Ulster Vs Clermont teams

First topic message reminder :


1)T Court,
2)R Best
3)J Afoa
4)J Muller (capt)
5)D Tuohy
6)S Ferris
7)C Henry
8)P Wannenburg:

15)S Terblanche
14)A Trimble
13)I Whitten
12)P Wallace
11)C Gilroy
10)I Humphreys
9)R Pienaar;

Replacements (16-23): A Kyriacou, C Black, A Macklin, L Stevenson, W Faloon, P Marshall, N Spence, A D'Arcy

Unavailable due to injury: Jared Payne (achilles), Declan Fitzpatrick (neck), Peter Nelson (knee), Darren Cave (foot

glad to see whitten in the centres as i fell he has really earned his spot, not so sure about the humphreys call as he has been so up and down recently, but i suppose why mess about with a formula that has got us this far, just hope marshy gets a good run out off the bench, i dont know why paddy Mac isnt on the bench as he seem to have recovered from injury and would have been a safer option than Macklin, probably due to lack of game time.

i really think we can win this one, its going to take everything we have but these boys are on fire at the moment and are on the verge of doing something really special for ulster rugby!

not sure of the Clermont line up yet but i will update this topic when it is released!

Standulstermen wrote:The only thing i can contrast him with is the Portuguese footballer Pepe who plays for Real Madrid.

I used to play and i have never rated the guy (much to others shock) but i thought he was far too soft to play central defence. I watch a Real/Barca game on wednesday and i have to say he epitomises everything that is wrong with the game of football to the point where i actually wish the ability to play where taken away from him (injury etc).

That is a wildly harsh way to think but this guy brings it out in me and i think that in general most footballers need something like this to happen to them at some point so they can understand that once upon a time they actually played sport because they loved it and not because they were paid to do it.

Parra is the closest thing i come to thinking that about rugby (although it is close at all). I fear that rugby will go the same way (but to a lesser extent). sorry for the rant by the way but wanted to mention it at some point and that was as good a window as any (and it had nothing to do with todays game).

In fairness, I think that Pepe was just born without a brain. He is a lunatic.

MrsP wrote:He does look like an annoying wee twerp right enough. But he wouldn't be the first scrum half to be described that way!

Ulster's gents being the exceptions of course!

So, who's the nicest to deal with then?

Thierry Dusatoir by a country mile, absolute gent.

valjester wrote:

Standulstermen wrote:The only thing i can contrast him with is the Portuguese footballer Pepe who plays for Real Madrid.

I used to play and i have never rated the guy (much to others shock) but i thought he was far too soft to play central defence. I watch a Real/Barca game on wednesday and i have to say he epitomises everything that is wrong with the game of football to the point where i actually wish the ability to play where taken away from him (injury etc).

That is a wildly harsh way to think but this guy brings it out in me and i think that in general most footballers need something like this to happen to them at some point so they can understand that once upon a time they actually played sport because they loved it and not because they were paid to do it.

Parra is the closest thing i come to thinking that about rugby (although it is close at all). I fear that rugby will go the same way (but to a lesser extent). sorry for the rant by the way but wanted to mention it at some point and that was as good a window as any (and it had nothing to do with todays game).

In fairness, I think that Pepe was just born without a brain. He is a lunatic.

Well indeed. I would just despair if Rugby went that far in that direction.

MrsP wrote:He does look like an annoying wee twerp right enough. But he wouldn't be the first scrum half to be described that way!

Ulster's gents being the exceptions of course!

It's true though. We have the nicest scrum halves!

They are great lads.

Well there was a lot of diving.

Oscars all around.

Standulstermen wrote:

valjester wrote:

Standulstermen wrote:The only thing i can contrast him with is the Portuguese footballer Pepe who plays for Real Madrid.

I used to play and i have never rated the guy (much to others shock) but i thought he was far too soft to play central defence. I watch a Real/Barca game on wednesday and i have to say he epitomises everything that is wrong with the game of football to the point where i actually wish the ability to play where taken away from him (injury etc).

That is a wildly harsh way to think but this guy brings it out in me and i think that in general most footballers need something like this to happen to them at some point so they can understand that once upon a time they actually played sport because they loved it and not because they were paid to do it.

Parra is the closest thing i come to thinking that about rugby (although it is close at all). I fear that rugby will go the same way (but to a lesser extent). sorry for the rant by the way but wanted to mention it at some point and that was as good a window as any (and it had nothing to do with todays game).

In fairness, I think that Pepe was just born without a brain. He is a lunatic.

Well indeed. I would just despair if Rugby went that far in that direction.

We haven't gone that far yet but it is disappointing to see bits creeping in. I don't mind the little
things on the pitch so long as it stays the same in the stands. I would despair if it ever got to the
stage where we had to have segregated fans and we weren't able to mix with the opposition fans
and have the craic before, during and after.

Well played Clermont. You are so so dangerous, and capitalise on any mistake made. You have some real fliers in your side. However, that has to be one of the most shocking displays of refereeing I have ever seen in any rugby match (amateur or pro). Awful at the breakdown for both teams, inconsistent decisions, and some just plain wrong ones. The linesmen/officials must have been blind also. For the try, Henry was taken out off the ball, as if it was a game of american football or something, leaving the try scorer with a perfect gap to score. I think Clermont won fair and square, I mean they played the referee better than we did. But the refereeing was absolutely disgraceful IMO.

But sure. Anybody watch this in the Europa?

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Well played Clermont. You are so so dangerous, and capitalise on any mistake made. You have some real fliers in your side. However, that has to be one of the most shocking displays of refereeing I have ever seen in any rugby match (amateur or pro). Awful at the breakdown for both teams, inconsistent decisions, and some just plain wrong ones. The linesmen/officials must have been blind also. For the try, Henry was taken out off the ball, as if it was a game of american football or something, leaving the try scorer with a perfect gap to score. I think Clermont won fair and square, I mean they played the referee better than we did. But the refereeing was absolutely disgraceful IMO.

But sure. Anybody watch this in the Europa?

Not in the Europa rory but the bar was buzzing so i imagine the Europa did a fair trade as well. Yes of course the try should have been chalked off but these things often go for the home side. Its the nature of the game. We have to look back at the leicester game and say had we got the BP there we would have one. Similarly if we had denied Clermont the LBP at Ravenhill. This will make us stronger and if geoffs tight-lippedness is anything to go by hopefully we will be strengthening the squad yet again this season.

We arent dont yet by a long shot and an all Irish QF should be a belter. We will learn and move on. Now for the rabo and to make sure we have a semi final (hopefully at home) to look forward to.

Is the "crisis" still on going



Well done and best of luck against Leinster. Worst of luck if you face Munster

Are you saying they'll only need luck against Leinster?

red_stag wrote:Is the "crisis" still on going



Well done and best of luck against Leinster. Worst of luck if you face Munster

We're only a couple of defeats away from it Stag.

Notch wrote:Here's a Rory Best interview;

http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchdaytv/play/media/id/10592

Great interview from Best. In the cold light of day I have to say that was a fantastic performance and what we've achieved by qualifying from that pool is amazing..far beyond what I hoped for when the pool was drawn. We went toe to toe with maybe the best team in Europe yesterday and could of and perhaps should of won. That is a quantum leap forward, we are right up there with the very best now.

A poor refereeing call and mistakes from key individuals cost us. IHumph running the ball when we had the penalty in front of the sticks, the poor floated miss pass when Trimble should have scored in the corner, Terblanche giving the penalty at the ruck 5m from the Clermont line, Muller conceding the penalty for descent, Pienaar missing the place kicks, Rory Bests crooked throw, the poor restarts.....

If even one or two of those incidents had of been erdicated we would have won, and possibly comfortably too!

We shouldn't fear anyone in the QF, we've gone into the toughest cauldren in Europe and more than held our own. It makes me well up thinking about it!

SUFTUM!!

We can hold our heads high that was as good as anyone has done there.

The only reason we lost is because we were in rarified atmosphere we are not used to and lacked the composure, especially in the last 10 mins, when we needed it. We will have learnt a hell of a lot from that game and will be stronger for it.

Make no mistake we are far from out of it and Leinster or Munster have a game on their hands.
What the last two games have done is given the squad a self belief - we will fear no one going forward.

Is that the best result any Irish team have managed down there?

Certainly better than either Leinster or Munster acheived the years they had ASM in their group. And they both went on to win the trophy those years!

In fact, I think it's the best result ANYONE has managed there in this competition since 2008!

How will this affect Ulsters seeding next year,are you likely to make it to 2nd seeds or do you need to make the semis.It would give you a great chance next year as while being 2nd seeds doesn't guarantee you won't have a really tough group being 3rd seeds guarantees you will.

MrsP wrote:Is that the best result any Irish team have managed down there?

Certainly better than either Leinster or Munster acheived the years they had ASM in their group. And they both went on to win the trophy those years!

In fact, I think it's the best result ANYONE has managed there in this competition since 2008!

I'm pretty sure both Leinster and Munster managed to get bonus point losses down there as well. Not sure if they were as close but they were definitely within 7.

So unlucky in the end - this match was there for the taking - still cant complain as we've qualified from this group. Thats two seasons in a row we've made the HC QF's, lets make a habit of it

ASM 20 v 13 Leinster in 2010/11
ASM 23 v 13 Munster in 2008/09
ASM 26 v 19 Munster in 2007/08

Also 30 v 12 Tigers in 2011/12
25 v 10 Sarries in 2009/10
27 v 7 Ospreys in 2009/10

I think Sale beat them in 2008

Munster and Leinster both got LBP's and then went on to win the Cup

valjester wrote:

MrsP wrote:He does look like an annoying wee twerp right enough. But he wouldn't be the first scrum half to be described that way!

Ulster's gents being the exceptions of course!

So, who's the nicest to deal with then?

Thierry Dusatoir by a country mile, absolute gent.

Glad to hear Dusautoir is such a good bloke. He is the French McCaw, in how he leads by example and carries his team on his shoulders at times. Honestly he is one of the finest captains in world rugby ever, and a great example to any aspiring player, just like McCaw.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:How will this affect Ulsters seeding next year,are you likely to make it to 2nd seeds or do you need to make the semis.It would give you a great chance next year as while being 2nd seeds doesn't guarantee you won't have a really tough group being 3rd seeds guarantees you will.

I would say we are 95% certain to a 2nd seed.

We definitely go above Irish, Bath and Ospreys who are currently aove us - that takes us to 13th.
Toulon will probably go above us - down to 14th
Wasps wont qualify - up to 13th
Saracens can now only go above us if they win the thing and we lose in Thomond. Can't see both happening.

So we just have to have 1 French side who dont qualify
Basically the top 6 (or 7 if France win a European trophy) in France would have to contain all the teams above us - Clermont, Toulouse, Perpignan, Biarritz, Stade and Toulon - that is very unlikely to happen.

Good performance by Ulster. Nearly did it. I thought Clermont were very mediocre . They didn't really turn up.

Ulster had alot to do with that but they need to step up the pace if they want to get to the final.

Totally agree Chunky. Fantastic effort but not clinical enough, too many unforced errors and we need to step it up another level to progress further in this competition.

Listening to Rory Best and McGlaughlins comments I think we know this. They are saying the right things.

I actually believe that we will beat Munster and reach the final. We've been really lucky with the draw and we have a fantastic opportunity here.

SUFTUM!

Have to say any other French team apart from Toulouse and Clermot and I think we're capable of getting our first win in France.

Won't matter this year mind.

I think I rather have gotten Munster than Leinster, Munster are still a great team, but they were also 2 drop goals away from maybe not qualifying.

Thomond Park is still a fortress, but I don't think its as solid as it previous was, and raiders from the North may be able to breach the stronghold.

(I think it was Harliquins win there last year in the Amlin, that made other teams believe they could get a win in Thomond, before that they were going for a LBP, changed the teams turning up mental attatude and hence has made it harder for Munster)

Yes of the two, I'm happier to be playing Munster. Both Scarlets and Saints could have beaten them in Thomond Park and I think we are a better team than either at the minute.
A lot will depend on how players come back from the 6N. We have to pray that Best, Trimble, Ferris and Wallace do not pick up any injuries.

I presume we will now be looking at extending Terblanche's contract to May?

Clermont v Ulster final...you heard it here first.....

Rava wrote:Yes of the two, I'm happier to be playing Munster. Both Scarlets and Saints could have beaten them in Thomond Park and I think we are a better team than either at the minute.
A lot will depend on how players come back from the 6N. We have to pray that Best, Trimble, Ferris and Wallace do not pick up any injuries.

I presume we will now be looking at extending Terblanche's contract to May?

I agree completely with you Rava. Ulster are by far the better team. Its only a question of turning up in Thomond. Sure we might as well come along for the game and a bit of craic and clap you on your way to the semi's. We could get a right hammering...

Come on now DOD, that's not what Rava said, don't start the chip on the shoulder stuff...Munster will be heavy favourites and we all know this

Not at all Rodders...I agree completely with Rava, Kingshu and yourself...Ulster with all their South Africans and a big Kiwi are definitely looking better than Munster. Also I mean we only put 50 points on last years beaten finalists away from home (despite giving away two penalty tries), win regularly in France (you know France) and in England as well (not just the odd one in 100). We also won the HC twice when all the teams from all the countries were involved and didnt have a homer ref like Fleming (especially in the Semi) to help us.

We are cr.p really. I think the team is a little young and in transition so it should be that Ulster are favourites....

..no no DOD you're not playing the underdog card here pal...sure we've only got our foreign legion and a couple of token Irish players..flip yer man Paddy Wallace nearly cost Ireland a GS!...whereas the mighty Munster have ....Zeeeeebooooo!!!!.....

Puitting words into your own mouth DOD. No one is saying Munster are cr.p.

What is being said is Leinster, on balance, are a better team than Munster - I agree with that.

Munster will be the favourites of course but Ulster go to Limerick with a real chance.

Also please not the foreigner card - you have as many as us

Ulster beat Munster in TP not so long ago didn’t they?

And wasn’t iHump the outhalf that broke their unbeaten home record in the HC with Leicester?

I wouldn’t know who to put my money on here lads…

DOD You certainly live up to your reputation as one of the best WUMMERS on these boards. Give us a break.

I didn't say we were looking better than Munster, I was merely stating my opinion we are a better team than Scarlets or Saints at the minute. That could change between now and April of course.

Ah sure Geoff...Leinster are completely unbeatable at the moment and therefore we are all only playing for the crumbs off the table...

We do have foreigners and wouldnt be here without them....not just in every pivotal position.....when are Ulster playing their first game in the Curry cup this year?

Look am only pulling your leg...its 50/50 at best for these types of local derbies.....no matter where its at.

I think your wrong there DOD its not a 50/50 game id say itzs 60/40 in favour of Munster, they have found a bit of form lately and showed it by how they dismantled the Saints. If Ulster bring their A game itd going to be a cracker and will give us a real shout, how ever what Ulster really could do with is Humphs findig a bit of that form from last year to spark our backs into action!! Either way it going to be a great game and a "home" semi final is a top incentive for both teams

Defo 60/40 in Munsters favour at least but thats not bad odds at this stage of the competition.

This is an absolutely massive game for both sides with a home SF at stake!!

Ah no way...Ulster must be favourites....I insist.

OK then ...but only because you are insisting.

I'd rather you insisted on buying me a pint when I come down there

Just dont make the match on Good Friday otherwise...

Well if no one else is going to say it.. 90/10 in Ulster's favour

Have to agree with DOD

Geoff do you think any tickets will go on general sale or will they be snaffled by the season ticket holders?

Is it worth joining the supporters club at this stage of the season?

Rodders

There should be some that go on general sale. I think you would've already had to have joined the URSC to get a crack at tickets. They offered people the opportunity to buy ST's for the next season to get priority purchase as well iirc.

roddersm wrote:Geoff do you think any tickets will go on general sale or will they be snaffled by the season ticket holders?

Is it worth joining the supporters club at this stage of the season?

My guess is that ST's will take most but not all.
I would join the SC as they will probably be next

geoff998rugby wrote:

roddersm wrote:Geoff do you think any tickets will go on general sale or will they be snaffled by the season ticket holders?

Is it worth joining the supporters club at this stage of the season?

My guess is that ST's will take most but not all.
I would join the SC as they will probably be next

Season ticket holders get first preference but full details wont be released until the schedules been drawn up

If they beat Munster they have to be favourites for a final place Munster seem ro be improving every game in the competition and nowhere near their best but in the HC they just know how to win something Ulster need to learn

Remember last year the 3rd preference was given to people buying a ST for next year. Given demand the chances of tickets being on general sale are quite low I would imagine.

All I know is I will be down there at 8.30am for a 9am opening waiting to be one of the first to buy two tickets for me and my mate (both ST holders).

I'm taking no chances

geoff998rugby wrote:Remember last year the 3rd preference was given to people buying a ST for next year. Given demand the chances of tickets being on general sale are quite low I would imagine.

All I know is I will be down there at 8.30am for a 9am opening waiting to be one of the first to buy two tickets for me and my mate (both ST holders).

I'm taking no chances

Good luck with it Geoff Im keeping my fingers crossed we get the win and then back to Ravenhill

geoff998rugby wrote:Remember last year the 3rd preference was given to people buying a ST for next year. Given demand the chances of tickets being on general sale are quite low I would imagine.

All I know is I will be down there at 8.30am for a 9am opening waiting to be one of the first to buy two tickets for me and my mate (both ST holders).

I'm taking no chances

Yeah I think that will be the case for me too. I wonder where our allocation is for as well.

Standulstermen wrote:

geoff998rugby wrote:Remember last year the 3rd preference was given to people buying a ST for next year. Given demand the chances of tickets being on general sale are quite low I would imagine.

All I know is I will be down there at 8.30am for a 9am opening waiting to be one of the first to buy two tickets for me and my mate (both ST holders).

I'm taking no chances

Yeah I think that will be the case for me too. I wonder where our allocation is for as well.

Your allocation is in Musgrave Park....

marty2086 wrote:

geoff998rugby wrote:Remember last year the 3rd preference was given to people buying a ST for next year. Given demand the chances of tickets being on general sale are quite low I would imagine.

All I know is I will be down there at 8.30am for a 9am opening waiting to be one of the first to buy two tickets for me and my mate (both ST holders).

I'm taking no chances

Good luck with it Geoff Im keeping my fingers crossed we get the win and then back to Ravenhill

If Ulster do win then they won’t be allowed play the semi final in Ravenhill.

You don’t have home advantage, it’s home country advantage. So you’d be playing in Lansdowne.

Or Windsor Park?