006 ✭✭✭✭bilston


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123146799#Comment_123146799

    Who played well?

    How did Hume look in his first game back?

    Any of the younger lads impress? McKee?



  • #11055
    launish116
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,527 ✭✭✭launish116


    Hume looked good

    Scrum looked shite!



  • #11056
    bilston
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 18,006 ✭✭✭✭bilston


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123146984#Comment_123146984

    Good to hear...and no surprise.

    I see Sutherland is starting for Scotland on Sunday…if only...



  • #11057
    bigmac86
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14 ✭bigmac86


    McKee looked decent and took his try well. Morgan kicked better and looked good in patches in attack but the open game allowed it so not sure how much to read into that. Dalton put himself about, obviously an athlete and has an edge about him but tired very badly after 50 before being replaced. Thought McLoughlin was quietly effective, huge tackler and has potential. Stockdale hit the ground running again and Hume was good considering length of time out. Scrum still a worry though and maul ineffective tonight



  • #11058
    launish116
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,527 ✭✭✭launish116


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123147231#Comment_123147231

    McGLoughlin does look good! if I was the Rea brothers id be looking over my shoulder and upping my game.

    Who was 19, red scrum cap? Sherridan?



  • #11059
    big-al
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 48 ✭big-al


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123147231#Comment_123147231

    McLoughlins footwork is going to take him places. He’s looks an effective athlete and will hopefully get more of a chance at Ulster next season, Matty Rea would be easily enough to get past you’d think.



  • #11060
    bigmac86
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14 ✭bigmac86


    Yeh sheridan had the red cap on which threw me too! Just wish he was 2 inches taller as he's listed as our heaviest lock now at 121kg and has an edge to his play



  • #11061
    launish116
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,527 ✭✭✭launish116


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123148800#Comment_123148800

    Wasn't sure if it was him, he looks a lot bigger than the rest of the pack. Was hoping it was an academy player.



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  • #11062
    Hey_Ho_Lets_Go_3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,119 ✭✭✭Hey_Ho_Lets_Go_3


    Ulster Rugby Senior Men’s Coaching team 2025/26:

    Richie Murphy – Head Coach
    Jimmy Duffy – Forwards Coach
    Mark Sexton – Backs Coach
    Willie Faloon – Defence and Contact Skills Coach
    Dan Soper – Development and Transition Coach

    https://ulster.rugby/content/ulster-rugby-confirm-senior-mens-coaching-structure-for-202526



  • #11063
    Scythica
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 997 ✭✭✭Scythica


    https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123162819#Comment_123162819

    No excuses next year



  • #11064
    Paul Smeenus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,922 ✭✭✭Paul Smeenus


    Ulster Rugby team v Benetton Rugby, Sat 15 Feb, 5.15pm UK/Ire time, Stadio Monigo, BKT United Rugby Championship Round 11 (live on Premier Sports):

    Across Rounds 11 and 12 the BKT URC is inviting teams, players and fans to celebrate the communities and people who helped launch the careers of the league’s players and coaches. The players’ origin clubs are included alongside their names below.

    1. Jacob Boyd (Belfast Royal Academy)

    2. Rob Herring (SACS) (245)

    3. Tom O’Toole (Ashbourne RFC) (115)

    4. Alan O’Connor (Capt) (Skerries RFC) (204)

    5. Cormac Izuchukwu (Tullamore RFC) (37)

    6. Matty Rea (Ballymena RFC) (106)

    7. Nick Timoney (Blackrock College RFC) (158)

    8. David McCann (Cooke RFC) (59)

    9. Nathan Doak (Lisburn RFC) (80)

    10. Aidan Morgan (King’s College) (11)

    11. Jacob Stockdale (Lurgan RFC) (125)

    12. Stuart McCloskey (Bangor RFC) (196)

    13. James Hume (Malone RFC) (95)

    14. Michael Lowry (Dromore RFC) (116)

    15. Stewart Moore (Ballymoney RFC) (75)

    Replacements:

    16. John Andrew (Ballymena RFC) (130)

    17. Bryan O’Connor (Crosshaven RFC)

    18. Scott Wilson (Dromore RFC) (26)

    19. Kieran Treadwell (Chipstead RFC) (171)

    20. Reuben Crothers (Lisburn RFC) (5)

    21. Dave Shanahan (Clontarf RFC) (96)

    22. Jake Flannery (Kilfeacle & District RFC) (17)

    23. Jude Postlethwaite (Lisburn RFC) (24)

    Great backline. Interesting that there's no Cooney. Preparing for life after him? Also no Sheridan - I genuinely have no idea why not. He's a great young player and was absolutely crucial for us last season. And Murphy played him at U20s,

    A 20-year old Academy LH making his Ulster debut. Two THs on the bench. (No short-term SA props for us.) Might be a long afternoon on the scrum front.

    Post edited by Paul Smeenus on


  • #11065
    launish116
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,527 ✭✭✭launish116


    Hopefully better showing this week, where is Reid? Our tight 5 situation is shite!

    Context to last week, Zebre beat Edinburgh at home last night also.



  • #11066
    Locke_Lamora
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,388 ✭✭✭Locke_Lamora


    Very shaky handling so far but I'll take any sort of lead



  • #11067
    niallm77
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,567 ✭✭✭niallm77


    Izuchukwu off injured



  • #11068
    Utah_Saint
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,900 ✭✭✭Utah_Saint


    We look pretty dung



  • #11069
    Utah_Saint
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,900 ✭✭✭Utah_Saint


    Timoney yellow

    Never looked at Morgan getting clotheslined 5mins earlier



  • #11070
    Utah_Saint
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,900 ✭✭✭Utah_Saint


    How have Ulster become so shite?!

    These player used to be good urc level players.



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  • #11071
    niallm77
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,567 ✭✭✭niallm77


    What is TOT at?



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