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

launish116 · 10-09-2021 11:07am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117871259#Comment_117871259

Both brothers are inconsistent sadly, both night and day compared to last week. Just not convinced Jnr has the engine to be and out and out open side, definitely has the want though!

Pretty sure I saw Sheridan packing down beside Carter near the end, he hadn't a number on.

The row was well rotated yesterday with O'Connor, Kearny, Rea Snr, Carter & Sheridan. Really am expecting big things of Sheridan for Ulster.

Not sure were Mcilroy ended up, assume 15 with Lowry at 10? then again was Curtis playing 10 also at a stage. To many multi positional players lol!

arsebiscuits1 · 10-09-2021 11:46am

I could see Ulster hanging on to Kearney for the season. Possibly at the expense of David O'Connor

Kearney will be 31 at the end of the season and has a good injury profile. Happy to truck it up and play the tight. Ulster could do a lot worse for squad players.

I thought he was very good against Sarries yesterday and won some good collisions in the tight off 9. Something Ulster were extremely poor at last season

arsebiscuits1 · 10-09-2021 11:47am

According to Wiki Roberts joined Rainey in 2017 which would make him IQ as of 2020.

I hope he has a cracking season

Paul Smeenus · 10-09-2021 1:26pm

Ulster team to play Leinster Rugby, Development Interprovincial game at the IRFU High Performance Centre, Saturday 11 September, 12 noon:

(15-9) Shea O’Brien, Conor Rankin, Ross Taylor, Ben Carson, Conor McKee, James Humphreys, Nathan Doak (Capt.);

(1-8) Scott Wilson, James McCormick, Ryan McMahon, Charlie Irvine, Adam McNamee, Lorcan McLoughlin, Jack Milton, Azur Allison.

Replacements: Josh Hanlon, Joe Mawhinney, Oscar Egan, Paddy Browne, Zac Ward, Lewis Finlay, Cameron McCaughey, Ross McKay.

launish116 · 10-09-2021 1:45pm

Any idea if there will be a steam? Few names there to keep an eye on

Paul Smeenus · 10-09-2021 3:13pm

No idea, sorry. Think it's just to keep young players, who haven't had much time on a pitch in the last year, ticking over.

Obviously there's a few "knowns" there - Allison, Doak,Mccormick, the U20s backs, but any lesser known names we should be keeping an eye on? Charlie Irvine?

launish116 · 10-09-2021 5:59pm

Oscar Egan always been name dropped!

Digifriendly · 10-09-2021 6:14pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117872255#Comment_117872255

Depends on the temperature of the showers after the game. 😀😁😂

Digifriendly · 10-09-2021 6:25pm

Highlights of yesterday evening's win vs Saracens - https://www.saracens.com/mens-match-highlights/#video_id=613b3ddd12e20500013fd7af

Paul Smeenus · 12-09-2021 3:22pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117873669#Comment_117873669

https://www.leinsterrugby.ie/match-report-leinster-development-27-ulster-development-34/

Match report

Again, tries being scored by the back row

Locke_Lamora · 12-09-2021 4:13pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117880712#Comment_117880712

Don't give us hope. It says Zac Ward scored in the first half, but the teamsheet says Azur Allison started - hoping he didn't get another injury, he's had no luck with them.

Paul Smeenus · 12-09-2021 4:37pm

Ward is a hooker, I think?

Locke_Lamora · 12-09-2021 4:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117881031#Comment_117881031

Thought he was a backrow. His name is the last forward on the subs bench which suggests backrow?

Paul Smeenus · 12-09-2021 5:11pm

Huh looks like you're right. Dunno where I got that from.

Paul Smeenus · 12-09-2021 7:13pm

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/dan-mcfarland-identifies-most-pleasing-aspect-of-big-win-at-saracens-and-area-of-trouble-ulster-need-to-address-40835927.html

Murphy and Treadwell have knocks, Reidy's was a shin injury.

awec · 13-09-2021 2:40pm

The absolute state of this.

‘Don’t mind the rats’: IRFU apologise over Connacht women’s changing facilities for interpro against Ulster - BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

"The IRFU and Leinster Rugby have been forced to issue a joint apology to Connacht and Ulster amidst a major controversy that has erupted following the conclusion of the women's inter-pros last weekend."

Paul Smeenus · 14-09-2021 3:04pm

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/ulsters-class-young-talent-tipped-for-league-action-against-glasgow-as-pressure-on-dan-mcfarland-over-squad-selection-40844617.html

Might see some weans against Glasgow. Or it could be PR bluster.

Paul Smeenus · 14-09-2021 5:17pm

https://www.ulsterrugby.com/2021/09/ulster-launch-new-programmes-to-help-young-players-move-into-adult-rugby/

Hopefully this allows another pathway for youngsters to the provincial team, but even if it doesn't provide us with a raft of rough gems, it's a great initiative for the wider game.

launish116 · 14-09-2021 5:24pm

Would expect to see Reid, Roberts, McCann.

Has there been an injury update from the weekend?

Utah_Saint · 16-09-2021 10:11am

Has anyone had a look at ticket prices for this season?! I was planning on going to the Lions game, but at £30 for the Terrace. I'll just watch it at home...

Utah_Saint · 16-09-2021 12:03pm

https://www.ulsterrugby.com/2021/09/ulster-sign-world-cup-winner-vermeulen/

Holy Smokes

molloyjh · 16-09-2021 12:07pm

Wow. But really, “the famous white jersey”!?

Seriously though, that is one hell of an upgrade on Nakawara. And was kept very quiet.

thomond2006 · 16-09-2021 12:08pm

Whoever failed Nakarawa's medical should be given a promotion. That is an incredible upgrade.

bilston · 16-09-2021 12:25pm

Well we didn't see this coming!

He's no spring chicken, but he is still a massive upgrade on our back row. It will be huge for someone like David McCann as well to learn from him.

Good work by Bryn and company.

awec · 16-09-2021 12:32pm

Well glaze my nipples and call me Rita.

launish116 · 16-09-2021 12:34pm

Without the doom and gloom, this wait till he arrives fit!

Ps how different our pack looks now with addition of Vermeulen and Kearny!

OldRio · 16-09-2021 1:01pm

Feck me, that's some signing.

TRC10 · 16-09-2021 1:01pm

Jesus, that's real a game changer.

Former Former Former · 16-09-2021 1:09pm

Incredible.

stephen_n · 16-09-2021 1:10pm

Really good signing for Ulster. Not great for the URC. South African sides haemorrhaging players already. Hopefully he stays fit.

sydthebeat · 16-09-2021 1:16pm

if they can get 2 good injury free seasons out of him he could be the difference between silverware and not.

Dubinusa · 16-09-2021 1:28pm

Rita! Glazed!

launish116 · 16-09-2021 1:53pm

If Mcgrath can get fit again. I do not begrudge Dan having to chose forwards week in week out.

For once, bar loose head we actually have the resources to properly rotate and give younger players game time.

FACECUTTR · 16-09-2021 2:13pm

What a signing.

16-09-2021 2:56pm

That is an absolutely world class signing, congrats Ulster folks. Wow.

Paul Smeenus · 16-09-2021 2:56pm

Reasonably pleased with that.

Paul Smeenus · 16-09-2021 3:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117898996#Comment_117898996

This. There's clearly a concerted effort to bring in players that our young bucks can learn from. And will allow us more leeway to give McCann etc more starts, alongside Duane.

Dave_The_Sheep · 16-09-2021 3:30pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117899838#Comment_117899838

Alright, calm down there Paul. Jesus.

TRC10 · 16-09-2021 6:47pm

I'm a big Nick Timoney fan. I think he's one of the most underrated players in Ireland.

Could he play 7 now? Like he did for Ireland in the Summer.

launish116 · 16-09-2021 7:29pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117900885#Comment_117900885

Going to be some serious combination dilemmas for Dan going forward.

Paul Smeenus · 17-09-2021 10:30am

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro14/stephen-ferris-hails-ulster-s-big-coup-in-capturing-duane-vermeulen-1.4676237

Duane turned down big money offers from Japan and England to join Ulster. Our SA representatives - Pienaar, Muller - keep giving to Ulster from the other side of the globe.

Paul Smeenus · 17-09-2021 1:19pm

Ulster Rugby team to play Munster, Development Interprovincial game, Saturday 18 September at IRFU High Performance Centre (4.00pm):

(15-9): Shea O’Brien, Conor Rankin, Ross Taylor(u19), Ben Carson(u20), Conor McKee, James Humphreys, Lewis Finlay;

(1-8): Callum Reid, James McCormick(u20), Joe Mawhinney(u20), Harry Sheridan (Capt), Adam McNamee(u20), Lorcan McLoughlin(u20), Reuben Crothers(u20), David McCann.

Replacements: Josh Hanlon, Scott Wilson, Ryan McMahon, Paddy Browne(u19), Jack Milton(u20), Ross McKay(u19), James McNabney(u19), Zac Ward, Jude Postlethwaite(u20)

Good to see McNabney there.

Brewster · 17-09-2021 2:04pm

Great news on Duane signing. If Ulster mind him carefully, he can play for another 2-3 seasons easily.

launish116 · 17-09-2021 6:08pm

The Ulster depth chart: A World Cup winner and the thrilling back three

https://the42.ie/5551551

bilston · 17-09-2021 11:22pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117905212#Comment_117905212

Good read.

Vermeulan's signing has transformed the look of our pack.

The options in the back 5 is very exciting.

Some players I'm interested in this season...

James Hume - Obviously he is quite established now, but in Ireland terms I reckon he can jump Farrell and become the 4th Irish centre. Need to see his kicking game, but he has great feet, he is quick and his passing game is exceptional.

David McCann - Let's see him secure a spot in the first choice matchday 23. He has looked impressive in pre season. Carries well and has a great skillet.

Ethan McIlroy - I think he could be a bit of a Rolls Royce in the back three wherever he plays. He might surprise a few this season. Again he has beem excellent in pre season. Like a lot of these guys he has lovely hands.

Callum Reid - He has had a taste of pro rugby, now let's see his scrummaging develop. If it does and you consider his play around the park then he could ve very good.

Bradley Roberts - Fast becoming a cult hero. He's actually a quality rugby player. I don't know what his ceiling is, he remains a bit unknown, but every time he takes the field for Ulster he just stands out. Accurate darts and dynamic around the park.

Finally..

Nick Timoney - This guy keeps surprising me. Hopefully his nose isn't put out of joint by Vermuelen's arrival. He keeps surpassing my expectations and he is still young enough to get better. He has bulked up while retaining his pace. I think he misses the odd first up tackle, if he can sort that out then he becomes even better

Locke_Lamora · 18-09-2021 8:16am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117906581#Comment_117906581

I'd agree with all of that. I'd add Stewart Moore to my list - I rated him higher than Hume coming through but he's had a rough time with injuries and it's hard to deny there's an obvious gap between the two right now. With Marshall out and McCloskey and Hume potentially away with Ireland, he'll have all the game time he needs to improve.

I'd definitely want McCann to start pushing for a starting place later this year. He may only be 21 but the players ahead of him aren't exactly stand-outs, and I know players like Coombes come through at different rates, but quite frankly he was competing against much better players.

To a lesser extent I'd want to see if Treadwell can win his place ahead of O'Connor. AOC plays his heart out, but Treadwell's best games are better than his imo and he adds more to the pack around the park.

Two names I would've had on the list if not for injury are Izzy and Tom Stewart. Bradley Roberts had now emerged which will add another hurdle to Stewart coming back from injury and he's playing too well not to keep playing. Izzy's injury came at the wrong time, he was really adding a bit of physicality that we needed and his lineout didn't look bad for someone who's barely played the position. But as he said himself, he's barely played and he needs to play as much as possible to improve.

lawrencesummers · 18-09-2021 10:12am

Be interesting to see the approach Ulster take to Vermullen.

After coming back from an injury straight into the lions / Rugby Championship it might be prudent to give him some time off early in the season so he is hitting form later in the season.

Cant wait to see him in person, his defensive organisation skills for SA are a joy to watch. His reading of the game is top notch, anyone who thinks he is just a big unit to carry ball is going to completely underestimate his influence on the field.

bilston · 18-09-2021 10:36am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117907200#Comment_117907200

Only saw the first half. Did he go off injured? May have been an HIA?

lawrencesummers · 18-09-2021 10:41am

I had to go, only watched first half as well

launish116 · 18-09-2021 11:17am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117906581#Comment_117906581

It really is amazing how 2 signings can boost the moral of the fans! Our pack is slowly building.

Forwards

Loosehead - Only area of concern short term, with Reid's scrummaging suspect and not fully tested yet. The return of McGrath combined with some form could be the final piece of the puzzle.
Hooker - Seemed to be blessed here, ultimately Herring is first choice. But on the little we've seen of Roberts, there is going to be serious competition for a bench spot. That's not even including the constantly earmarked Stewart, hopefully he will finally over come injury and we might get to see some of him.
Tighthead - the cupboard aint so empty, Milasinovich needs to put his hand up now he is fit and show Ulster why he is here
2nd Row - Have we ever had so much depth? I know Treadwell/Izzy are injured but the siding of Kearny has been very smart. On what I've seen of Kearny he is exactly what we have lacked in a 2nd Row, I expect him to be used more than the stop gap fans maybe thought he was signed for. Hopefully he gets an extension, was very impressed with him and O'Connor pairing up.
Backrow - Another position we haven't had as much competition in who knows how long? albeit some fresh faces finally arriving. Blindside & open side to some degree are there for the taking. The addition of Vermeulen, means Rea Snr really needs to sort his consistency out or he could be leap frogged! I've never been a huge Jones fan, but he offers a little more now with Vermuelen/Kearny's ball carrying. Not to mention McCann can offer something different all together and will be wanting exposure. Sheridan albeit a second row currently, could turn out a very good blindside in the future.

All in all there is some serious competition in all positions, which can only raise the game a cross the line. With some actual academy players now appearing and a few more in the background ticking along. Balancing Vermuelen's game management/rotation will be interesting. Would really like to see a 6/2 split a few times.

Backs

Scrum half - Cooney is potentially out of contract at end of season and no international caps in sight, this season needs some forward planning. Shanahan has shown if he isn't stuck box kicking, he can seriously up the tempo and is almost like a new signing. We have Doak now in the rear mirror, skilled beyond his years, though more a Murray type scrum-half! if he can speed up his game we've won the lottery at 9 again. The outlier in Finlay, I really want to see him given opportunities. A Doak/Finlay head to head could potentially set Ulster for the next decade.
Outhalf - Burns/Madigan solid choices, with Madigan on the wind down. Will Lowry/Curtis be seen here a little more this season? is Burns the future or do we roll the dice and Lowry push on?
11-15 - to much to discuss. Some real young talent coming through. Biggest issue will be exposure and continuity. Competition is fierce and constant rotation is disruptive. The ulster factory continues to produce, with world class wingers, the ever impressing McIlroy (hopefully locking down 15) and that's not even considering Addison.

All together, we're definitely going in the right direction with a lot of young talent yet to mature. Will this be the season we stop thinking of Rea/McCann/Reid as academy players? and start looking over their shoulders at the next crop developing in the academy behind them.

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

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