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

launish116 · 12-12-2020 10:41am

Well last nite is over, always knew it was going to be a tough ask against a huge & star studded Toulouse.

We can be disappointed, but I’m very happy with that performance, yea maybe we could of won.

When you look at our injuries before and during the game. Seeing the likes of Jones & O’Connor slot in with minimal drop in performance must be recognised.

It’s hard not to be pleased but sad for the team. No shame in losing to Toulouse.

The real disappointment today is the A game isn’t being streamed!

bilston · 12-12-2020 10:47am

Thinking about last night...

Taking Herring off looked pre meditated, and yes Andrew has been great recently, but with Carter and Coetzee gone and Herring playing out of his skin, I think this was a mistake...I understand it, but at the time I raised an eyebrow, and with the benefit of hindsight I'm raising two!

Also, Id have brought Moore on for Hume when we were chasing the game in the last 15-10 minutes...Hume was pretty non existent last night in attack. Now I get you lose a bit defensively, but given the set up of the competition is a LBP at home really enough anyway?

In reality Europe was always among shot this year given the set up. No idea how many points you need to qualify, even getting to 12 will very hard now. I expect the French teams to go well this year. Secretly I'd quite like that Toulouse team to win it.

bilston · 12-12-2020 10:48am

launish116 wrote: »

Well last nite is over, always knew it was going to be a tough ask against a huge & star studded Toulouse.

We can be disappointed, but I’m very happy with that performance, yea maybe we could of won.

When you look at our injuries before and during the game. Seeing the likes of Jones & O’Connor slot in with minimal drop in performance must be recognised.

It’s hard not to be pleased but sad for the team. No shame in losing to Toulouse.

The real disappointment today is the A game isn’t being streamed!

Yeah, we played well, you can't fault anyone. There were a couple of moments where we could have done better...the difference is that in the Pro 14 you get away with it...against Dupont, Kolbe and Ntamack you don't...

launish116 · 12-12-2020 12:15pm

bilston wrote: »

Yeah, we played well, you can't fault anyone. There were a couple of moments where we could have done better...the difference is that in the Pro 14 you get away with it...against Dupont, Kolbe and Ntamack you don't...

Makes you wonder without Dan’s coaching with the same team/situation how big a defeat we would of had.

awec · 12-12-2020 12:49pm

What do we do now? A home defeat pretty much kills off any chance we have in this competition.

Do we rotate a bit more than usual in the upcoming euro games so that we can maybe field stronger-than-expected sides during the interpros?

sydthebeat · 12-12-2020 1:03pm

awec wrote: »

What do we do now?

Start planning on how to beat munster in Limerick in the pro xx semis

launish116 · 12-12-2020 1:03pm

Can’t really see Dan submitting and focusing on the Pro 14.

Though are hand could be forced, Coetzee & Carter may have HIA return to play protocols.

Gloucester could lose today as well I guess.

bilston · 12-12-2020 2:01pm

launish116 wrote: »

Can’t really see Dan submitting and focusing on the Pro 14.

Though are hand could be forced, Coetzee & Carter may have HIA return to play protocols.

Gloucester could lose today as well I guess.

Yeah...I don't think we give up the ghost just yet. But as awec says it is very unlikely we will qualify. Two BPs against Gloucester gets us to 11 and a LBP in Toulouse gets us to 12. That's the best I see us getting. We can't gauge yet what you need to finish top 4. But even winning in Gloucester will be tight if we are missing Carter and Coetzee, as well as the others.

bilston · 12-12-2020 2:02pm

awec wrote: »

What do we do now? A home defeat pretty much kills off any chance we have in this competition.

Do we rotate a bit more than usual in the upcoming euro games so that we can maybe field stronger-than-expected sides during the interpros?

I'd still go all out next week and see where the land lies after 2 rounds. The tournament is too unpredictable this year. But it's a very long shot

Paul Smeenus · 12-12-2020 2:10pm

Keep fighting the good fight. It's sport.

Let's say we deprioritised the HEC - let our young bucks have a crack. Use the games to try stuff out. And we get a 4 point win at home and a LBP or draw away to Gloucester.

Then, before we go to Toulouse, Dupont and Kolbe are injured. Or they get Covid and have to forfeit. Or one of their players gets a red card in the third minute.

You have an Ulster squad that can achieve nothing with a good result in France, because we decided not to try our best against Gloucester.

Paul Smeenus · 12-12-2020 7:15pm

Ulster A 22 Munster A 10

Encouragingly, two tries were from our second rows and one from Aaron Sexton that was apparently a bit special.

Locke_Lamora · 12-12-2020 7:30pm

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Ulster A 22 Munster A 10

Encouragingly, two tries were from our second rows and one from Aaron Sexton that was apparently a bit special.

Ulster A continuing to win while I'm not there to watch, great.

Would've really liked to see how that backline went, looks really dynamic.

Honestly I was expecting a handy enough Munster win - Darren Sweetnam, Dan Goggin, Chris Cloete and Tommy O'Donnell are all good pro14 players with European experience. We had are own players with experience, but not of their quality. Add in a deeper bench and prospects like Ahern, Crowley and O'Sullivan who I reckon will all be very good and they look to have a better team than us imo. So wins against Leinster and Munster now must mean we're doing something right.

Moxham and McMenamin standout as two names that will want to have impressed, given they don't have an academy contract and rugby games are hard to come by right now to show what they're capable of. Both two players who looked decent when I saw them but I was unsure of.

Paul Smeenus · 12-12-2020 7:55pm

https://www.ulsterrugby.com/report_nostats/match-report-ulster-a-22-munster-a-10/

Dog Botherer · 12-12-2020 8:44pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xSUVBsc0I4

launish116 · 12-12-2020 9:00pm

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

Honestly I was expecting a handy enough Munster win

Was thinking the same, that Munster team had plenty of senior experience.

Real shame they don’t stream these games or provide some form of highlights!

Has the boat sailed on McMenamin with Ulster contracting Cormac Izuchukwu? I know things can change, just seemed strange to sign up a 7s player before him, albeit Izuchukwu looks like an athlete!

Be interesting to hear how Saunderson & Bradley got on!

**Edit CEO John Petrie on Twitter saying highlights be out start of week and Ulster looking at streaming options for future games.

Locke_Lamora · 12-12-2020 9:21pm

launish116 wrote: »

Was thinking the same, that Munster team had plenty of senior experience.

Real shame they don’t stream these games or provide some form of highlights!

Has the boat sailed on McMenamin with Ulster contracting Cormac Izuchukwu? I know things can change, just seemed strange to sign up a 7s player before him, albeit Izuchukwu looks like an athlete!

Be interesting to hear how Saunderson & Bradley got on!

**Edit CEO John Petrie on Twitter saying highlights be out start of week and Ulster looking at streaming options for future games.

I thought McMenamin was a decent player but lacked size to be a pro 2nd rower last time I saw him. Izuchukwu signing certainly isn't a great sign for him, especially given Izuchukwu's unorthodox career so far.

Streaming would be great and might get more people interested. I'm not local to the usual pitches they use, so I'm not always excited to drive an hour to stand in a thunderstorm and watch the scarlets run in 7 or 8 tries against us.

bilston · 12-12-2020 10:17pm

Great result for the As. Looking forward to seeing the highlights

Paul Smeenus · 12-12-2020 11:46pm

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

I thought McMenamin was a decent player but lacked size to be a pro 2nd rower last time I saw him. Izuchukwu signing certainly isn't a great sign for him, especially given Izuchukwu's unorthodox career so far.

Streaming would be great and might get more people interested. I'm not local to the usual pitches they use, so I'm not always excited to drive an hour to stand in a thunderstorm and watch the scarlets run in 7 or 8 tries against us.

Izzy fits the parameters of what Ulster forwards are supposed to be under this coaching ticket - skillful, fast, good endurance - but whether he's a second row is seriously in question. So yeah, you've got to think they don't have a great deal of expectation for McMenamin.

On the other hand, the cupboard is bare at 4 and 5. I haven't seen anything from DOC that gives me any faith - although, in fairness, maybe he has to get to grips with the level of professional fitness and physicality. But, as things stand, if McMenamin or Izzy have anything about them, they could be on Pro14 benches by the end of the season.

Now that Dunleavy has disappeared over the horizon, Conor is potentially the first professional Ulster Rugby Donegal man, something I'd dearly love to see.

awec · 13-12-2020 12:10am

On last night I was impressed with Matty Rea. He did something that properly annoyed their 6 and that’s always a redeeming quality in my eyes.

Ok he messed up for one of their tries but he’s going the right direction.

Paul Smeenus · 13-12-2020 12:12am

awec wrote: »

On last night I was impressed with Matty Rea. He did something that properly annoyed their 6 and that’s always a redeeming quality in my eyes.

Ok he messed up for one of their tries but he’s going the right direction.

I genuinely have no idea why Murphy was originally to start ahead of him.

launish116 · 13-12-2020 12:13am

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

On the other hand, the cupboard is bare at 4 and 5. I haven't seen anything from DOC that gives me any faith - although, in fairness, maybe he has to get to grips with the level of professional fitness and physicality.

Didn’t think DOC overly let us down last night for someone with a handful of senior caps. He looks taller and more athletic than AOC. Keep telling myself it took AOC a season or two to show his worth and expect same with DOC. If he can get up to the same standard as his bro I think I’d be happy. With Hendy injured, foresee DOC getting a lot more game time now.

But, as things stand, if McMenamin or Izzy have anything about them, they could be on Pro14 benches by the end of the season.

Might be sooner than we think, could see them being used during inter-pros. We really. Can’t risk loosing any more locks long term.

awec · 13-12-2020 12:18am

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

I genuinely have no idea why Murphy was originally to start ahead of him.

Well I've not watched a lot of us this year, but what I have seen of Murphy has been thoroughly unimpressive.

I'd rather we invest time in Rea. Murphy will come good again, but he needs to earn it back.

Paul Smeenus · 13-12-2020 12:29am

https://www.bbc.com/sport/amp/rugby-union/55287238

Interview with Petrie.

Our income is down 50%. Surprised it's not more.

Sports NI has a fund of £25 milion available (don't think just for rugby). Petrie is keen that a significant part goes to grassroots, however.

Contract talk to hopefully start within the next month. They're hoping Coetzee stays "long-term".

Not in any rush to appoint Peel's successor. There are some younger Irish coaches that have been involved with them that they've been impressed with.

awec · 13-12-2020 12:42am

If the IRFU veto a long term contract for Coetzee then it's time for secession.

launish116 · 13-12-2020 12:45am

awec wrote: »

If the IRFU veto a long term contract for Coetzee then it's time for secession.

Really can’t see us being able to afford him! Be some serious French offers coming.

awec · 13-12-2020 12:46am

launish116 wrote: »

Really can’t see us being able to afford him! Be some serious French offers coming.

Sure with the amount of money the IRFU have pumped into Leinster over the years to ensure they keep all their best players they can do us a favour.

Maybe they can get Denis O'Brien to do us a nice turn.

Paul Smeenus · 13-12-2020 12:59am

On the A game - quite taken back by how old some of those Munster players are - guys I'd assumed were 20 or so. Liam O'Connor is 25, Salanoa's 23, Barron's 22, Liam Coombes' 23.

More impressed by the win seeing that.

launish116 · 13-12-2020 1:00am

Going to be about sustainability going forward. IRFU will look at Coetzee’s pay cheque as 2-3 squad players wages. Pissing us off hasn’t stopped them before. Which is a shame but really see a move towards internal player growth combined with provincial moves being pushed. Irony being the IRFU can now use COVID & financial concerns as a way of pushing/justifying it.

John Petrie stated
"It is really important for us as under Dan (McFarland) we have built a really strong squad and I say a squad because we have got a lot of good young Ulster talent coming through the ranks and playing really well for us.

"It is important we continue to invest in that group and see that grow and succeed over the next few years."

Will be a big push now to make as many of our academy make the step up. The players are there and financially it makes sense. If it works we have potential a decades worth of a squad back bone for once.

awec · 13-12-2020 1:11am

launish116 wrote: »

Going to be about sustainability going forward. IRFU will look at Coetzee’s pay cheque as 2-3 squad players wages. Pissing us off hasn’t stopped them before. Which is a shame but really see a move towards internal player growth combined with provincial moves being pushed. Irony being the IRFU can now use COVID & financial concerns as a way of pushing/justifying it.

John Petrie stated
"It is really important for us as under Dan (McFarland) we have built a really strong squad and I say a squad because we have got a lot of good young Ulster talent coming through the ranks and playing really well for us.

"It is important we continue to invest in that group and see that grow and succeed over the next few years."

Will be a big push now to make as many of our academy make the step up. The players are there and financially it makes sense. If it works we have potential a decades worth of a squad back bone for once.

Don't even joke about this launish, it'd be a bigger two fingers to Ulster Rugby than the Pienaar affair. He's our best player. The IRFU can quite genuinely go fcuk themselves if they try to short change us on this one.

They gave oul Denis a good shakedown to ensure that Leinster got their best player back, surely we can expect the same treatment?

Trim that obscene D4 squad and there'll be plenty of cash to keep us competitive.

If the IRFU tell us we need to ditch Coetzee then I am officially done because this game is completely rigged.

launish116 · 13-12-2020 1:30am

awec wrote: »

Don't even joke about this launish, it'd be a bigger two fingers to Ulster Rugby than the Pienaar affair. He's our best player. The IRFU can quite genuinely go fcuk themselves if they try to short change us on this one.

They gave oul Denis a good shakedown to ensure that Leinster got their best player back, surely we can expect the same treatment?

Trim that obscene D4 squad and there'll be plenty of cash to keep us competitive.

If the IRFU tell us we need to ditch Coetzee then I am officially done because this game is completely rigged.

Obviously it’s all hypothetically I just find it very suss for our CEO to state he hopes he remains at the club “in the long term” when he’s still in contract for two?? More seasons.

We all know how it will be portrayed, we’ve had x years to progress a natural no8 and haven’t.

Sounds like I’m trolling, but hard to begrudge him if he wanted to return to South Africa and a deal beneficial to all parties was done. Combined with our 50% reduction in finances, it doesn’t look good.

bilston · 13-12-2020 1:56am

I'd be amazed if Coetzee stays longer than his current contract...in fact part of me thinks it's 50/50 he stays beyond this season...that's just a gut feeling.

If we can't afford him, then we can't afford him. I reckon the IRFU priority will be spending its money on IQ players.

Of course there are big NIQs at Munster as well.

Dog Botherer · 13-12-2020 4:04am

full game

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVwzvYC-JBY

Burkie1203 · 13-12-2020 9:09am

awec wrote: »

Trim that obscene D4 squad and there'll be plenty of cash to keep us competitive.

If the IRFU tell us we need to ditch Coetzee then I am officially done because this game is completely rigged.

Bizarre take.

Kearney, McFadden, Tomane, Aungier, Salanoa, barry Daly. All gone since the end of last season. One loan signing as cover at TH. There has been plenty of trimming going on.

Fardy and maybe one or two others will go next June too and I don't see any high profile signings happening.

bilston wrote: »

Of course there are big NIQs at Munster as well.

Both DDA and RGS signed pre pandemic. Doubt they go ahead if contracts were not signed by then.

connemara man · 13-12-2020 10:04am

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Bizarre take.

Kearney, McFadden, Tomane, Aungier, Salanoa, barry Daly. All gone since the end of last season. One loan signing as cover at TH. There has been plenty of trimming going on.

Fardy and maybe one or two others will go next June too and I don't see any high profile signings happening.

Both DDA and RGS signed pre pandemic. Doubt they go ahead if contracts were not signed by then.

Kearney, McFadden, Tomane, Aungier, Salanoa, barry Daly
1 player of to OZ who wasn't guaranteed starting anymore, 1 retirement, 1 never central to how Leinster play, 3 squad depth.
Not the same as the player almost everything good comes from and can and has literally single handedly kept his team in matches

Burkie1203 · 13-12-2020 10:13am

connemara man wrote: »

Kearney, McFadden, Tomane, Aungier, Salanoa, barry Daly
1 player of to OZ who wasn't guaranteed starting anymore, 1 retirement, 1 never central to how Leinster play, 3 squad depth.
Not the same as the player almost everything good comes from and can and has literally single handedly kept his team in matches

is that a valid reason to punish Leinster because Ulster are so utterly dependent on one player then?

thomond2006 · 13-12-2020 10:19am

Burkie1203 wrote: »

is that a valid reason to punish Leinster because Ulster are so utterly dependent on one player then?

Oh no! Leinster are going to lose squad players again and win every game the following season! Nooooooooooooo.

launish116 · 13-12-2020 10:22am

bilston wrote: »

I'd be amazed if Coetzee stays longer than his current contract...in fact part of me thinks it's 50/50 he stays beyond this season...that's just a gut feeling.

If we can't afford him, then we can't afford him. I reckon the IRFU priority will be spending its money on IQ players.

Of course there are big NIQs at Munster as well.

Wouldn’t be grudge him a pay day or the opportunity to return to South Africa. As you say if we can’t afford him and in the current climate a buyout might be seen as a must.

Contract situation below and what such saving might be used for: (Credit to Richardt84 on UAFC below)

Senior contracts due to expire in 2021
Rob Herring
Iain Henderson
Kieran Treadwell
Alby Mathewson
Ian Madigan
Luke Marshall
Angus Curtis
Craig Gilroy
Louis Ludik

Senior contracts potentially due to expire in 2021
Eric O’Sullivan
Andrew Warwick
John Andrew
Adam McBurney
Ross Kane
Gareth Milasinovich
Alan O’Connor
David O’Connor
Sam Carter
Greg Jones
Nick Timoney
Marcus Rea
Dave Shanahan
Bill Johnston
Michael Lowry
Matt Faddes
Robert Baloucoune

connemara man · 13-12-2020 10:23am

Burkie1203 wrote: »

is that a valid reason to punish Leinster because Ulster are so utterly dependent on one player then?

You say punish I say treat other team's like Leinster. Leinster moved heaven and earth to get Johnny back from France mad pay deals backed up by outside backers. Have the highest amount of payroll help due to centrally contracted player's yeah a bit of an even playing field wouldn't go amiss

irishbucsfan · 13-12-2020 10:31am

The IRFU are not pumping money into Leinster. That’s hilariously sour and childish.

More international standard players will leave Leinster, like Murphy and McGrath, and I’m sure it’ll go totally unnoticed unless they’re tall handsome South Africans (maybe we can repackage Van Der Flier)

irishbucsfan · 13-12-2020 10:32am

connemara man wrote: »

You say punish I say treat other team's like Leinster. Leinster moved heaven and earth to get Johnny back from France mad pay deals backed up by outside backers. Have the highest amount of payroll help due to centrally contracted player's yeah a bit of an even playing field wouldn't go amiss

Sorry, if Leinster are getting outside backers to help them with Sexton, how exactly does that affect the IRFUs playing budget unfairly?

Surely Coetzee is the highest paid NIQ in the country (unless he has an atrocious agent)

Burkie1203 · 13-12-2020 10:49am

connemara man wrote: »

You say punish I say treat other team's like Leinster. Leinster moved heaven and earth to get Johnny back from France mad pay deals backed up by outside backers. Have the highest amount of payroll help due to centrally contracted player's yeah a bit of an even playing field wouldn't go amiss

Munster signed two Springbok RWC winners.

Leinster got Ciaran Parker on a 3 month loan

But yeah Coetzee leaving Ulster if he is pushed is somehow Leinsters fault.

bilston · 13-12-2020 10:52am

launish116 wrote: »

Wouldn’t be grudge him a pay day or the opportunity to return to South Africa. As you say if we can’t afford him and in the current climate a buyout might be seen as a must.

Contract situation below and what such saving might be used for: (Credit to Richardt84 on UAFC below)

Senior contracts due to expire in 2021
Rob Herring
Iain Henderson
Kieran Treadwell
Alby Mathewson
Ian Madigan
Luke Marshall
Angus Curtis
Craig Gilroy
Louis Ludik

Senior contracts potentially due to expire in 2021
Eric O’Sullivan
Andrew Warwick
John Andrew
Adam McBurney
Ross Kane
Gareth Milasinovich
Alan O’Connor
David O’Connor
Sam Carter
Greg Jones
Nick Timoney
Marcus Rea
Dave Shanahan
Bill Johnston
Michael Lowry
Matt Faddes
Robert Baloucoune

Frankly those contracts are more important than Coetzee's! He's good, but he can't cover 15 positions!

launish116 · 13-12-2020 10:59am

bilston wrote: »

Frankly those contracts are more important than Coetzee's! He's good, but he can't cover 15 positions!

All going to be about sustainability going forward.

Be some more fat cut this season.

Really can’t justify a NIQ in backline with our current academy talent emerging anymore.

Going to be a serious push to maximise return from academy going forward, combined with interprovincial movement.

thomond2006 · 13-12-2020 11:14am

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Munster signed two Springbok RWC winners.

Leinster got Ciaran Parker on a 3 month loan

But yeah Coetzee leaving Ulster if he is pushed is somehow Leinsters fault.

Leinster don't need more players. You can't win more than every game!

bayern · 13-12-2020 11:15am

thomond2006 wrote: »

Leinster don't need more players. You can't win more than every game!

Leinster didn't win every game they played last season.

Paul Smeenus · 13-12-2020 11:24am

bayern wrote: »

Leinster didn't win every game they played last season.

True. Choked when it mattered.

bilston · 13-12-2020 11:27am

launish116 wrote: »

All going to be about sustainability going forward.

Be some more fat cut this season.

Really can’t justify a NIQ in backline with our current academy talent emerging anymore.

Going to be a serious push to maximise return from academy going forward, combined with interprovincial movement.

Yeah, I would be surprised if Faddes got a new contract, although he has been better this year, but we have loads of talent coming through in the backs.

Ludik will probably retire.

Angus Curtis may be under pressure to get a new contract, maybe even Craig Gilroy, although personally I'd keep him on. I'm undecided on Matthewson.

Herring, Henderson, Treadwell, Madigan and Marshall should all get new contracts, although Luke's injury is a worry.

Of the bottom list I'd want most of them kept on.

If Faddes, Ludik, Curtis and Mathewson moved on that would save a good whack of cash. But we'd probably need to replace Matthewson, which is why I'm undecided on him. Will Finlay or Doak be ready to step up next season?

Buer · 13-12-2020 11:27am

thomond2006 wrote: »

Leinster don't need more players. You can't win more than every game!

But is that enough?

Locke_Lamora · 13-12-2020 12:19pm

bilston wrote: »

Yeah, I would be surprised if Faddes got a new contract, although he has been better this year, but we have loads of talent coming through in the backs.

Ludik will probably retire.

Angus Curtis may be under pressure to get a new contract, maybe even Craig Gilroy, although personally I'd keep him on. I'm undecided on Matthewson.

Herring, Henderson, Treadwell, Madigan and Marshall should all get new contracts, although Luke's injury is a worry.

Of the bottom list I'd want most of them kept on.

If Faddes, Ludik, Curtis and Mathewson moved on that would save a good whack of cash. But we'd probably need to replace Matthewson, which is why I'm undecided on him. Will Finlay or Doak be ready to step up next season?

Faddes just hasn't made the impact I hoped he would given what money he is probably on. He's a good player but money needs to be invested a little more intelligently now.

Don't think Matthewson was ever supposed to be here long term anyway, so I'd be happy enough with him leaving even if that means Shanahan is second choice for another year. Finlay and Doak should be fine as third choice 9's. Don't think Hugh O'Sullivan in Leinster or Nick McCarthy in Munster have been great third choice options either, although the other provinces all have good second choice 9's available, so it's less of a worry for them.

Curtis couldn't be on a lot of money given he graduated from the academy last year. I wouldn't be surprised if he's kept on as he can cover 10 in a pinch, but wouldn't be upset if he looked elsewhere.

launish116 · 13-12-2020 12:24pm

bilston wrote: »

Angus Curtis may be under pressure to get a new contract, maybe even Craig Gilroy, although personally I'd keep him on. I'm undecided on Matthewson.

If Faddes, Ludik, Curtis and Mathewson moved on that would save a good whack of cash. But we'd probably need to replace Matthewson, which is why I'm undecided on him. Will Finlay or Doak be ready to step up next season?

Curtis could be, clearly a talented guy just looking like size wise he isn't going to cope at senior level.

Mathewson has just turned 35, he has been very good for us and possibly one year to help mentor and bring Finlay on is what is needed. Shanahan is almost a hinderance now in academy development.

I really like Faddes, he has improved and has the talent. Though he just can't seem to catch a break, made two big mistakes against Toulose. If it was a case of resigning him or Gilroy. I think his versality might pinch it and be a replacement for Ludik until more of the academy solidify their position.

McGrath is causing me concern, we really aren't getting value for money. He is a shadow of his former self, rarely making back to back games or fit. In comparison to Moore who has I think x3 the Ulster Caps.

Wonder will we have a slimmed down academy intake this year and catch up next year, due to lack of game time and player on show.

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

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