Munster v Ulster

First topic message reminder :

Well what a difference a few days make. Leinster stroll past Munster in Thomond, Ulster cruise past Airioni and now definitely fancy their chances on Sunday and rightly so.

My Munster team if players available would be

1. Wian Du Preez
2. Mike Sheery
3. BJ
4. DOC1
5. POC
6. DR
7. POM
8. Coughlan
9. Murray
10. ROG
11. ZEBO
12. Maifi
13. Earls
14. Hurley
15. Jones

Pretty much picks itself bar hooker and back row. Line out was just so bad that Varley has to pay the price. May not have been all his fault but Sherry has been knocking on the door and deserves a shot at this level.

DOC2 had a solid game but I think the partnership of POC and DOC should stand us well. DR to the back row.

Rodders Ulster team

15 Terblanche
14 Trimble
13 Cave
12 Wallace
11 Gilroy
10 IHumph
9 Pienaar
8 Wannenburg
6 Diack
7 Henry
5 Touhy
4 Muller
3 Afoa
2 Best
1 Court

Whereas i think Ulster are significantly weakened without Ferris, Ulster are still very capable of winning this game as they are well used to playing without Ferris this season

Theres no doubt that any team would miss a player of his status however with all the injury problems Munster have it is by no means game over

Ulster are in great form and have accumulated several bonus point victory's recently (including against Munster at Ravenhill) so whichever XV is selected are more than capable of causing an upset at Thomond

Artful_Dodger wrote:Anyone else heard that Sean Holley has been approached about the Munster job - it was on ScrumV and in the rugby paper this morning.

Yeah heard this on Scrum V according to his agent he has been approached and is interested in the job

who wouldn't be interested? i would have thought they would be looking for a "bigger" name

I'm getting extremely excited now.

It is important to bear in mind that it was announced on Scrum V on April Fools Day.

However if it was to happen. Not someone I would have thought of or would especially want. However he is a decent technical coach and I think has done well with Ospreys despite the begrdugers in Wales.

Theres worse people we could hire. In reality there aren't too many options outside Foley.

I've heard Peter de Villiers mentioned Stag - I realize it was on scrum v on April fools day but when I seen it on the front of the rugby paper this morning I was really shocked - not that his agent is saying he's interested but that Munster might of approached him.

Would of thought Munster would be looking for someone of a much higher caliber as you said.

hmmm very subdued in here, it seems the Munster boys were more excited by the Leinster game last week.......

...maybe they feel this one isn't winnable??........

De Villiers is a complete pishtake. I heard his name mentioned too but not in a serious capacity.

He would be a dreadful fit with Munster.

roddersm wrote:hmmm very subdued in here, it seems the Munster boys were more excited by the Leinster game last week.......

As I said I didnt mind if we lost 0-100 to Leinster if it meant going further in the ERC.

Touhy hasn't played at 6 for Ulster all season so it might be a bit of an ask for him to slot in for the biggest game of the season. So far...

I think it will either be a miraculous recovery or Diack in at 6.

Getting very excited now, just a pity I am stuck over in the snow of Yorkshire!

Im praying its Diack who starts.

Im amazed that a Henry, Faloon, Wannenbrugh combination is not on the cards. That to me is your next best backrow is Ferris is out.

OK so a bit of house-keeping here. To arrive at Harvey's Quay Car Park, get a bite to eat and get to Thomond, what time would you say we need to leave Belfast at?
I've travelled all over the world, but never been further south than Clongowes!

Belfast,

It is a 10 minute walk to Thomond Park from Harvey's Quay.

When I was in Belfast last year we timed it at 5 hours and that included stopping for a coffee on the way.

The match is at 13.45. You will want to be in Limerick for 12.00 so leave Belfast at 07.00

BelfastNI wrote:
I've travelled all over the world, but never been further south than Clongowes!

I've travelled the world too, and the south west corner of Ireland is one of the nicest bits. West Cork is a particular favourite. It's like another country.

Limerick.......... It's not actually that bad.

You should go to west Cork in the summer. (If we have one) It'll change your life.

Thanks folks! I don't know about West Cork Jen, it's hard to beat Ormeau Park on a wet Thursday afternoon... :P

BelfastNI wrote:Thanks folks! I don't know about West Cork Jen, it's hard to beat Ormeau Park on a wet Thursday afternoon... :P

Wow! You need west Cork even more than I thought.

Wild Rover wrote:

Artful_Dodger wrote:Anyone else heard that Sean Holley has been approached about the Munster job - it was on ScrumV and in the rugby paper this morning.

Yeah heard this on Scrum V according to his agent he has been approached and is interested in the job

who wouldn't be interested? i would have thought they would be looking for a "bigger" name

Everyone expects Axel to get it - and they know that if he doesn't get it now, he will get it in 2 years time.

Things against him apparently are his age (38), but what few people know is that Tony McGahan is a year younger than he is and was head coach at 33/34. Imagine, John Hayes was older than his coach It was reported that there was a list of about 10 which was shortened to 5 for interview.

By the way, McGahan's new job for Australia is coaching co-ordinator to the Wallabies (and will include co-ordinating the coaching in the regions as well).

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

BelfastNI wrote:
I've travelled all over the world, but never been further south than Clongowes!

I've travelled the world too, and the south west corner of Ireland is one of the nicest bits. West Cork is a particular favourite. It's like another country.

Limerick.......... It's not actually that bad.

You should go to west Cork in the summer. (If we have one) It'll change your life.

I'll agree with that. Magnificent spot, particularly if you like the sea and islands. Food is just out of this world. Very fond of Connemara myself - Linane, Killary Harbour, Maam Turk Mountains and then all the lakes. Fantastic foods as well.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

BelfastNI wrote:
I've travelled all over the world, but never been further south than Clongowes!

I've travelled the world too, and the south west corner of Ireland is one of the nicest bits. West Cork is a particular favourite. It's like another country.

Limerick.......... It's not actually that bad.

You should go to west Cork in the summer. (If we have one) It'll change your life.

I'd agree south west corner is one of the nicest bits of Ireland, Second only to the Glens of Antrim.

Always said if I wasn't from the Glens of Antrim, I'd want to be from Cork.

Kingshu wrote:Always said if I wasn't from the Glens of Antrim, I'd want to be from Cork.

Is that you hedging your bets Kingshu you chancer!!

Stop sucking up to the enemy! SUFTUM!

Agree with Rodders, we need some insults on this thread!

I tell you what Clive I can't wait to see ROG's big red head come the final whistle after Humph gives him a fly-half master class!

To be fair, I'm saying that they are second best (behind the Glens), just like their rugby team will be on Sunday.

I'm looking forward to Paddy "Bloody" Wallace embarassing the Munster Internationals!

Clive I just hope Darren Cave remembers to take Keith Earls out of his pocket before he gets on the bus home........

Latest from McLaughlin!

“Stephen would be a loss, no doubt about that. But we’re still hopeful that he’ll make it. "

“He’s doubtful, but he isn’t ruled out. "

Yeah this got all too pally for a moment - West Cork? Sounds like a poor man's Donegal!

clivemcl wrote:I'm looking forward to Paddy "Bloody" Wallace embarassing the Munster Internationals!

I thought his middle name was fecken?

Schull was our old family holiday destination. Beautiful place but it has got more touristy than I fondly remember it. Rosscarbery is a beautiful wee town as well. Nicest spot in the north is fermanagh around Lough Erne for me.

Have taken a feww breaks round the west in recent years. Westport is lovely and we had a huge house in banagher which I thought was lovely. Agree with Belfast this is all a bit pally. Sin throw some abuse...

Somebody needs to make an Ulster Rugby try montage video!

clivemcl wrote:Latest from McLaughlin!

“Stephen would be a loss, no doubt about that. But we’re still hopeful that he’ll make it. "

“He’s doubtful, but he isn’t ruled out. "

I'd say he's saying that so Munster have to prepare 2 game plans one with Ferris playing and one without. Nobody is going to confirm anything up untill teams are annonced.

Could it be that Ferris faked the injury against Aironi, so Munster think he won't be playing, only for him to actually be fully fit and raring to go.

Don't think it would break any rules as he was subbed off, and it means Munster don't know what way to prepare for the game.

Could be a masterstroke by McL

Ferris will play

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

clivemcl wrote:I'm looking forward to Paddy "Bloody" Wallace embarassing the Munster Internationals!

I thought his middle name was fecken?

Kingshu wrote:

clivemcl wrote:Latest from McLaughlin!

“Stephen would be a loss, no doubt about that. But we’re still hopeful that he’ll make it. "

“He’s doubtful, but he isn’t ruled out. "

I'd say he's saying that so Munster have to prepare 2 game plans one with Ferris playing and one without. Nobody is going to confirm anything up untill teams are annonced.

Could it be that Ferris faked the injury against Aironi, so Munster think he won't be playing, only for him to actually be fully fit and raring to go.

Don't think it would break any rules as he was subbed off, and it means Munster don't know what way to prepare for the game.

Could be a masterstroke by McL

That would be bloody hilarious if it was true. I’d like to think it is, a bit of above board skullduggery and mind games in a match between cousins. Lovely stuff.

Jeebus is this the tourism Ireland thread?

Its like a cross between lesser spotted Ulster and the holiday programme in here!

I'm heading down to West Cork at the weekend actually, BBQ on the Saturday before the Leinster match, class. It is a lovely spot to relax, we need a 606 meet up in the best place in the world (Cork was voted into the top 10 places to visit by Lonely Planet ) Also Ulster fans looking for munch on Sunday, 3 course meal in GasWorks Restaurant on O'Connell Street for 18 quid. Decent food there and good value.

Ferris was always going to play.

Kingshu wrote:

clivemcl wrote:Latest from McLaughlin!

“Stephen would be a loss, no doubt about that. But we’re still hopeful that he’ll make it. "

“He’s doubtful, but he isn’t ruled out. "

I'd say he's saying that so Munster have to prepare 2 game plans one with Ferris playing and one without. Nobody is going to confirm anything up untill teams are annonced.

Could it be that Ferris faked the injury against Aironi, so Munster think he won't be playing, only for him to actually be fully fit and raring to go.

Don't think it would break any rules as he was subbed off, and it means Munster don't know what way to prepare for the game.

Could be a masterstroke by McL

Well one has to question Ferris' integrity dont they. . .

I say we add pictures to this so rodders goes

Thomond wrote:Also Ulster fans looking for munch on Sunday, 3 course meal in GasWorks Restaurant on O'Connell Street for 18 quid. Decent food there and good value.

I like the cut of that jib

Ferris named in Ulster squad guys.

Ulster remain hopeful the Ireland flanker will be available despite picking up an ankle injury in last Friday’s PRO12 win over Aironi.
Mike McComish has returned to full training and has been named in the extended squad for the first time since suffering concussion during the Edinburgh match over a month ago. Second row Tim Barker (back) and wing Simon Danielli (hamstring) remain sidelined, while young backs James McKinney (shoulder) and Chris Coachrane (foot) have picked up injuries.

Munster 9-18 deafeat against Leinster on Saturday was their first home defeat in a competitive game this season. They have injury concerns of their own, but captain Paul O’Connell, Conor Murray, Donnacha Ryan and Keith Earls are all expected to play.

The Munstermen progressed unbeaten through their pool, a great achievement given that their opponents were last year’s beaten finalists Northampton, Scarlets and Castres.

Ulster go into Sunday’s fixture in good form, having won their last three games in the PRO12 and scored 15 tries in the process.

Provisional Ulster Squad to play Munster, Sunday 8th April, Thomond Park (kick off 1.45pm):

Forwards:
Callum Black, Tom Court, Adam Macklin, Declan Fitzpatrick, John Afoa, Paddy McAllister, Rory Best, Nigel Brady, Andi Kyricaou, Lewis Stevenson, Dan Tuohy, Johann Muller (captain), Neil McComb, Stephen Ferris, Mike McComish, Willie Faloon, Pedrie Wannenburg, Chris Henry, Robbie Diack

Backs:
Paul Marshall, Ruan Pienaar, Ian Porter, Ian Humphreys, Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall, Paddy Wallace, Ian Whitten, Nevin Spence, Darren Cave, Stefan Terblanche, Conor Gaston, Craig Gilroy, Andrew Trimble, Adam D’Arcy

Unavailable due to injury:
Jared Payne (achilles tendon), Simon Danielli (hamstring), Tim Barker (back), Chris Cochrane (foot), James McKinney (shoulder)

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/10358.php

clivemcl wrote:Somebody needs to make an Ulster Rugby try montage video!

Would be quite short, Clive, no?

Not at all, we have scored the most tries in the Rabo this season! Or is it most points? Either way, theres been tries a plenty!

Holey smokes on a bike!

I really can't believe Ferris will start.

Its very odd that theres no sign off Geoff and Rava is keeping a low profile too.... sworn to secrecy perhaps?? ........

Its only being named in the extended squad yet rodders, still a fitness race and a doubt.

Yeah I know, hence I doubt he will play. I suspect Ulster are keeping their options open but its a good sign non the less.

Artful_Dodger wrote:Munster 9-18 deafeat against Leinster on Saturday was their first home defeat in a competitive game this season.

Munster and Leinster were both beaten by the O's at home this year. Probably a first for the league.

roddersm wrote:Holey smokes on a bike!

I really can't believe Ferris will start.

Its very odd that theres no sign off Geoff and Rava is keeping a low profile too.... sworn to secrecy perhaps?? ........

Steady on Rodders You and I both know that McLaughlin always names everyone that can walk in the preliminary squads. That is no indication as to the composition of the team. I will view Ferris' inclusion with doubt until I see the team picked later in the week.

That was a copy paste job from Ulster Rugby Mickado - I didnt actually say that :p

Rodders - that's exactly what I think. Geoff's been told to keep it buttoned. He's in Logie's basement, under a huge pile of illustrated Bibles, trapped.

If 1F doesn't play, I don't want Diack to start. He's bigger than Faloon, but has no grit, no dog, and is basically just too gentle. Of the tries he's scored, I think two were interceptions and two were fumbled lineouts within the opposition's 10 metre. Great lick of pace, excellent hands. But he's never going to break tackles and truck it over the line.

Rava wrote:
Steady on Rodders You and I both know that McLaughlin always names everyone that can walk in the preliminary squads. That is no indication as to the composition of the team.

Hey everyone rava has given the game away! We have an update...... Ferris can walk

Artful_Dodger wrote:That was a copy paste job from Ulster Rugby Mickado - I didnt actually say that :p

I know mate, I'm just being a pedantic bollix