Could or Should Stephen Ferris play Second Row?

by red_stag Tue 13 Sep 2011, 10:06 am

First topic message reminder :

I don't think Ulster can afford to take him out of backrow and I also think that they have sufficient second rows. However there is a chance that Ireland need international locks and will look at some more alternative ideas.

At 6 foot 4 inches, he wouldn't be the biggest lock. Certainly if we are looking at a strong lineout weapon. However rugby is a diverse game.

Does Ferris have the skill set to play second row? Should Ireland look to try it out in the same way that Wales have done with Ryan Jones in the past or Leinster have done with McLaughlin. What would the consequences be for Ulster should that happen?

by **rodders** Mon 24 Oct 2011, 4:22 pm

I tell you what it's about time the IRFU and Kidney watched 'No country for old men'.....

by red_stag Mon 24 Oct 2011, 4:25 pm

In all seriousness I don't think BOD has the body for it anymore. We lack a strike runner in midfield (like he used to be) and I think a big call like that would send a powerful message.

by **rodders** Mon 24 Oct 2011, 4:36 pm

Stag theres a pattern there in all the other teams. Look at Rougerie against NZ. Everything Wales does is built around Roberts. Nonu for NZ. Tuilagi for England. All the other top sides have serious pace and power in the centres.

Distribution skills are all well and good but if you can't make breaks through midfield then you are going to be up against it.

by red_stag Mon 24 Oct 2011, 4:38 pm

Exactly, I like idea of Darcy there so as to ease the transition and also I think that the alternatives aren't ready yet. The I like idea of dropping BOD and giving him Leinster captaincy.

by Hookisms and Hyperbole Mon 24 Oct 2011, 4:41 pm

Standulstermen wrote:It was Dominic Ryan that Conor O'Shea was referring to. I like the idea but Ryan has not shown enough form to warrant inclusion. Of the young ones O'Mahoney seems to have made the best start to the season.

Hookisms

I would love to agree wholeheartedly with you but i cant. Faloon isnt big enough for international rugby. The season he broke through he was 14st 2lbs and i havent seen him bulk up notably. Its interesting that the Ulster website lists him at over 18st (which incidiently goes to show how reliable it has become).

I think Willie Faloon is Ulsters best 7 and he should be starting. I agree his support play is a good facet of his game. His tackling hasnt maintained the standard he set for it imo and he gives away penalties in stupid positions for ulster which has cost them this season. I would love to see him get a run with Ulster and show his worth but i just cant see him ever being top class. He is 25 now i think so the likes of Ryan, Ruddock and O'Mahoney have 3/4 years on him.

I disagree on the size issue as well. There are obvious exceptions but rugby players are getting bigger and bigger. The fact that they are mobile with it doesnt mean they arent bigger. Warburton is easily 16st and change, as is Brussouw, McCaw etc.
I would love to be wrong as Faloon is easily Ulsters best 7 but i cant see him making it.

You may be totally correct- my desire for Faloon to be considered may be a wanton desperation for a proper 7. You still have to play guys who are good enough at international level. I think Faloon could be. Ruddock has a lot of potential but what does he actually do for Leinster? What are his strengths? Ryan doesn't appear to have progressed much and I haven't seen enough of O'Mahoney to comment but I hear good things. I think until the first two or third matches of the European Cup we won't really have any idea if anyone has the potential to come into the side and break up established partnership. You can't play for Ireland if you can't get into your provincial side *cough* McFadden *cough*

by Standulstermen Mon 24 Oct 2011, 8:33 pm

Hookisms

All of what you say is spot on. I had high hopes for Faloon when he burst onto the scene and then even more so when Pollock retired. i hope he is able to have a storming season but right now there is no guarantee he will be in the Ulster squad for the heineken. With Ferris back i see him losing out. Shame really.

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