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

Squidgy Black · 23-02-2020 1:16pm

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.

jacothelad · 23-02-2020 1:59pm

Ulster brought the wrong scrum half in to the Academy when the rejected Rhys O'Donnell.

stephen_n · 23-02-2020 2:41pm

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.

Former Former · 23-02-2020 2:42pm

I don't particularly believe that he'll be good for the development of the younger guys, but it's a decent signing.

But what's he going to do for the next six months?

Shefwedfan · 23-02-2020 4:01pm

thomond2006 wrote: »

Mathewson is better.

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

Paul Smeenus · 23-02-2020 6:10pm

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

Has he played a European game?

thomond2006 · 23-02-2020 8:34pm

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 · 24-02-2020 1:17pm

Game's off.

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

bilston · 24-02-2020 1:21pm

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 · 24-02-2020 2:38pm

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.

Burkie1203 · 24-02-2020 2:38pm

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

errlloyd · 24-02-2020 2:54pm

Burkie1203 wrote: »

5 deaths

Fair enough. That's loads. Ignore me.

Buer · 24-02-2020 2:57pm

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 · 24-02-2020 2:57pm

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 dead so far and hundreds with the virus.

Burkie1203 · 24-02-2020 3:01pm

jacothelad wrote: »

5 dead so far and hundreds with the virus.

6 deaths now

bilston · 24-02-2020 9:39pm

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.

229 cases and 7 deaths, but most of that seems to have happened in the last few days hence the concern.

bilston · 24-02-2020 9:41pm

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!!

Buer · 25-02-2020 9:46am

bilston wrote: »

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!!

Commentary on radio from health professionals this morning suggested the Italian game probably won't be under threat. They reckon that it's events 4-6 weeks down the line that are at a greater risk. If and when there's a case detected in Ireland, then measures will be taken to avoid spread of any virus but until then, they'll just act in an advisory capacity and work to educate people on prevention.

yerrahbah · 25-02-2020 12:25pm

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

Quality signing

Paul Smeenus · 25-02-2020 12:48pm

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.

prawnsambo · 25-02-2020 5:29pm

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 · 25-02-2020 5:39pm

prawnsambo wrote: »

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

Frig, that's impressive.

prawnsambo · 25-02-2020 5:48pm

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.

Paul Smeenus · 25-02-2020 6:45pm

I see Toby Booth us taking over at Ospreys, so presumably Dwayne Peel is staying.

Paul Smeenus · 25-02-2020 7:31pm

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 · 25-02-2020 7:56pm

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

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

The RFU in particular it seems.

Paul Smeenus · 26-02-2020 9:55am

prawnsambo wrote: »

The RFU in particular it seems.

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

Burkie1203 · 26-02-2020 12:16pm

2 ppl dead in France from cov19

Implication for Euro qf

bilston · 26-02-2020 1:41pm

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!

Paul Smeenus · 27-02-2020 3:46pm

Interesting breakdown of how we are utilising our weans.

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/ulsters-youth-revolution-by-the-numbers-how-has-dan-mcfarland-utilised-his-up-and-coming-stars-38971427.html

Squidgy Black · 27-02-2020 6:42pm

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Interesting breakdown of how we are utilising our weans.

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/incoming/ulsters-youth-revolution-by-the-numbers-how-has-dan-mcfarland-utilised-his-up-and-coming-stars-38971427.html

Over a third of the matchday squads being under 25 is massive, fair enough in the pro14 it's a bit of a different ball game but at a higher level that's unreal. Just shows the foundation that's there to build off of

Paul Smeenus · 27-02-2020 8:06pm

It'd be interesting to play the prediction game with how far they'll go. Have something to do this evening but might post later.

bilston · 27-02-2020 10:07pm

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

It'd be interesting to play the prediction game with how far they'll go. Have something to do this evening but might post later.

I'll make one sort of prediction, the more I see of Hume the more at this level the more I think he is a real prospect for us. His footwork and his footballing skills are excellent. He is a very natural passer of the ball as well.

At school he was outstanding, but then seemed to dip a bit with the Irish 20s, but this season, when he has played, he has started to look the player I always thought he could become.

Him and Moore could make a nice combo in the years to come.

Locke_Lamora · 27-02-2020 10:36pm

I'll give it a go. Just a sentence or two about each. Where they're at and where i see their future going.

U25's

Ross Kane: If he could sort out his fitness and injury problems, he'll hang around the squad for most of his career but never first choice. Don't think he's likely to be anything more than a decent backup.
Billy Burns: Didn't realise he was that young, already made the Ireland squad although I see him falling out of rotation in the relatively near future. Too many good Leinster and Munster boys coming through. Could be a really important player for ulster for a long time. Still loads to improve on - kicking, running game etc.

U24's
Kieran Treadwell: Might not pick up any more caps with the talent coming through down south, but he's really grown into a great player for us this year after improving his carrying and consistency. Long future with us hopefully.
David O'Connor: He'll stay with Ulster until we can steal another 2nd row from Leinster or (less likely) produce one of our own. Doubt he'll do as well as his brother, but tbf to him, he seems to be ahead of the academy boys Dalton and Regan (what's even going on with them?)
Eric O'Sullivan: I think he'll always be considered too small for international rugby and his scrummaging certainly isn't up to that level, but he's a fantastic bench option for us right now, and will likely be a great starter down the line.
Nick Timoney: Will he every be a starter for us? I'm not sure, but he's a great versatile squad player to have. Has the occasional game where you're delighted to have him, but he's inconsistent and lacks a good rugby brain. By the time Reidy and Murphy are done with Ulster, I suspect younger players will have leapfrogged him in the pecking order.
Greg Jones: Honestly don't know much about him, hasn't stood out and doesn't seem to be getting many chances. Don't think he'll ever become a starter for us, but will stay around the squad as we're not exactly overflowing with backrow talent.

U23
Bill Johnston: Munster were happy enough to release him from his contract and they preferred Hanrahan, Bleyendal & co. The thinking was probably that his career had stalled, he was spending too much time injured, and Munster had too many 10's with three exciting young talents who will need game time down the road. Ulster were obviously in a position to offer him plenty of minutes and I think he's gone from strength to strength for us. It'll be good to have Johnston and Burns pushing each other for the starting jersey, and I reckon Johnston may win the battle somewhere down the line.
Rob Lyttle: Incredibly talented and a joy to watch, but just spends too much time injured. One of the most natural players in the squad and he always beats the first man - but don't think he has the talent to overcome his size disadvantage at international level. I actually see him being leapfrogged by other players for Ulster as his injuries take a toll, but he'd be a fantastic squad option to have at wing and fullback if he can stay healthy.
Adam McBurney: Too small for higher honours but could be a decent player for us for a long time if he cuts the stupid penalties out. And he really really needs to do just that, because his carelessness is a game changer right now. Tom Stewart should win his jersey quick enough once he progresses to senior rugby.
Jacob Stockdale: His form has taken a dive on a misfiring Ireland squad and is a popular fall-guy among the jealous southerners, but his talent is undeniable. Is it just be or has he lost his change of pace this year? He never had great top end speed but his acceleration used to be better. Key player for our success as he almost dragged ulster through the group stages himself last year.

U22
Jack Regan: Not really sure he's got much of a future with us given his lack of game time to date, not like we've got an abundance of great options anyway.
Robert Baloucoune: Already in the Ireland sqaud, just like we all predicted. If he can improve his defensive frailties, he will be destined for higher honours. Honestly my favourite player, I love how quick he's turned his career around. Went from despairing that some lad who played 7's got taken into the academy as players like Bowe and Trimble were leaving, to being outraged that he hasn't picked up his first cap. I reckon he'll make the 14 jersey his own for a number of years.

U21
Angus Curtis: Unlucky injury for the lad just as he was beginning to see more game time. I see him as a 10/12 hybrid like Olding, but he's about half as talented and I don't see him ever making either position his own with us given our other options. Hope he sticks with us though.
James Hume: Thought he went very under the radar on a bad Ireland u20 team, but he's always had the intangibles to make it. I think he'll be a main centre option for us as McCloskey and Marshall wind down. He's really impressed me with his feet before contact and the meters he makes after it. His passing can be wild and Luke Mashall-esque, and his defence needs to be much improved to ever play for Ireland. I expect him to be a great player for us though.
Johnny Stewart: Rumour that he might be leaving. Gotten very little game time over shanahan which says a lot, and we've just signed another 9. Finlay and Doak would probably be replacing him soon enough anyway.
Mike Lowry: Really fun to watch, but I do wonder about the length of his career with his size and fearless style of play. Would love to see him carve out a career because he's just so talented. Stick him at 9.
Tom O'Toole: Surprise call up to the Ireland squad which was great to see. He'll be really impotant for Ulster as Marty Moore winds down.

U20
Ethan McIlroy: Not the biggest but very strong in contact for his size and hits hard. Really fun to watch - great feet and loves offloading out of contact. Think he'll jump ahead of Lyttle, Lowry and Kernohan and push for a starting spot after a few years.
Azur Allison: Possibly a future starter. Really talented but I think he'll need to improve the gritty part of his game to become a more effective backrower at the higher level.
Stewart Moore: Probably one of the most talented players in the squad imo and great all-round prospect. Got a lot of praise from players and coaches during pre-season last year, and Luke Marshall said he's the most talented back he's seen come through the schools system in Ulster. Think he'll nail down the 13 jersey in a few years, and he'll pick up caps down the line as well.
Angus Kernohan: Don't think his prospects at Ulster are great but might be able to make a career here due to the fact our backs are made of chocolate. Too many players who are a cut above him in the squad right now, and he'll have to compete with younger lads coming into the academy.

bilston · 28-02-2020 12:22am

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

I'll give it a go. Just a sentence or two about each. Where they're at and where i see their future going.

U25's

Ross Kane: If he could sort out his fitness and injury problems, he'll hang around the squad for most of his career but never first choice. Don't think he's likely to be anything more than a decent backup.
Billy Burns: Didn't realise he was that young, already made the Ireland squad although I see him falling out of rotation in the relatively near future. Too many good Leinster and Munster boys coming through. Could be a really important player for ulster for a long time. Still loads to improve on - kicking, running game etc.

U24's
Kieran Treadwell: Might not pick up any more caps with the talent coming through down south, but he's really grown into a great player for us this year after improving his carrying and consistency. Long future with us hopefully.
David O'Connor: He'll stay with Ulster until we can steal another 2nd row from Leinster or (less likely) produce one of our own. Doubt he'll do as well as his brother, but tbf to him, he seems to be ahead of the academy boys Dalton and Regan (what's even going on with them?)
Eric O'Sullivan: I think he'll always be considered too small for international rugby and his scrummaging certainly isn't up to that level, but he's a fantastic bench option for us right now, and will likely be a great starter down the line.
Nick Timoney: Will he every be a starter for us? I'm not sure, but he's a great versatile squad player to have. Has the occasional game where you're delighted to have him, but he's inconsistent and lacks a good rugby brain. By the time Reidy and Murphy are done with Ulster, I suspect younger players will have leapfrogged him in the pecking order.
Greg Jones: Honestly don't know much about him, hasn't stood out and doesn't seem to be getting many chances. Don't think he'll ever become a starter for us, but will stay around the squad as we're not exactly overflowing with backrow talent.

U23
Bill Johnston: Munster were happy enough to release him from his contract and they preferred Hanrahan, Bleyendal & co. The thinking was probably that his career had stalled, he was spending too much time injured, and Munster had too many 10's with three exciting young talents who will need game time down the road. Ulster were obviously in a position to offer him plenty of minutes and I think he's gone from strength to strength for us. It'll be good to have Johnston and Burns pushing each other for the starting jersey, and I reckon Johnston may win the battle somewhere down the line.
Rob Lyttle: Incredibly talented and a joy to watch, but just spends too much time injured. One of the most natural players in the squad and he always beats the first man - but don't think he has the talent to overcome his size disadvantage at international level. I actually see him being leapfrogged by other players for Ulster as his injuries take a toll, but he'd be a fantastic squad option to have at wing and fullback if he can stay healthy.
Adam McBurney: Too small for higher honours but could be a decent player for us for a long time if he cuts the stupid penalties out. And he really really needs to do just that, because his carelessness is a game changer right now. Tom Stewart should win his jersey quick enough once he progresses to senior rugby.
Jacob Stockdale: His form has taken a dive on a misfiring Ireland squad and is a popular fall-guy among the jealous southerners, but his talent is undeniable. Is it just be or has he lost his change of pace this year? He never had great top end speed but his acceleration used to be better. Key player for our success as he almost dragged ulster through the group stages himself last year.

U22
Jack Regan: Not really sure he's got much of a future with us given his lack of game time to date, not like we've got an abundance of great options anyway.
Robert Baloucoune: Already in the Ireland sqaud, just like we all predicted. If he can improve his defensive frailties, he will be destined for higher honours. Honestly my favourite player, I love how quick he's turned his career around. Went from despairing that some lad who played 7's got taken into the academy as players like Bowe and Trimble were leaving, to being outraged that he hasn't picked up his first cap. I reckon he'll make the 14 jersey his own for a number of years.

U21
Angus Curtis: Unlucky injury for the lad just as he was beginning to see more game time. I see him as a 10/12 hybrid like Olding, but he's about half as talented and I don't see him ever making either position his own with us given our other options. Hope he sticks with us though.
James Hume: Thought he went very under the radar on a bad Ireland u20 team, but he's always had the intangibles to make it. I think he'll be a main centre option for us as McCloskey and Marshall wind down. He's really impressed me with his feet before contact and the meters he makes after it. His passing can be wild and Luke Mashall-esque, and his defence needs to be much improved to ever play for Ireland. I expect him to be a great player for us though.
Johnny Stewart: Rumour that he might be leaving. Gotten very little game time over shanahan which says a lot, and we've just signed another 9. Finlay and Doak would probably be replacing him soon enough anyway.
Mike Lowry: Really fun to watch, but I do wonder about the length of his career with his size and fearless style of play. Would love to see him carve out a career because he's just so talented. Stick him at 9.
Tom O'Toole: Surprise call up to the Ireland squad which was great to see. He'll be really impotant for Ulster as Marty Moore winds down.

U20
Ethan McIlroy: Not the biggest but very strong in contact for his size and hits hard. Really fun to watch - great feet and loves offloading out of contact. Think he'll jump ahead of Lyttle, Lowry and Kernohan and push for a starting spot after a few years.
Azur Allison: Possibly a future starter. Really talented but I think he'll need to improve the gritty part of his game to become a more effective backrower at the higher level.
Stewart Moore: Probably one of the most talented players in the squad imo and great all-round prospect. Got a lot of praise from players and coaches during pre-season last year, and Luke Marshall said he's the most talented back he's seen come through the schools system in Ulster. Think he'll nail down the 13 jersey in a few years, and he'll pick up caps down the line as well.
Angus Kernohan: Don't think his prospects at Ulster are great but might be able to make a career here due to the fact our backs are made of chocolate. Too many players who are a cut above him in the squad right now, and he'll have to compete with younger lads coming into the academy.

Some great insight there.

You mention defensive frailties for Balacoune. I haven't seen this at all. In fact I think he is an excellent defender. Also I think Hume's passing is pretty good, I wouldn't compare it to Marshall at all.

Having said that I have a feeling you have seen a lot more of the young players than I have, but those are just a couple of observations based on what I've seen.

But great write up anyway, not overhyping anyone and some good constructive insight into the players.

awec · 28-02-2020 12:24am

Balacoune is amazing in defence. Like properly amazing.

Big, big fan of him in general. Really think he's a far more complete player overall than the likes of Stockdale, just doesn't have that special something that Stockdale has when it comes to scoring.

bilston · 28-02-2020 12:30am

awec wrote: »

Balacoune is amazing in defence. Like properly amazing.

Big, big fan of him in general. Really think he's a far more complete player overall than the likes of Stockdale, just doesn't have that special something that Stockdale has when it comes to scoring.

To be fair Balacoune is scoring plenty this season.

Locke_Lamora · 28-02-2020 10:56am

bilston wrote: »

Some great insight there.

You mention defensive frailties for Balacoune. I haven't seen this at all. In fact I think he is an excellent defender. Also I think Hume's passing is pretty good, I wouldn't compare it to Marshall at all.

Having said that I have a feeling you have seen a lot more of the young players than I have, but those are just a couple of observations based on what I've seen.

But great write up anyway, not overhyping anyone and some good constructive insight into the players.

The poor defence was tongue in cheek, as a few posters on the Ireland thread brought it up as an area of concern for him. Probably his best attribute.

Hume is a decent passer, but I seem to recall him throwing a few wild ones when he’s throwing a long one, but that might just be me being overly critical.

Paul Smeenus · 28-02-2020 11:41am

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

I'll give it a go. Just a sentence or two about each. Where they're at and where i see their future going.

U25's

Ross Kane: If he could sort out his fitness and injury problems, he'll hang around the squad for most of his career but never first choice. Don't think he's likely to be anything more than a decent backup.
Billy Burns: Didn't realise he was that young, already made the Ireland squad although I see him falling out of rotation in the relatively near future. Too many good Leinster and Munster boys coming through. Could be a really important player for ulster for a long time. Still loads to improve on - kicking, running game etc.

U24's
Kieran Treadwell: Might not pick up any more caps with the talent coming through down south, but he's really grown into a great player for us this year after improving his carrying and consistency. Long future with us hopefully.
David O'Connor: He'll stay with Ulster until we can steal another 2nd row from Leinster or (less likely) produce one of our own. Doubt he'll do as well as his brother, but tbf to him, he seems to be ahead of the academy boys Dalton and Regan (what's even going on with them?)
Eric O'Sullivan: I think he'll always be considered too small for international rugby and his scrummaging certainly isn't up to that level, but he's a fantastic bench option for us right now, and will likely be a great starter down the line.
Nick Timoney: Will he every be a starter for us? I'm not sure, but he's a great versatile squad player to have. Has the occasional game where you're delighted to have him, but he's inconsistent and lacks a good rugby brain. By the time Reidy and Murphy are done with Ulster, I suspect younger players will have leapfrogged him in the pecking order.
Greg Jones: Honestly don't know much about him, hasn't stood out and doesn't seem to be getting many chances. Don't think he'll ever become a starter for us, but will stay around the squad as we're not exactly overflowing with backrow talent.

U23
Bill Johnston: Munster were happy enough to release him from his contract and they preferred Hanrahan, Bleyendal & co. The thinking was probably that his career had stalled, he was spending too much time injured, and Munster had too many 10's with three exciting young talents who will need game time down the road. Ulster were obviously in a position to offer him plenty of minutes and I think he's gone from strength to strength for us. It'll be good to have Johnston and Burns pushing each other for the starting jersey, and I reckon Johnston may win the battle somewhere down the line.
Rob Lyttle: Incredibly talented and a joy to watch, but just spends too much time injured. One of the most natural players in the squad and he always beats the first man - but don't think he has the talent to overcome his size disadvantage at international level. I actually see him being leapfrogged by other players for Ulster as his injuries take a toll, but he'd be a fantastic squad option to have at wing and fullback if he can stay healthy.
Adam McBurney: Too small for higher honours but could be a decent player for us for a long time if he cuts the stupid penalties out. And he really really needs to do just that, because his carelessness is a game changer right now. Tom Stewart should win his jersey quick enough once he progresses to senior rugby.
Jacob Stockdale: His form has taken a dive on a misfiring Ireland squad and is a popular fall-guy among the jealous southerners, but his talent is undeniable. Is it just be or has he lost his change of pace this year? He never had great top end speed but his acceleration used to be better. Key player for our success as he almost dragged ulster through the group stages himself last year.

U22
Jack Regan: Not really sure he's got much of a future with us given his lack of game time to date, not like we've got an abundance of great options anyway.
Robert Baloucoune: Already in the Ireland sqaud, just like we all predicted. If he can improve his defensive frailties, he will be destined for higher honours. Honestly my favourite player, I love how quick he's turned his career around. Went from despairing that some lad who played 7's got taken into the academy as players like Bowe and Trimble were leaving, to being outraged that he hasn't picked up his first cap. I reckon he'll make the 14 jersey his own for a number of years.

U21
Angus Curtis: Unlucky injury for the lad just as he was beginning to see more game time. I see him as a 10/12 hybrid like Olding, but he's about half as talented and I don't see him ever making either position his own with us given our other options. Hope he sticks with us though.
James Hume: Thought he went very under the radar on a bad Ireland u20 team, but he's always had the intangibles to make it. I think he'll be a main centre option for us as McCloskey and Marshall wind down. He's really impressed me with his feet before contact and the meters he makes after it. His passing can be wild and Luke Mashall-esque, and his defence needs to be much improved to ever play for Ireland. I expect him to be a great player for us though.
Johnny Stewart: Rumour that he might be leaving. Gotten very little game time over shanahan which says a lot, and we've just signed another 9. Finlay and Doak would probably be replacing him soon enough anyway.
Mike Lowry: Really fun to watch, but I do wonder about the length of his career with his size and fearless style of play. Would love to see him carve out a career because he's just so talented. Stick him at 9.
Tom O'Toole: Surprise call up to the Ireland squad which was great to see. He'll be really impotant for Ulster as Marty Moore winds down.

U20
Ethan McIlroy: Not the biggest but very strong in contact for his size and hits hard. Really fun to watch - great feet and loves offloading out of contact. Think he'll jump ahead of Lyttle, Lowry and Kernohan and push for a starting spot after a few years.
Azur Allison: Possibly a future starter. Really talented but I think he'll need to improve the gritty part of his game to become a more effective backrower at the higher level.
Stewart Moore: Probably one of the most talented players in the squad imo and great all-round prospect. Got a lot of praise from players and coaches during pre-season last year, and Luke Marshall said he's the most talented back he's seen come through the schools system in Ulster. Think he'll nail down the 13 jersey in a few years, and he'll pick up caps down the line as well.
Angus Kernohan: Don't think his prospects at Ulster are great but might be able to make a career here due to the fact our backs are made of chocolate. Too many players who are a cut above him in the squad right now, and he'll have to compete with younger lads coming into the academy.

Very nice summary.

I think Timoney might end up being a Diack 2.0 player for us - not in terms of style, but in how he fits into the squad. Often present, reliable, never first choice.

EOS has stalled a bit this season, but I think it's because McGrath has come in, and become first choice (presumably because he's the better scrummager, and all sides are keen to see if he can get back to where he was with more game time). But last season I thought he might start featuring in Ireland training squads this season. Will be disappointed if he doesn't get at least a few caps in green.

Curtis started quite brightly, but this is the second season in a row that has been over for him by half way through. (Last season because of a run of concussions.) So I am worried about his durability.

Agree on Lowry - so talented, most likely too small.

Presumably Allison got his cap against Leinster because Marcus Rea was injured - I'd really like to see him feature in the last third of the season. Strong, aggressive player.

Dalton must have had his chance and not shown enough.

launish116 · 28-02-2020 2:23pm

Forgetting David McCann at U20 and he is going have a big future.

Looking forward to seeing a homegrown backrow of McCann, Allison, Rea Jnr in a few seasons time.

All in all in several seasons we could have a squad sorted for the next decade!

Dubinusa · 28-02-2020 3:43pm

Regan has been surprisingly poor I assume. Especially with David O Connor leap frogging him. Regan has good size too! Dalton has completely fell off the grid. Not a good sign. I think Dowling would be a good shout, if he doesn't go to Connacht.

RobbieRuns · 28-02-2020 3:57pm

Dubinusa wrote: »

Regan has been surprisingly poor I assume. Especially with David O Connor leap frogging him. Regan has good size too! Dalton has completely fell off the grid. Not a good sign. I think Dowling would be a good shout, if he doesn't go to Connacht.

He is going to Connacht

bilston · 28-02-2020 10:16pm

I've been watching Ryan Baird tonight. Hendy is going to have to really lift his game!!

salmocab · 29-02-2020 12:36am

bilston wrote: »

I've been watching Ryan Baird tonight. Hendy is going to have to really lift his game!!

In fairness it’s ridiculously early days but he looks like a talent.

damianmcr · 29-02-2020 1:32am

bilston wrote: »

I've been watching Ryan Baird tonight. Hendy is going to have to really lift his game!!

Baird doesnt play for Ulster. Henderson is safe.

:P

awec · 29-02-2020 1:33am

Sure if Baird takes his place the upshot is we'll see Henderson play for Ulster more often.

damianmcr · 29-02-2020 1:34am

awec wrote: »

Sure if Baird takes his place the upshot is we'll see Henderson play for Ulster more often.

Bingo!

Scottmactom · 29-02-2020 1:44am

awec wrote: »

Sure if Baird takes his place the upshot is we'll see Henderson play for Ulster more often.

Not if he is on the bench.. 3rd choice lock still several restricted from provinces during internationals.

bilston · 29-02-2020 10:13am

damianmcr wrote: »

Baird doesnt play for Ulster. Henderson is safe.

:P

I'm thinking more along the lines of us getting more access to him which is why I mentioned it here.

Anyway, early days for Baird, but he does look rather good.

damianmcr · 29-02-2020 11:43pm

Not a bad weekend for Ulster. You'd nearly take the 2 points and not play Trevisio would you?

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

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