As always, we are a bit underpowered in the front 5 really. Not terrible but just not top level. Why is this so? Well, we don't have a population that produces many huge physical specimens but often those we do have actually are not terribly gifted as rugby players. This lack of development both physically and in skills begins at school levels. Without support from those in education we are pushing uphill. Top level coaching is also debatable. Richie gets good press and Sexton seems a valuable addition. A few of our players are highly skilled but look like they are running in a swamp. Others looked great at schools level but don't maintain this at senior rugby.
The areas beyond anyone's control of course as always are population density and cultural direction. Ulster miss out somewhat as there is very little crossover from GAA sporting populations. That is just a fact of life.
Bell is a big miss, other than that we are about as strong as we can be, (Postlethwaite being an able replacement for Hume and the fact we play 90% of our games without Cat).
As 50HX says the bench is where the concerns are. Only Ward provides real impact. Everyone else is a clear downgrade on the starter, although I think Irvine offers something different to the starting locks. A lot of players will have to dig deep this evening which is a concern given we have two massive league games to finish off the run in. I'd be pleasantly surprised if we don't pick up a few injuries, it feels like it will be intensely physical.
I can't call it at all, a few weeks ago I'd have been confident, last week is sort of irrelevant, but that Leinster game was a big big blow for all sorts of reasons. How will it have affected the team's confidence? It feels like one of those games where the crowd could genuinely make a difference!
Anyway, a home European semi final in May, if you can't get up for that then stay at home!
I think we are a well coached team which gets us so far, but eventually the opposition will work that out.
But you're right, we don't produce many tight 5 players (other than hooker). I still think there is an element at schoolboy rugby where teams up to Medallion level (JCT in southern money) put their biggest player at No.8 or in the centre amd just give him the ball and get him to run over the top of the opposition.
Ulster aren’t that underpowered int he tight 5, apart from Crean, they are all explosive ball carriers, with 2 locks around 120kg.
we just can’t scrummage, & then after 55minutes, when the opposition bring on a raft of replacements, we struggle.
No dedicated scrum coach which i think is paramount for all irish teams
Just how bad do they think EOS is if they are benching him behind Crean? Surprised at that one.
I think Crean can lock his side of the scrum down OK, he just won't do anything in the loose similar to Loughman but at a lower level. If Wilson had been fit I'd have definitely started TOT at LH.
There may have been questions around EOS's fitness as well, not sure, there's been that many injury doubts I may be wrong on that.
I think Crean can lock his side of the scrum down OK, he just won't do anything in the loose similar to Loughman but at a lower level
You'd know better than me, but it certainly didn't look that way against Leinster…
When it comes to the front row I know better than no one!
But I think he has done OK in the scrum in other games.
O’Sullivan went off injured early last week vs Munster. Probably carrying an injury this week, but needs must this with Bell and Reid also out.
Turns out I know nothing.
Lads, I apologise in advance if I jinx this, but any advice on getting to Bilbao? Prices are already skyrocketing as everyone from Dublin is going as well and I want this booked as soon as the game is done.
I know no details, but Spain have a very, very good high speed train network so I wouldn't worry about flying into Madrid for example.
Yeah, I wouldn’t be as concerned about getting there - it’s the accommodation there that is proving enormously difficult to source / expensive.
It was a brilliant trip in 2018 though, and would be great craic if Ulster are there too for the weekend.
I wonder will they do the tents similar to 2018.
McCloskey Poslewaithe is a delicious centre duo.
Brilliant! Gutted I can’t go to Bilbao, what a weekend that will be.
thought Postlewaithe was absolutely outstanding.
beast.
Was my man of the match for sure. I thought he was brilliant
Ok I book the flights and forgot about the accommodation. Big mistake. This is mad.
Interesting call for Ulster as to what you do for the next two rounds of the URC.
You want your team fit and firing for the Challenge Cup Final, but the URC season has been too good to just write it off now either.
It’s tough because you’ve got the Stormers coming on Friday night.
if it was me - I’d go strong for Stormers, try and get the win and the rest for last round v Glasgow. If you lose to Stormers, just write off the Glasgow game and focus on the final.
Keep an eye out over the next few days.
Wouldn't be surprised if a lot of "reasonable" options come up
I doubt it, Leinster and Ulster will travel in big numbers.
Theres been plenty popping up the last two weeks.
Based on 2018, once the camping came online there was a lot of hotels that came online - not cheap €200 per night but not the worst.
Dunno where you’re seeing this - most hotels are like €500-€600 a night.
We got a 3 star for 256.50 per night there last week on booking
Hostel for about 90 euro a night - not for anyone traveling with a family obviously. Flights not too bad if you don't mind stop overs. Match tickets cheap enough. Pricey altogether, but I don't often book holidays, so my perception is a little skewed.
Thought the same, big standout for me. I can't help but think his future is at 12 though, but I like a quick 13.
Shoutout to Crean, locked out the scum which was the bare minimum we needed. If you don't concede penalties at scum time you give yourself a 10 point cushion.
Yeah, last week yeah, I meant today since the two Irish teams qualified they’ve shot up. I have mine sorted but in WhatsApp groups and plenty complaining about the prices they’re seeing.
Tell them to keep checking.
After the Leinster game there were over 10 rooms available at less than 300 a night.
They'll be plenty more available as fans cancel
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