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

launish116 · 22-05-2019 10:35am

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.

bilston · 22-05-2019 12:59pm

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Maybe we could give Cronin a net to throw over him? He'd be pretty safe then.

Hahahaha

bilston · 22-05-2019 1:00pm

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.

launish116 · 22-05-2019 1:21pm

bilston wrote: »

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.

I know he's very good, I have a funny feeling McFarland will do a McPhilips on him though.

I just keep thinking his style is more and more suited from the bench in a more open game, can't see him happy with that role.

jacothelad · 22-05-2019 3:46pm

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 · 22-05-2019 8:29pm

Busby, Owens and Nelson gone.

bilston · 22-05-2019 9:15pm

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.

Utah_Saint · 22-05-2019 9:33pm

Ian Nagle also

bilston · 22-05-2019 10:01pm

And Caleb Montgomery

jacothelad · 22-05-2019 10:14pm

Utah_Saint wrote: »

Ian Nagle also

Pity. He played out of his skin at times.

Squidgy Black · 22-05-2019 11:19pm

Surprised at Nagle being released, he's been confirmed as leaving Leinster so is without a contract. Thought he played quite well at times for Ulster.

Paul Smeenus · 22-05-2019 11:26pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

Surprised at Nagle being released, he's been confirmed as leaving Leinster so is without a contract. Thought he played quite well at times for Ulster.

Rumour was that Ulster were happy to keep him on, but he knew, with Carter coming, that he'd be pretty far down the foodchain. He's supposed to be away to Zebre?

mogwai81 · 29-05-2019 7:20am

Stockdale mentioned on the RTE podcast that if he had a choice he would choose fullback over wing. I'm aware that in the past players like Earls and Fitzgerald have made similar statements, even though they were more suited to wing, but I like the idea of Stockdale at fullback post World Cup.
I think his positional sense will improve with games, his defence has improved since his early Ireland appearances and will continue too under Farrell. Plus I think he showed in his battle with Adam Byrne recently that he's more then capable under the high ball.
The idea of an Ulster back three with 15. Stockdale, 14. Baloucoune/Faddes, 11. Lyttle/Gilroy and an Irish back three of
15. Stockdale, 14. Larmour, 11. Lowe/Earls is really exciting!

jacothelad · 29-05-2019 8:17am

mogwai81 wrote: »

Stockdale mentioned on the RTE podcast that if he had a choice he would choose fullback over wing. I'm aware that in the past players like Earls and Fitzgerald have made similar statements, even though they were more suited to wing, but I like the idea of Stockdale at fullback post World Cup.
I think his positional sense will improve with games, his defence has improved since his early Ireland appearances and will continue too under Farrell. Plus I think he showed in his battle with Adam Byrne recently that he's more then capable under the high ball.
The idea of an Ulster back three with 15. Stockdale, 14. Baloucoune/Faddes, 11. Lyttle/Gilroy and an Irish back three of
15. Stockdale, 14. Larmour, 11. Lowe/Earls is really exciting!

Baloucoune is an absolute novice but doesn't look like it. I think he could be better than them all. He certainly has the pace to burn them all off. His acceleration is incredible, he is a good tackler and gets into good positions in defence. Lyttle seems to me to be a fantastic talent too and his goal kicking is top notch. I suspect he would be a scrum half of great talent. Then of course coming up on the rails is Aaron Sexton...still an unknown quantity of course but 10.4 for 100 m at 17 or 18 is serious stuff. Speed in itself isn't enough but it's a hell of a start.

Paul Smeenus · 29-05-2019 8:26am

The way Baloucoune has slotted in is impressive. Has dealt with the responsibility very well. If Lyttle can stay fit we have good back three stocks, especially considering Addison can slot in at15.

Utah_Saint · 29-05-2019 9:44am

could you imagine a back line of Balaucoune - Stockdale - Lyttle bloody hell....with Sexton on the bench for the last 15mins to blitz tiring defences. If those guys outside Stockdale kick on next year it could be the irish back 3 for years to come....!

launish116 · 29-05-2019 12:30pm

Everyone fit in the backline next season is going to cause some serious selection headaches. So many combinations!

Utah_Saint · 29-05-2019 1:16pm

launish116 wrote: »

Everyone fit in the backline next season is going to cause some serious selection headaches. So many combinations!

I suspect one of Gilroy or Lyttle may need to leave...

Gilroy, Lyttle, Faddes, Balaucoune, Stockadale, Lowry, Ludik, Kernohan & at a push Addison (although he appears to be a 13 now). Quite a few players with only one away with Ireland

Utah_Saint · 29-05-2019 1:21pm

Stu having a bad run of it....:D

bilston · 29-05-2019 2:01pm

Stockdale was very good at full back against Edinburgh a few weeks ago. It's definitely one to watch.

We have a fair bit of depth at 11, 13, 14 and 15 next season. Hopefully Angus Curtis comes back from injury and steps up and gives us another option at 12. Likewise Bill Johnston at 10.

Utah_Saint · 29-05-2019 2:34pm

bilston wrote: »

Stockdale was very good at full back against Edinburgh a few weeks ago. It's definitely one to watch.

We have a fair bit of depth at 11, 13, 14 and 15 next season. Hopefully Angus Curtis comes back from injury and steps up and gives us another option at 12. Likewise Bill Johnston at 10.

Curtis looks like a quality player but is he maybe a little small for a 12? listed as 5ft 8.5inches

bilston · 29-05-2019 2:37pm

Utah_Saint wrote: »

Curtis looks like a quality player but is he maybe a little small for a 12? listed as 5ft 8.5inches

Maybe, I hadn't really thought of his size as being an issue.

I think Hume has the makings of a decent 12. He is a very good passer and can kick. He doesn't appear to be the quickest centre in the world so 12 may suit him better anyway, particularly with Marshall, Addison and possibly Faddes at 13, not forgetting Stewart Moore in the Academy.

Jump_In_Jack · 29-05-2019 2:55pm

Utah_Saint wrote: »

Curtis looks like a quality player but is he maybe a little small for a 12? listed as 5ft 8.5inches

You're confusing the two brothers I think,
Angus is an out-half converted by Ulster to a centre, 5'10", 14 stone
Graham is a scrum-half, 5'9", 13 stone 5lb

Utah_Saint · 29-05-2019 3:52pm

Jump_In_Jack wrote: »

You're confusing the two brothers I think,
Angus is an out-half converted by Ulster to a centre, 5'10", 14 stone
Graham is a scrum-half, 5'9", 13 stone 5lb

Ulster have him listed as 1.78m (angus)

KevinK · 29-05-2019 4:16pm

Utah_Saint wrote: »

Ulster have him listed as 1.78m (angus)

I think 1.78m is about 5 10

Jump_In_Jack · 29-05-2019 4:51pm

KevinK wrote: »

I think 1.78m is about 5 10

1.78m is 5'10" (Angus)
1.74m would be 5' 8.5" (Graham is 1.75)

P.Walnuts · 01-06-2019 4:36pm

Aaron Sexton set new 100m and 200m schoolboy records today.....

stephen_n · 01-06-2019 6:04pm

Having him and baloucoune on the wings with Stockdale at 15 would be a fairly dangerous back three for any team to handle.

mogwai81 · 01-06-2019 11:44pm

stephen_n wrote: »

Having him and baloucoune on the wings with Stockdale at 15 would be a fairly dangerous back three for any team to handle.[/

Is he a good rugby player or just lightning quick and people hope the rest will come? I haven’t see much of him to make a judgment.

awec · 01-06-2019 11:46pm

mogwai81 wrote: »

stephen_n wrote: »

Having him and baloucoune on the wings with Stockdale at 15 would be a fairly dangerous back three for any team to handle.

Is he a good rugby player or just lightning quick and people hope the rest will come? I haven’t see much of him to make a judgment.

He's good at rugby.

Hands Like Flippers · 02-06-2019 12:07am

awec wrote: »

He's good at rugby.

Mmm. He will be but the mcb 15 was a far better 15 this year.

02-06-2019 10:36am

Part of me would like to see him commit to athletics for a year or two. He could be something almost unique for Ireland in that regards, has all the genetics to be a finalist at World level and we rarely if ever produce athletes like that. That's if he chose to represent Ireland, plenty of NI athletes compete for team GB.

If he's going with the rugby I really hope he turns into a sensational player as it's a waste of that kind of speed otherwise.

connemara man · 02-06-2019 10:37am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Part of me would like to see him commit to athletics for a year or two. He could be something almost unique for Ireland in that regards, has all the genetics to be a finalist at World level and we rarely if ever produce athletes like that. That's if he chose to represent Ireland, plenty of NI athletes compete for team GB.

If he's going with the rugby I really hope he turns into a sensational player as it's a waste of that kind of speed otherwise.

Perfect for 7s mind.

stephen_n · 02-06-2019 10:44am

Deleted User wrote: »

Part of me would like to see him commit to athletics for a year or two. He could be something almost unique for Ireland in that regards, has all the genetics to be a finalist at World level and we rarely if ever produce athletes like that. That's if he chose to represent Ireland, plenty of NI athletes compete for team GB.

If he's going with the rugby I really hope he turns into a sensational player as it's a waste of that kind of speed otherwise.

Having no knowledge of this, would rugby not be a bigger draw purely for financial reasons? Unless he’s going to be winning at an Olympic level that is.

02-06-2019 11:08am

stephen_n wrote: »

Having no knowledge of this, would rugby not be a bigger draw purely for financial reasons? Unless he’s going to be winning at an Olympic level that is.

Yup, no comparison financially unless he becomes a big name at world level.

jacothelad · 02-06-2019 11:24am

Deleted User wrote: »

Part of me would like to see him commit to athletics for a year or two. He could be something almost unique for Ireland in that regards, has all the genetics to be a finalist at World level and we rarely if ever produce athletes like that. That's if he chose to represent Ireland, plenty of NI athletes compete for team GB.

If he's going with the rugby I really hope he turns into a sensational player as it's a waste of that kind of speed otherwise.

The problem for the few U.K. and Ireland guys who might have that ability is that in the U.S. and other places this sort of performance or better is ten a penny. African American and guys of Afro-Caribbean decent have genetic advantage over us slow twitch donkeys. Sexton wouldn't be outstanding in most U.S.high schools.

Squidgy Black · 02-06-2019 11:40am

Sexton is fast at an Irish level and maybe even European, but I'm not sure if he's up there at the top level to be competing in Olympic events and getting medals at the top level, so it'd be a no-brainer for him to choose rugby and reap the financial rewards.

He'll be competing at the European U20 events this summer which will be the real display of how he's placed outside of Ireland.

bilston · 02-06-2019 1:02pm

Hands Like Flippers wrote: »

Mmm. He will be but the mcb 15 was a far better 15 this year.

Maybe that says more about Ethan McIlroy than anything else.

Aaron Sexton scored 7 tries on the wing for Ulster A as a schoolboy. You don't do that if you aren't talented

Hopefully they are both excellent prospects. We could do with a homegrown natural 15. It's been a while since we produced one.

typhoony · 02-06-2019 9:33pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

Sexton is fast at an Irish level and maybe even European, but I'm not sure if he's up there at the top level to be competing in Olympic events and getting medals at the top level, so it'd be a no-brainer for him to choose rugby and reap the financial rewards.

He'll be competing at the European U20 events this summer which will be the real display of how he's placed outside of Ireland.

he's the fastest athlete at under 20's in Europe this year.

Hands Like Flippers · 03-06-2019 12:18am

typhoony wrote: »

he's the fastest athlete at under 20's in Europe this year.

https://www.thepowerof10.info/rankings/rankinglist.aspx?event=200&agegroup=ALL&sex=M&year=2019

Irish Schools results not shown yet but when they are his time will appear at the bottom but you can see where 20.69 ranks against all the senior men in the UK.

Hands Like Flippers · 03-06-2019 12:19am

Hands Like Flippers wrote: »

https://www.thepowerof10.info/rankings/rankinglist.aspx?event=200&agegroup=ALL&sex=M&year=2019

Irish Schools results not shown yet but when they are his time will appear at the bottom but you can see where 20.69 ranks against all the senior men in the UK.

Same for 100m

https://www.thepowerof10.info/rankings/rankinglist.aspx?event=100&agegroup=ALL&sex=M&year=2019

Sinbad_NI · 03-06-2019 3:27pm

jacothelad wrote: »

... African American and guys of Afro-Caribbean decent have genetic advantage over us slow twitch donkeys.
...

Unfortunately I think the lack of adequate PED controls in certain counties are exponentially more important than that.

Paul Smeenus · 03-06-2019 3:29pm

Ulster Rugby has confirmed that nine players who started the 2018/19 season in the Abbey Insurance Ulster Rugby Academy have now signed upgraded contracts ahead of the 2019/20 season.

Angus Curtis and Tom O’Toole, who were awarded development contracts earlier in the season, have now signed senior deals, with Michael Lowry and Eric O’Sullivan also rewarded with senior contracts. Robert Baloucoune, James Hume, Angus Kernohan, Zack McCall and Marcus Rea have all put pen to paper on development deals.

It has been a notable season for Ulster’s Academy players, who contributed an outstanding total of 111 appearances across the Guinness PRO14 and Heineken Champions Cup.

Wonder if Zack McCall's contract upgrade is any reflection on McBurney. Does he have a senior contract?

Squidgy Black · 03-06-2019 4:10pm

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Wonder if Zack McCall's contract upgrade is any reflection on McBurney. Does he have a senior contract?

Was given a senior contract at the start of this season.

Will be interesting to see what happens at hooker. The depth chart is probably looking like:

1. Herring
2. Andrews
3. McBurney
4. McCall

But I can see 2-4 rotating very easily depending on form etc

Paul Smeenus · 03-06-2019 4:23pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

Was given a senior contract at the start of this season.

Will be interesting to see what happens at hooker. The depth chart is probably looking like:

1. Herring
2. Andrews
3. McBurney
4. McCall

But I can see 2-4 rotating very easily depending on form etc

Think Andrews is very good for a third choice hooker. But need McBurney to start challenging and delivering.

Hands Like Flippers · 03-06-2019 4:29pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

Was given a senior contract at the start of this season.

Will be interesting to see what happens at hooker. The depth chart is probably looking like:

1. Herring
2. Andrews
3. McBurney
4. McCall

But I can see 2-4 rotating very easily depending on form etc

5. Stewart.

stl.ire · 03-06-2019 4:39pm

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Wonder if Zack McCall's contract upgrade is any reflection on McBurney. Does he have a senior contract?

Ulster will probably need 4 contracted hookers next year anyway.

Herring will be a Ireland camps and may even make the World Cup squad (at minimum on standby) so could have a significant lay off at the start of next season.

launish116 · 04-06-2019 5:42pm

England v Ireland U20 7pm onwards Eir Sport

Moore, Allison , McCann, Hughes, Kernohan all starting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ1m_8kQgjM

Digifriendly · 04-06-2019 9:58pm

launish116 wrote: »

England v Ireland U20 7pm onwards Eir Sport

Moore, Allison , McCann, Hughes, Kernohan all starting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ1m_8kQgjM

This match was geo blocked on Eir Sport for N. Ireland viewers as are all Eir Sports maches but not geo blocked on Youtube or on IRB website. Irony is that geo blocking is due to ITV holding UK rights and ITV only show highlights late at night for pool games and don't show live coverage until the semi-finals.

bilston · 04-06-2019 10:11pm

launish116 wrote: »

England v Ireland U20 7pm onwards Eir Sport

Moore, Allison , McCann, Hughes, Kernohan all starting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ1m_8kQgjM

David McCann could turn out to be a real keeper. Allison looks very athletic, albeit there were a couple of errors. Promising signs for the future of the Ulster back row.

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

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