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

Squatter wrote: »

Not wumming or anything, but what has happened to Gilroy - he appears to have vanished off the face of the earth?

Was rehabbing a back injury that wasn't healing, went for a second opinion and found a hairline crack in his spine I believe.

He's going to struggle to get his shirt back. For all his flare, I'd have Baloucoune start.

Squatter wrote: »

Thanks guys. Hopefully he'll make a full recovery.

Hopefully! Scary to think he may struggle to start. Honestly think Baloucoune would be better suited to start with Gilroy coming on to a more open game. Some serious options in the backline next season bar 9 & 10.

Squatter wrote: »

He could always move to Dublin! It's about time you lot repaid our generosity in providing the backbone of your team.

I know you're joking but Ulster backs moving south will almost certainly become a reality. Ulster have always produced an overabundance of them (wings and centers in particular) and if winges like Stockdale, Baloucoune, Sexton, Lyttle, etc reach their potential and start to pile up they'll get the call to move.

Ireland cannot tolerate Ulster backs moving overseas like they used to. Situations like Bowe to Ospreys, Farrell to Gernoble, Steenson and Whitten to Exeter or Tommy Seymour to Glasgow need to stop. I doubt Leinster will be the chief beneficiaries but Ulster backs will be moved.

It will be interesting to see how Angus Curtis goes next season. He missed a big year in his development. It would be handy having for him for some of the "gentler" Pro 14 games where we could take a bit of pressure of McCloskey.

Can Faddes play 12? Hume can probably play there too.

bilston wrote: »

It will be interesting to see how Angus Curtis goes next season. He missed a big year in his development. It would be handy having for him for some of the "gentler" Pro 14 games where we could take a bit of pressure of McCloskey.

Can Faddes play 12? Hume can probably play there too.

Or Marshall back to 12 and Addison/Faddes/Hume/Stewart and Harlequins Hyde at 13.

So many options/combinations for next season. But your right about Curtis, he looked very good at jnr and might be another to thrive in this new environment,

Given Rob Lyttle has already made one controversial transfer as a schoolboy who is to say he won't do the same as a pro if he isn't getting the chances at Ulster. If I had one criticism of the coaches in regards to selections, it would be the back three, for me Lyttle should be the next name down after Stockdale.

It's been great for him to get an injury free run. He has shown a lot of promise. During RWC would hope see Baloucoune, Faddes, Lyttle hold down starters.

The Parish King wrote: »

Excuse the ignorance, but what was Lyttle’s first controversial transfer? Just between schools, or was it provinces?

Went from RBAI to Methody and in year he played with Methody they got knocked out of schools cup in semis while RBAI went on to win cup
Always been playing in Ulster

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

He's certainly not the biggest guy which might stop him from ever becoming an elite player, but he's proven to be quite strong in contact and an excellent going forward. He's also a great goal kicker, and I'd bet money on him being a better fullback than lowry. I'd quite like to see him fill in there, but I really hope the rumour posted on here a while back about him possibly being cut is false, or premature considering the run of games he's put in since.

He signed a new contract since that rumour was posted

bilston wrote: »

Given Rob Lyttle has already made one controversial transfer as a schoolboy who is to say he won't do the same as a pro if he isn't getting the chances at Ulster. If I had one criticism of the coaches in regards to selections, it would be the back three, for me Lyttle should be the next name down after Stockdale.

This is exactly why Ulster fans need to prepare ourselves for the fact that players will likely move - the squad is even now beginning to strain with the upcoming talent at certain positions. Like Leinster have found that's great short term but it's unrealistic to think everyone will remain happy.

I would hate to see it but honestly if I was Lyttle's agent I'd have a cheeky phone call to Munster. Earls will be retiring soon and Conway is quality but after them their back 3 consists of Haley, Sweetnam, Wooten, Calvin Nash and academy guys. It's not unrealistic to think that he'd have a real shot at European Cup games, particularly if he thinks he can play 15. At Ulster he's in a dogfight with Stockdale, Baloucoune, Gilroy, Faddes, Ludik, Lowry, Addison etc. etc. Next season will be big for him, he'll get Pro14 games but if he has any Ireland ambitions then he'll need European ones.

The best we can hope for is that players move to other provinces and not overseas. If only the academy could churn out forwards at the same rate!

troyzer wrote: »

We'll take Aaron Sexton please.

Sure thing. You just have to catch him first.

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Sean Cronin accepts that challenge.

100 metres in 10.49 seconds.

troyzer wrote: »

We'll take Aaron Sexton please.

Is Sexton a fullback?

This is exactly why Ulster fans need to prepare ourselves for the fact that players will likely move - the squad is even now beginning to strain with the upcoming talent at certain positions. Like Leinster have found that's great short term but it's unrealistic to think everyone will remain happy.

I would hate to see it but honestly if I was Lyttle's agent I'd have a cheeky phone call to Munster. Earls will be retiring soon and Conway is quality but after them their back 3 consists of Haley, Sweetnam, Wooten, Calvin Nash and academy guys. It's not unrealistic to think that he'd have a real shot at European Cup games, particularly if he thinks he can play 15. At Ulster he's in a dogfight with Stockdale, Baloucoune, Gilroy, Faddes, Ludik, Lowry, Addison etc. etc. Next season will be big for him, he'll get Pro14 games but if he has any Ireland ambitions then he'll need European ones.

The best we can hope for is that players move to other provinces and not overseas. If only the academy could churn out forwards at the same rate!

Can see Gilroy moving on before Baloucoune & Lyttle. Ludik be on the wind down also. If I was a young Ulster winger I'd be looking at fullback in glee for both Ulster/Ireland.

launish116 wrote: »

Is Sexton a fullback?



Can see Gilroy moving on before Baloucoune & Lyttle. Ludik be on the wind down also. If I was a young Ulster winger I'd be looking at fullback in glee for both Ulster/Ireland.

I think we forget how good (for Ulster) Gilroy is. I was just watching a video on Facebook last night of Ulster's highlights from the season just passed and I had forgotten all about his try against Edinburgh.

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Sean Cronin accepts that challenge.

They'd have to tie a dead horse to Sexton's left leg to give Cronin a chance.:D:D

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Busby, Owens and Nelson gone.

Nelson probably deserved a bit more of a goodbye, even a lap round the pitch after the last home game.

Anyway there wouldn't have been many opportunities for him next season. Hope he gets a move somewhere. He could probably get a contract at the lower end of the Premiership.

And Caleb Montgomery