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

mogwai81 · 10-07-2019 8:28am

I would love to see an Ulster backline of
9. J. Cooney, 10. B. Johnston, 11. R. Lyttle, 12. S. McCloskey, 13. W. Addison, 14. R. Baloucoune, 15. J. Stockdale

I realise most people would disagree with Johnson ahead of Burns given how little game time he's had at senior level, but I think he has serious potential and would love to see him get a run of games. I feel Stockdale is stronger under the high compared to the other options and equally if not more dangerous in attack. Rob Lyttle has a fantastic strike rate. Staying injury free is his biggest problem. I really like Addison at 13, great defender and extremely fast. I think he is a more natural 13 then Marshall.
McCloskey and Cooney are hugh players for Ulster and pretty much guaranteed starters. Baloucoune seems to be a bit like Stockdale in that he has a knack for scoring tries. Plus I think he will improve on last year. Addison, Lyttle, Baloucoune and Stockdale is a backline with serious pace and would be lethal on the counter attack.
It will be interesting to see how Matt Faddes goes too. I think initially he might find himself in the 23 jersey due to his versatility. It shows Ulster's strength in depth at the moment that I would leave a fit Gilroy and Lowry struggling for a place on the bench. Of course it's very unlikely all these players would be fit at the same time, but it's an extremely exciting time for Ulster.

RobbieRuns · 10-07-2019 11:20am

mogwai81 wrote: »

I would love to see an Ulster backline of
9. J. Cooney, 10. B. Johnston, 11. R. Lyttle, 12. S. McCloskey, 13. W. Addison, 14. R. Baloucoune, 15. J. Stockdale

I realise most people would disagree with Johnson ahead of Burns given how little game time he's had at senior level, but I think he has serious potential and would love to see him get a run of games. I feel Stockdale is stronger under the high compared to the other options and equally if not more dangerous in attack. Rob Lyttle has a fantastic strike rate. Staying injury free is his biggest problem. I really like Addison at 13, great defender and extremely fast. I think he is a more natural 13 then Marshall.
McCloskey and Cooney are hugh players for Ulster and pretty much guaranteed starters. Baloucoune seems to be a bit like Stockdale in that he has a knack for scoring tries. Plus I think he will improve on last year. Addison, Lyttle, Baloucoune and Stockdale is a backline with serious pace and would be lethal on the counter attack.
It will be interesting to see how Matt Faddes goes too. I think initially he might find himself in the 23 jersey due to his versatility. It shows Ulster's strength in depth at the moment that I would leave a fit Gilroy and Lowry struggling for a place on the bench. Of course it's very unlikely all these players would be fit at the same time, but it's an extremely exciting time for Ulster.

That would be close to my first choice of backline as well. I probably would start Gilroy over Baloucoune but other than that I would agree on Bill Johnston, he will start ahead of Burns if given a good run.

The issue will always be keeping lads fit and having enough quality strength in depth.

bilston · 10-07-2019 6:31pm

RobbieRuns wrote: »

That would be close to my first choice of backline as well. I probably would start Gilroy over Baloucoune but other than that I would agree on Bill Johnston, he will start ahead of Burns if given a good run.

The issue will always be keeping lads fit and having enough quality strength in depth.

Depth is good outside of half back

Here are three backlines...I may have missed someone out.

Cooney.
Burns
Stockdale
McCloskey
Marshall
Gilroy
Addison

Shanahan
Johnston
Lyttle
Curtis
Hume
Balacoune
Faddes

Stewart
Lowry
Kernohan
Curtis
Moore
Sexton
Ludik

Lucas44 · 10-07-2019 10:27pm

bilston wrote: »

Depth is good outside of half back

Here are three backlines...I may have missed someone out.

Cooney.
Burns
Stockdale
McCloskey
Marshall
Gilroy
Addison

Shanahan
Johnston
Lyttle
Curtis
Hume
Balacoune
Faddes

Stewart
Lowry
Kernohan
Curtis
Moore
Sexton
Ludik

Moore is a much better prospect than curtis and Hume

bilston · 10-07-2019 11:42pm

I think my previous posts show I agree with that. But right now he is behind them both as he has yet to play a single competitive game for Ulster.

Also just realised I picked Curtis twice... Swap out Curtis in the 3rd backline for Hayden Hyde

thomond2006 · 11-07-2019 9:12am

Awec is going to turn up in his Pienaar Pyjamas for Ulster vs Cheetahs.

molloyjh · 11-07-2019 11:04am

thomond2006 wrote: »

Awec is going to turn up in his Pienaar Pyjamas for Ulster vs Cheetahs.

And Leinster vs Cheetahs.

RobbieRuns · 11-07-2019 11:43am

bilston wrote: »

Depth is good outside of half back

Here are three backlines...I may have missed someone out.

Cooney.
Burns
Stockdale
McCloskey
Marshall
Gilroy
Addison

Shanahan
Johnston
Lyttle
Curtis
Hume
Balacoune
Faddes

Stewart
Lowry
Kernohan
Curtis
Moore
Sexton
Ludik

So will that third backline be the Ravens or A team for next season? Good young players

Paul Smeenus · 11-07-2019 5:12pm

RobbieRuns wrote: »

So will that third backline be the Ravens or A team for next season? Good young players

I'd say every member of that third backline, bar Sexton, will start a senior game. Maybe not Stewart.

Lucas44 · 13-07-2019 6:41pm

Good to see Nathan Doak in training with seniors for pre season, should take over from cooney in 2-3 years

Hands Like Flippers · 14-07-2019 2:33pm

Lucas44 wrote: »

Good to see Nathan Doak in training with seniors for pre season, should take over from cooney in 2-3 years

Clearly highly rated by UR.

Have you seen him play?

Lucas44 · 14-07-2019 3:19pm

Hands Like Flippers wrote: »

Clearly highly rated by UR.

Have you seen him play?

Yeah he’s very good, equally as good at 10 as he is at 9. Played 2 years at Irish schools, one at 9 and one at 10.. will be guaranteed an academy deal straight out of school

bilston · 14-07-2019 3:55pm

He still has another year at school?

That's impressive if he is training with the seniors. Similar to Sexton I suppose.

One thing to do it as a winger, more impressive to be doing it as a half back.

Locke_Lamora · 14-07-2019 4:07pm

I think that might say more about our situation at 9, rather than how how good he is tbh.

Lucas44 · 14-07-2019 4:40pm

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

I think that might say more about our situation at 9, rather than how how good he is tbh.

Considering bar this years u20 ulster have had Irish internationals at u18 and 19s would suggest future is bright and Stewart was Irish 20s the last two years. Doak ahead of Lewis Finlay by looks of it who by all accounts could be the starting Irish 20s 9 next year

Locke_Lamora · 15-07-2019 12:34am

Lucas44 wrote: »

Considering bar this years u20 ulster have had Irish internationals at u18 and 19s would suggest future is bright and Stewart was Irish 20s the last two years. Doak ahead of Lewis Finlay by looks of it who by all accounts could be the starting Irish 20s 9 next year

Haven’t been impressed with Stewart, makes a few howlers and passing wasn’t too sharp or accurate. I liked what little I saw of Finlay, but a poster on uafc mentioned Rhys O’Donnell is ahead of him at Ballynahinch.

I reckon 9 has just been identified as a problem position for the future, as we’ve our spent money on other positions, so we’re in need of homegrown talent. There aren’t too many spare 9’s knocking about the other provinces, so I think the coaches might be trying to get the next prospect up to speed as soon as possible.

Digifriendly · 15-07-2019 5:59am

Nathan Doak is a pretty useful goal kicker. I've seen him play at Wallace HS at OT and he can control a game which IMHO Billy Burns can't.

Hands Like Flippers · 15-07-2019 9:09am

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

Haven’t been impressed with Stewart, makes a few howlers and passing wasn’t too sharp or accurate. I liked what little I saw of Finlay, but a poster on uafc mentioned Rhys O’Donnell is ahead of him at Ballynahinch.

I reckon 9 has just been identified as a problem position for the future, as we’ve our spent money on other positions, so we’re in need of homegrown talent. There aren’t too many spare 9’s knocking about the other provinces, so I think the coaches might be trying to get the next prospect up to speed as soon as possible.

What club does Stewart play for?

RobbieRuns · 15-07-2019 11:50am

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

Haven’t been impressed with Stewart, makes a few howlers and passing wasn’t too sharp or accurate. I liked what little I saw of Finlay, but a poster on uafc mentioned Rhys O’Donnell is ahead of him at Ballynahinch.

I reckon 9 has just been identified as a problem position for the future, as we’ve our spent money on other positions, so we’re in need of homegrown talent. There aren’t too many spare 9’s knocking about the other provinces, so I think the coaches might be trying to get the next prospect up to speed as soon as possible.

It will be interesting to see how Hinch go next year. Only Ulster team in 1A, hopefully they will get support of the Pro's and use the league to grow a few good youngsters. I assume that Ulster Rugby will want Hinch to stay in 1A

Hands Like Flippers · 15-07-2019 11:52am

Digifriendly wrote: »

Nathan Doak is a pretty useful goal kicker. I've seen him play at Wallace HS at OT and he can control a game which IMHO Billy Burns can't.

IMHO ND is a better 10 than 9. See above plus no threat at 9. Good kicker and passer though.

Locke_Lamora · 15-07-2019 12:05pm

Hands Like Flippers wrote: »

What club does Stewart play for?

Banbridge I think

Lucas44 · 15-07-2019 3:47pm

RobbieRuns wrote: »

It will be interesting to see how Hinch go next year. Only Ulster team in 1A, hopefully they will get support of the Pro's and use the league to grow a few good youngsters. I assume that Ulster Rugby will want Hinch to stay in 1A

With the Celtic cup running for the 8 weeks if they are dependant on ulster players It will be a short stay in 1A

RobbieRuns · 15-07-2019 3:52pm

Lucas44 wrote: »

With the Celtic cup running for the first 8 weeks of the Ail season if they are dependant on ulster players It will be a short stay in 1A

I am aware, but still, UR should do all that it can to help Hinch if possible. I still find it strange that 1A is so Dublin centric. No Connacht club and only one from Ulster. I'd like that to change

The Lost Sheep · 15-07-2019 6:12pm

Lucas44 wrote: »

Good to see Nathan Doak in training with seniors for pre season, should take over from cooney in 2-3 years

would hold on building him too much. Still in school. Never played open grade rugby yet.

Digifriendly wrote: »

Nathan Doak is a pretty useful goal kicker. I've seen him play at Wallace HS at OT and he can control a game which IMHO Billy Burns can't.

that's both out on doak and very unfair on burns. Doak is good at school boy level but would wait til hes seen at AIL level and A level etc before talking him up that much...

RobbieRuns wrote: »

It will be interesting to see how Hinch go next year. Only Ulster team in 1A, hopefully they will get support of the Pro's and use the league to grow a few good youngsters. I assume that Ulster Rugby will want Hinch to stay in 1A

only 6 pros a match squad and you can be better off with a regular squad than pros dropping in out each week.

RobbieRuns wrote: »

I am aware, but still, UR should do all that it can to help Hinch if possible. I still find it strange that 1A is so Dublin centric. No Connacht club and only one from Ulster. I'd like that to change

not that strange. Was very Limerick centric for years as well. Connacht clubs cant keep players for work in the area... same with many Munster clubs. Look at many Dublin club team sheets. And Ulster clubs have always in general under performed in the AIL.

sydthebeat · 17-07-2019 9:48am

https://www.ultimaterugby.com/news/ulster%27s-new-recruit-struck-with-long-term-injury/617603

Ulster's new front row recruit Gareth Milasinovich has been dealt a cruel blow ahead of the new season after he suffered a knee injury in pre-season training that will delay his debut for the club.

The prop, who arrived at Ulster from Premiership club Worcester Warriors, will now miss nine months after undergoing surgery to repair what has been confirmed by Ulster as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

thomond2006 · 17-07-2019 9:50am

Ulster have had absolutely no luck when signing backup props in the last few years. Awful news.

bilston · 17-07-2019 10:32am

First and foremost a huge blow for the player himself. He was probably one of the less heralded new signings, but I'm sure was desperate to hit the ground running to make an impression. To miss 9 months is a massive blow. The only minor positive is that the season starts and ends late so he could be available come the last couple of months of the campaign.

For Ulster it's a blow because it seems as though he could play both sides of the scrum, so while he was never likely to be first choice, his versatility would have been important.

Let's hope that's an end to these nasty injuries.

bilston · 17-07-2019 5:28pm

Coetzee on the bench for SA against Australia this weekend.

Great news for Marcel, maybe not so great for us, but I suppose it's an indication of how well he has played for us.

launish116 · 17-07-2019 5:39pm

bilston wrote: »

Coetzee on the bench for SA against Australia this weekend.

Great news for Marcel, maybe not so great for us, but I suppose it's an indication of how well he has played for us.

Well deserved! Sets the stall and gives Dan preseason to work/focus with our young back row options in his absence.

bilston · 17-07-2019 6:34pm

So it looks like our back rows to choose from at the start of the season will be...

Matthew Rea
Sean Reidy
Clive Ross
Nick Timoney
Greg Jones
David O'Connor
Marcus Rea

Obviously it would be nice to see Hall, McCann and Allison involved as well...maybe in pre season

17-07-2019 6:47pm

Great news on Coetzee. Having a back rower on the books who is part of a current Springbok setup is a a great bit of business after a rocky start. Hope he comes back fit and firing after a quarter final loss to Ireland

Paul Smeenus · 17-07-2019 7:57pm

bilston wrote: »

So it looks like our back rows to choose from at the start of the season will be...

Matthew Rea
Sean Reidy
Clive Ross
Nick Timoney
Greg Jones
David O'Connor
Marcus Rea

Obviously it would be nice to see Hall, McCann and Allison involved as well...maybe in pre season

McCann has another year at U20s - surely he won't make an appearance? Think our best row out of that lot is Mattie Rea, Reidy and Timoney. Would like to see Hall get another crack.

Lucas44 · 17-07-2019 9:47pm

bilston wrote: »

So it looks like our back rows to choose from at the start of the season will be...

Matthew Rea
Sean Reidy
Clive Ross
Nick Timoney
Greg Jones
David O'Connor
Marcus Rea

Obviously it would be nice to see Hall, McCann and Allison involved as well...maybe in pre season

Don’t forget dunleavy aswell he will be ahead of McCann and Allison

Locke_Lamora · 17-07-2019 10:04pm

bilston wrote: »

So it looks like our back rows to choose from at the start of the season will be...

Matthew Rea
Sean Reidy
Clive Ross
Nick Timoney
Greg Jones
David O'Connor
Marcus Rea

Obviously it would be nice to see Hall, McCann and Allison involved as well...maybe in pre season

Not the most inspiring backrow, I'm really hoping Matt Rea and Timoney can find that extra gear this year - they both had a couple of games where they showed they were capable of it. Allison looked off the pace a bit at the JWC, his lack of game time this year really showed and didn't look back to full fitness. McCann is u19 so I wouldn't expect him to see the pitch tbh. Really pulling for Hall though, it would be heartbreaking if the lad can't get a proper crack at it because of injuries at that age.

bilston · 17-07-2019 10:13pm

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

Not the most inspiring backrow, I'm really hoping Matt Rea and Timoney can find that extra gear this year - they both had a couple of games where they showed they were capable of it. Allison looked off the pace a bit at the JWC, his lack of game time this year really showed and didn't look back to full fitness. McCann is u19 so I wouldn't expect him to see the pitch tbh. Really pulling for Hall though, it would be heartbreaking if the lad can't get a proper crack at it because of injuries at that age.

I wouldn't judge Allison on the JWC. He had a stop start tournament because of an HIA and had his injury problems prior to that. Probably not unlike Hume or Lowry the year before.

Hands Like Flippers · 18-07-2019 1:26am

bilston wrote: »

I wouldn't judge Allison on the JWC. He had a stop start tournament because of an HIA and had his injury problems prior to that. Probably not unlike Hume or Lowry the year before.

Agreed. He is v quick for a BR.

Jump_In_Jack · 18-07-2019 10:49pm

Milasinovich sidelined for 9 months
https://www.the42.ie/milasinovich-injury-ulster-4727940-Jul2019/?amp=1

Hands Like Flippers · 20-07-2019 1:06pm

U18 clubs/schools side play Americans at 1pm today.

Hands Like Flippers · 20-07-2019 2:50pm

Hands Like Flippers wrote: »

U18 clubs/schools side play Americans at 1pm today.

36 10

Paul Smeenus · 20-07-2019 3:21pm

Hands Like Flippers wrote: »

36 10

Any idea of team?

Paul Smeenus · 20-07-2019 3:24pm

https://twitter.com/weafer_philip/status/1152555691405651968

Hands Like Flippers · 21-07-2019 12:25am

U17 play Americans next Sat.

Hands Like Flippers · 21-07-2019 4:37pm

https://thefrontrowunion.com/2019/07/ulster-rugby-club-u18-turnover-tourists/

REPORT and team sheet etc

bilston · 25-07-2019 11:27am

Hendy confirmed as new captain.

Fairly obvious choice, Coetzee and Herring were probably the other contenders, last year it was clear to me that Henderson had become the driving force on the pitch of the Ulster side, even more so than Rory. Off the pitch is impossible to say, but Hendy can achieve legendary status over the next 5-6 years.

25-07-2019 4:25pm

bilston wrote: »

Hendy confirmed as new captain.

Fairly obvious choice, Coetzee and Herring were probably the other contenders, last year it was clear to me that Henderson had become the driving force on the pitch of the Ulster side, even more so than Rory. Off the pitch is impossible to say, but Hendy can achieve legendary status over the next 5-6 years.

Yeah I can't think of a better choice and not surprising - he was absolutely brilliant in the Heineken cup for Ulster, led from the front. I was hoping it would go to Jordi just so I could endlessly troll awec but alas twas not to be.

Some Yoke · 26-07-2019 9:42am

FORMER ULSTER BACK Peter Nelson has been named at out-half for his Canada debut against the US tomorrow in the Pacific Nations Cup [KO 1am Irish time, World Rugby channels].
from the42

jacothelad · 26-07-2019 12:55pm

Some Yoke wrote: »

FORMER ULSTER BACK Peter Nelson has been named at out-half for his Canada debut against the US tomorrow in the Pacific Nations Cup [KO 1am Irish time, World Rugby channels].
from the42

I'm delighted for him. He suffered because of a cruel injury and then being played out of position. Canada must be really hard up though. He has been a poor 10.

mfceiling · 26-07-2019 1:20pm

jacothelad wrote: »

I'm delighted for him. He suffered because of a cruel injury and then being played out of position. Canada must be really hard up though. He has been a poor 10.

Yep. He's actually not a bad player and a decent 15 but he's not a 10... never was and never will be.

RobbieRuns · 26-07-2019 6:28pm

He is a good player at 10 or 15 and if Canada coaches deem Pete good enough, then he is good enough. Hope that he becomes the Canadian McGinty. Hope that he tears it up.

bilston · 26-07-2019 8:01pm

He was definitely a better 15 than 10. But he did put in the odd solid performance at 10. But was early never the long term answer.

But whatever about Ulster I really hope he goes well with Canada and makes it to the WC.

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

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