Ulster vs Edinburgh, Build Up Thread

by **Notch** Sun 22 Apr - 18:38

First topic message reminder :

Ulster vs Edinburgh
5.45pm, Saturday 28th April
AVIVA Stadium Dublin
Heineken Cup Semi-Final

Nice sparkly new thread for the build-up to the Heineken Cup Semi-Final. Links to press interviews, team speculation, breaking news and discussion in the week ahead.

Let's kick off with interviews with Ulster defence coach Jonathan Bell and Edinburgh coach Michael Bradley.

Jonny Bell thinks Ulsters fans can be the difference as he reflects on his own win in the 1999 competition.

Michael Bradley talks about the Toulouse quarter-final and assesses the threat of Ulster.

Post any and all match-related chat here thumbsup

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 25 Apr - 13:26

geoff998rugby wrote:Someone in the Ulster ticket office is saying Edinburgh have only sold 2000 tickets - is that really true ?

That's about what turned up to Murrayfield for their 2 HOME games in September.

by **RDW** Wed 25 Apr - 13:27

There's "nice" and there's 10 euro a pint nice - that's the info I'm interested in! guinness

by Mickado Wed 25 Apr - 13:28

Well nowhere around there is cheap but the pints won’t be THAT expensive. I’d say a fiver would be fairly standard, maybe 5 and change.

I’m meeting up with a few posters on here at Bellemy’s pub. If you can make it along to there you should give us a shout

by Standulstermen Wed 25 Apr - 13:31

Thought I posted this already but ulster have announced that they are selling their 7500 ticket allocation IF they make the final on Sunday. Season ticket holders get first dibs with up to 4 per ST.

Guys any tips on where a bus could drop off and pick up from with 15-20 mins walk from lansdowne? We are running two buses down and want to ideally drop off at a pub and pick up at the same place between 8.30 and 9pm

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 25 Apr - 13:31

RDW_Scotland wrote:There's "nice" and there's 10 euro a pint nice - that's the info I'm interested in!

It used to be posh in the Celtic Tiger days. Think it is part of the D4 Hotels group now, which is like a slightly nicer IBIS.

I would expect pints to be about 5 for Guinness and 5.50 for Lager. Which is what you pay in the RDS on matchdays.

People from outside Dublin may find that OUTRAGOUS. But we are used to it.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 25 Apr - 13:36

Standulstermen wrote:Thought I posted this already but ulster have announced that they are selling their 7500 ticket allocation IF they make the final on Sunday. Season ticket holders get first dibs with up to 4 per ST.

Guys any tips on where a bus could drop off and pick up from with 15-20 mins walk from lansdowne? We are running two buses down and want to ideally drop off at a pub and pick up at the same place between 8.30 and 9pm

Along Sean Moore Road. Which leads to the East link bridge for a quick getaway.

You can come out the Bath Avenue exit from Lansdowne, turn right and it is straight down.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 25 Apr - 13:37

Bath Avenue end it the one with the tiny little stand

by geoff998rugby Wed 25 Apr - 13:37

Hate to say it guys but given the ticket allocation for the final, IF we make it, I'd be surprised if non ST holders get a sniff.

by Standulstermen Wed 25 Apr - 13:39

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Standulstermen wrote:Thought I posted this already but ulster have announced that they are selling their 7500 ticket allocation IF they make the final on Sunday. Season ticket holders get first dibs with up to 4 per ST.

Guys any tips on where a bus could drop off and pick up from with 15-20 mins walk from lansdowne? We are running two buses down and want to ideally drop off at a pub and pick up at the same place between 8.30 and 9pm
Along Sean Moore Road. Which leads to the East link bridge for a quick getaway.

You can come out the Bath Avenue exit from Lansdowne, turn right and it is straight down.

Is that along where the park is Jen? I was looking at that. Any pubs nearby?

by **Notch** Wed 25 Apr - 13:39

If you aren;t a season ticket holder and want to go to the final, go to ticketmaster and buy your tickets NOW.

Only us season ticket holders have the luxury of deciding to go after the semi-final.

by Thomond Wed 25 Apr - 13:43

Should be a good game, Dublin's an alright spot for those travelling. Not as good as other spots and a bit expensive but nice place. Not as good as Cork like....

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 25 Apr - 13:45

Thomond wrote:Should be a good game, Dublin's an alright spot for those travelling. Not as good as other spots and a bit expensive but nice place. Not as good as Cork like....

Did you hear about the Corkman with the inferiority complex?

He thought he was the same as everyone else. Smile

by Thomond Wed 25 Apr - 13:46

We're from Cork and we're better than you....

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 25 Apr - 13:48

Standulstermen wrote:
Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Standulstermen wrote:Thought I posted this already but ulster have announced that they are selling their 7500 ticket allocation IF they make the final on Sunday. Season ticket holders get first dibs with up to 4 per ST.

Guys any tips on where a bus could drop off and pick up from with 15-20 mins walk from lansdowne? We are running two buses down and want to ideally drop off at a pub and pick up at the same place between 8.30 and 9pm
Along Sean Moore Road. Which leads to the East link bridge for a quick getaway.

You can come out the Bath Avenue exit from Lansdowne, turn right and it is straight down.

Is that along where the park is Jen? I was looking at that. Any pubs nearby?

It's a big open space. No pubs. There are a few on Bath Avenue and in Irishtown/Ringsend that are not too far off track. But nothing on Sean Moore Rd. There's a park on the right and houses on the left

by Mickado Wed 25 Apr - 13:50

Notch wrote:If you aren;t a season ticket holder and want to go to the final, go to ticketmaster and buy your tickets NOW.

Only us season ticket holders have the luxury of deciding to go after the semi-final.

There's 7.5k going to each club yeah? Think Leinster have 13.5k season ticket holders, could be some scrap for tickets if we win!

by MrsP Wed 25 Apr - 13:52

Sure half of you have had your tickets booked since the groups were drawn!

by Mickado Wed 25 Apr - 13:56

MrsP wrote:Sure half of you have had your tickets booked since the groups were drawn!

touché

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed 25 Apr - 13:58

MrsP wrote:Sure half of you have had your tickets booked since the groups were drawn!

I never tempt fate.
One of the benefits of not going to Bordeaux is that I will have my mouse poised over Ryanair/Aerlingus/whoever at the final whistle if we are winning.

Even if we are 20 points up I will wait for the whistle.

Not all of the STHs will want tickets so I reckon we will get sorted. I remember buying tickets for the Semi in 09 from the balcony of my hotel in Twickenham. Might not be so easy in Bordeaux. Smartphones have come a long way in the 3 years though. (I had a laptop)

by Kingshu Wed 25 Apr - 14:02

I got my final ticket in January that's how confident I was that Ulster would make it.

by **RDW** Wed 25 Apr - 14:03

That's ridiculous - only 15000 tickets to the teams that make the finals, out of an 80000 seater stadium??

I know a lot of them go to hospitality and corporate stuff, but that's not very many tickets!

by MrsP Wed 25 Apr - 14:12

RDW_Scotland wrote:That's ridiculous - only 15000 tickets to the teams that make the finals, out of an 80000 seater stadium??

I know a lot of them go to hospitality and corporate stuff, but that's not very many tickets!

Ah sure it's not something you're going to be worrying about anyway!

Very Happy

This is great fun!

It's nice to have banter and know that the bantered (?) isn't going to throw a hissy fit!

Cue kilted men throwing hissy fits!

by **RDW** Wed 25 Apr - 14:15

It has been a very pleasant thread - no wumming (serious wumming like...) and everyone is having good banter.

As a MOD it's not very often a thread gets to 5 pages and we've not had to do any MODding!

Maybe the friendliness will disappear come kick off...

by Artful_Dodger Wed 25 Apr - 14:23

Brian Ashton thinks its gonna be a Ulster vs Clermont final, kiss of death?

http://www.therugbysite.com/blog_posts/189-ulster-and-clermont-to-meet-in-the-heineken-final-by-brian-ashton

by MrsP Wed 25 Apr - 14:25

Nah,

Sure we'll all be at the game!

Actually, you kilties might be able to help me out. Our youngest is not at all keen on very loud noise. We have to cover her ears when we cheer! or when she uses the hot air hand driers in public loos!

I dread to think how she would react if we happened to be in seats near a piper. If that did happen do you think he would be offended if I asked him to stop?

I just know she wouldn't be able to tolerste the noise which basically means one of us would have to take her out of the situation if there was no alternative.

Any advice for me if that situation should arise?

by geoff998rugby Wed 25 Apr - 14:31

RDW_Scotland wrote:That's ridiculous - only 15000 tickets to the teams that make the finals, out of an 80000 seater stadium??

I know a lot of them go to hospitality and corporate stuff, but that's not very many tickets!

Most tickets are on open sale.

The authorities fear a, say, Toulon v Racing final and a half full ground - happened at Landsdowne a few years back.
This way they get most tickets sold beforethe fianlist are known - guaranteed income.

by geoff998rugby Wed 25 Apr - 14:35

Flight tickets are getting expensive already from both Belfast and Dublin - I know I've looked.

Fortunately I have a Sister-in-law in London who will put us up and we can afford to come home on Monday. Booked my tickets for 100 pounds return.
Worst comes to worst I have a long weekend in London to meet up with some old friends

If you come home on Sunday it ain't going to be cheap and best of luck with accomodation - thats going fast as well

by **RDW** Wed 25 Apr - 14:35

MrsP wrote:Nah,

Sure we'll all be at the game!

Actually, you kilties might be able to help me out. Our youngest is not at all keen on very loud noise. We have to cover her ears when we cheer! or when she uses the hot air hand driers in public loos!

I dread to think how she would react if we happened to be in seats near a piper. If that did happen do you think he would be offended if I asked him to stop?

I just know she wouldn't be able to tolerste the noise which basically means one of us would have to take her out of the situation if there was no alternative.

Any advice for me if that situation should arise?

Earplugs?? Just put Justin Beiber on noise cancelling headphones or something - sorted!

Nah in all seriousness, I can't comment on all my fellow countrymen, but hopefully he would be a decent person and would move somewhere else if it was bothering the kids. I'm sure you'd be backed up by all the Ulster fans around you!

Or is this a sneaky ploy to stop our bagpipes, which obviously spur our players on to great things on the pitch??

by geoff998rugby Wed 25 Apr - 14:37

MrsP wrote: Our youngest is not at all keen on very loud noise. We have to cover her ears when we cheer!

MrsP I do hope for your youngest sake they are not sitting next to me, or my mate Jim, we are both VERY LOUD and will not be able to contain ourselves

by MrsP Wed 25 Apr - 14:48

I am too Geoff!

Just ask Rava who had the misfortune to be "seated" next to me at the Leicester game!

We even got on telly!

Thing is cheering is usually only loud for a fairly short time whereas a derge on the pipes...

RDW,

It is a genuine issue for her. I do have other sneaky plots up my sleeve though, of course!

by **rodders** Wed 25 Apr - 14:53

Artful_Dodger wrote:Brian Ashton thinks its gonna be a Ulster vs Clermont final, kiss of death?

http://www.therugbysite.com/blog_posts/189-ulster-and-clermont-to-meet-in-the-heineken-final-by-brian-ashton

Man knows his stuff I'd say..... Whistle

by MrsP Wed 25 Apr - 14:59

"Earplugs?? Just put Justin Beiber on noise cancelling headphones or something - sorted!"

Shocked

She doesn't like loud noise but does have some musical taste!!!!

by **RDW** Wed 25 Apr - 15:00

by **Notch** Wed 25 Apr - 15:05

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/heineken-cup/heineken-cup-rory-is-the-best-ulster-can-get-16149315.html#ixzz1t3WRQlsI

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/heineken-cup/brian-mclaughlin-brought-discipline-to-ulster-16149311.html

Two pieces on Ulster midweek in Northern Irelands best-selling newspaper- the Scots must think we have it made over here Smile

by **rodders** Wed 25 Apr - 15:06

geoff998rugby wrote:Flight tickets are getting expensive already from both Belfast and Dublin - I know I've looked.

Fortunately I have a Sister-in-law in London who will put us up and we can afford to come home on Monday. Booked my tickets for 100 pounds return.
Worst comes to worst I have a long weekend in London to meet up with some old friends

If you come home on Sunday it ain't going to be cheap and best of luck with accomodation - thats going fast as well

We're flying from City of Derry to Stansted and managed to get travelodge near Twickenham for 2 nights at 160 I think.

Worst case scenario I'll be cheering Edinburgh against Clermont and will spend a day or two in London.

Anyone know how far long it takes to travel from Stansted to Twickenham?

by **RDW** Wed 25 Apr - 15:07

To be fair I don't have as much of an issue with the papers as the TV - we get a lot of coverage in the Scotsman and the Herald, problem is that it is often poor journalism, not accurate and they constantly put the wrong captions on the pictures!

by **Notch** Wed 25 Apr - 15:10

Wrong captions? Well we get in the Telegraph too its fair to say Whistle

But by and large it's pretty good.

by MrsP Wed 25 Apr - 15:15

Notch wrote:http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/heineken-cup/heineken-cup-rory-is-the-best-ulster-can-get-16149315.html#ixzz1t3WRQlsI

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/heineken-cup/brian-mclaughlin-brought-discipline-to-ulster-16149311.html

Two pieces on Ulster midweek in Northern Irelands best-selling newspaper- the Scots must think we have it made over here

I have a lump in my throat reading that first article.

Sad

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 25 Apr - 15:19

I tell you what, I don't think I've ever read more hot-air written about Ulster than on this thread (and that's saying something) - reckon they're getting a wee bit nervous about this one!! Confidence spilling over into complacency, just the job

by **rodders** Wed 25 Apr - 15:22

I'm very nervous actually. I think Edinburgh could really pull the rug from under us here if we approach this with any less intensity than we did against Clermont and Munster.

We don't have the winning run we had going into the QF either.

We need the performance of the season here I think.

by MrsP Wed 25 Apr - 15:27

RDW_Scotland wrote:It has been a very pleasant thread - no wumming (serious wumming like...) and everyone is having good banter.

As a MOD it's not very often a thread gets to 5 pages and we've not had to do any MODding!

Maybe the friendliness will disappear come kick off...

RDW,

You spoke too soon!

That well known troublemaker Asbo is "at it" as usual!

I hope you are going to be even handed about this modding business and ban him forthwith!

by trustedwomble Wed 25 Apr - 15:32

rodders wrote:
geoff998rugby wrote:Flight tickets are getting expensive already from both Belfast and Dublin - I know I've looked.

Fortunately I have a Sister-in-law in London who will put us up and we can afford to come home on Monday. Booked my tickets for 100 pounds return.
Worst comes to worst I have a long weekend in London to meet up with some old friends

If you come home on Sunday it ain't going to be cheap and best of luck with accomodation - thats going fast as well

We're flying from City of Derry to Stansted and managed to get travelodge near Twickenham for 2 nights at 160 I think.

Worst case scenario I'll be cheering Edinburgh against Clermont and will spend a day or two in London.

Anyone know how far long it takes to travel from Stansted to Twickenham?

Its about 45 minutes into London on Stansted Express then about another 45 on underground and train.

by **Notch** Wed 25 Apr - 15:33

Indeed, rid these boards of the kilted carjacker for good please RDW. His own good that is. The Ulster Rugby Public demands justice! Whistle

by **rodders** Wed 25 Apr - 15:34

Thanks womble guinness

by **Notch** Wed 25 Apr - 15:41

Important flag-based information;

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/10442.php

Get there early to get yourself an Ulster flag as a souvenir!

by tigertattie Wed 25 Apr - 15:42

RDW - I've never been Mod'ed, Mod me for the giggles!

On a serious note though, is it a 80,000 seater stadium? Typo???

still, the same point remains, a 50,000 seater and not many tickets available to the two clubs!!!

Now, I wonder if I'll be Mod'ed for point out RDW's boo boo Run

by geoff998rugby Wed 25 Apr - 15:43

trustedwomble wrote:
rodders wrote:
geoff998rugby wrote:Flight tickets are getting expensive already from both Belfast and Dublin - I know I've looked.

Fortunately I have a Sister-in-law in London who will put us up and we can afford to come home on Monday. Booked my tickets for 100 pounds return.
Worst comes to worst I have a long weekend in London to meet up with some old friends

If you come home on Sunday it ain't going to be cheap and best of luck with accomodation - thats going fast as well

We're flying from City of Derry to Stansted and managed to get travelodge near Twickenham for 2 nights at 160 I think.

Worst case scenario I'll be cheering Edinburgh against Clermont and will spend a day or two in London.

Anyone know how far long it takes to travel from Stansted to Twickenham?

Its about 45 minutes into London on Stansted Express then about another 45 on underground and train.

I think your last 45 mins is very optomistic. From the time you are on Stanstead station to reaching the ground allow 2.5 hours I would say

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 25 Apr - 15:44

Notch wrote:Important flag-based information;

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/10442.php

Get there early to get yourself an Ulster flag as a souvenir!

Just in case they run out of bog paper and you need to wipe your harris

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 25 Apr - 15:45

tigertattie wrote:RDW - I've never been Mod'ed, Mod me for the giggles!

On a serious note though, is it a 80,000 seater stadium? Typo???

still, the same point remains, a 50,000 seater and not many tickets available to the two clubs!!!

Now, I wonder if I'll be Mod'ed for point out RDW's boo boo

Solidarity, tattie, if you go, I'll go too

by AsLongAsBut100ofUs Wed 25 Apr - 15:47

geoff998rugby wrote:
trustedwomble wrote:
rodders wrote:
geoff998rugby wrote:Flight tickets are getting expensive already from both Belfast and Dublin - I know I've looked.

Fortunately I have a Sister-in-law in London who will put us up and we can afford to come home on Monday. Booked my tickets for 100 pounds return.
Worst comes to worst I have a long weekend in London to meet up with some old friends

If you come home on Sunday it ain't going to be cheap and best of luck with accomodation - thats going fast as well

We're flying from City of Derry to Stansted and managed to get travelodge near Twickenham for 2 nights at 160 I think.

Worst case scenario I'll be cheering Edinburgh against Clermont and will spend a day or two in London.

Anyone know how far long it takes to travel from Stansted to Twickenham?

Its about 45 minutes into London on Stansted Express then about another 45 on underground and train.

I think your last 45 mins is very optomistic. From the time you are on Stanstead station to reaching the ground allow 2.5 hours I would say

geoff is absolutely right, rodders - the train time on the Stanstead Express would be closer to 45 mins, allowing for a wait for a train to appear, make that an hour to Liverpool Street; then 45-60mins on the district line out to Richmond, jump off the tube and on to a train, and a further stop or two to Twickenham, so make that an hour 15, I'd say. Altogether about 2-2.5 hours

by **rodders** Wed 25 Apr - 15:50

geoff998rugby wrote:
I think your last 45 mins is very optomistic. From the time you are on Stanstead station to reaching the ground allow 2.5 hours I would say

OK thanks Geoff, its a fairly early morning flight so there is plenty of time.

Can't wait ..... all those Ulster and Clermont fans in London.... it will be awesome.

Edit: Thanks ASBO guinness

!

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