EPCR Semi Finals

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438475#Comment_124438475

Look, if he could tackle this wouldn't be a discussion - he is clearly a better player than Byrne in every other aspect. So it becomes a question of what the trade-offs are.

His liability is clear, but it is also far worse when they put him in these positions and that is just phenomenally poor coaching (for the 50th time).

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438491#Comment_124438491

I’m with you on that - but I think the gap between his defensive weakness and even what would be considered basic competency is so vast, it undermines his strengths.

I’ve been a fan of him for a long time and defended him multiple times, but I genuinely don’t want to see him feature again this season for Leinster right now. The games from here on in are too important.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438350#Comment_124438350

great kick by Doak

ElisaAtWar

if you are unwilling to be critical of your own team then you are unwilling to accept reality

brilliant try, Postlewaithe has been sensational today. Great pass from Lowry to put McElroy in space too.

OldRio

Stunning try.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438502#Comment_124438502

I think that is absolutely fair. But I also think Leinster have asked him to defend in positions that utterly expose his weakness to the max and it is simply poor use of resources.

I think he has objectively been better this season defending in midfield, but he remains inexcusably shite at it in open field. This is not a defence of him, but if you put a gun to my head I still think we would be more likely to beat Bordeaux with him at 10 than Harry Byrne.

awec

Doak is so, so good. Lots of Ireland caps in this lads future if this trajectory continues.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438487#Comment_124438487

He’s been excellent today; his handling and passing is top tier too. Big try there and a big performance here from Ulster.

Postlethwaite has been immense today too - he’s the guy I’d love to see capped in the summer for sure. So much raw potential there.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438527#Comment_124438527

Has to be the clear no.2 behind JGP at this point.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438531#Comment_124438531

You would like to think, but the 6N (when Casey was fairly awful) suggests otherwise.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438524#Comment_124438524

What do you think he does better than Harry at this point. He's better kicking out of hand imo, but I don't think his passing game is appreciably better. He has more of a style to delay his passes, which creates gaps, whereas Harry can threaten a break more. Harry, today notwithstanding, is consistently been better off of the tee.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438524#Comment_124438524

Yeah I get that too - but that’s a feature of the modern game too, especially with the increase of 6-2 bench splits etc. The risks of having to play out of position are that big higher.

I’m really not sure on the latter - I just think Bordeaux are a great side regardless, but I have more confidence Harry shouldn’t be as bad as he was today again.

Brief_Lives

.....

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438542#Comment_124438542

I think he is better at almost every aspect of 10 play. He organises the backline better, he picks options better, his passing is definitely better, his kicking in open field is a million miles better.

However, his the gap between his defence and Harry's is larger than any aspect in which he is better. But he is better in more of them. You just don't feel like Leinster as aimless when he is at 10 as you do when Byrne or Frawley are there.

Brief_Lives

.....

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438517#Comment_124438517

This is an absolutely great result for Ulster. They can go all in on the final now and should absolutely be favourites against (presumably) Montpelier.

Clegg

Oh, I'm very critical of Leinster.

But, to be clear, you posted that Cullen should be disgusted by his teams performance. Said team has just won a Champions Cup semi final and performed well, despite what you're trying to put forward.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438569#Comment_124438569

Agreed - would he huge if they could get a few injured players back too.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438544#Comment_124438544

Fair enough - I don't. I think this is what Harry is and why he hasn't progressed more.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124438560#Comment_124438560

Fair enough, appreciate the answer. I'd agree with his passing range being superior, I'd argue he's up there with Russell for having the best passing in the game. Some of his passes in last year's 6Ns were incredible. I don't know that I agree he's better at organising the attack, he relies on JGP doing a lot of the carrying there. It was noticeable in the 6Ns when he was forced to take on more of that responsibility how often he just ended up running down blind alleys. Harry doesn't look as flashy with his passes, but he's no slouch either, and can get the ball free in the tackle. His better physicality lets him deal with pressure better I think, he can make a break and get over the gainline in a way Sam just can't.

StevenToast

Ulster have the best chance of an Irish team to pick up a European Trophy this year.

Ulster are a joy to watch when they're on song. Such a shame Baloucoune is out for these games.

accensi0n

Jesus that scramble defence and turnover was incredible