Ulster vs Edinburgh, Build Up Thread

[Notch]

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

[geoff998rugby]

He will be playing

[Notch]

The hype continues to build;

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/10438.php

[Rava]

Good news on Henry he came through his non contact tests successfully. Load of measures on his body by physios using various gizmos - all looked good. Will take contact today - the club will know tonight I reckon.

Fingers crossed.

I think you need to cross everything. The info I have isn't just as promising but we'll wait and see. I think after Friday night we were going to be happy to have 2 from 3 in any case.

[justified sinner]

Will probably start a different thread on this, but over for the game and staying Sunday. Best pub to watch the Leinster ASM game in? Cheers JS

Where are you staying?

Actually staying a wee bit outside the centre, Ballymun, but planning to head into town on Sunday to watch the game.

[Rava]

Ballymena are playing Garryowen in Bateman Cup (All-Ireland Senior Cup) at St Mary's RFC Templeville Grounds in Dublin at 12.35pm and Ulster Rugby would encourage those travelling to Dublin early to go along and add their voice to those cheering on the Ulster side. Entrance is 5-10 euro.

[justified sinner]

Will probably start a different thread on this, but over for the game and staying Sunday. Best pub to watch the Leinster ASM game in? Cheers JS

Kielys of Donnybrook. Great pub grub. Great pint. Great service. Leinster HQ, roysh. It's Champion...

http://www.kielysofdonnybrook.ie/

Cheers Gibson, will check that out on Saturday morning, then may pop back for the game on Sunday.

[Notch]

Hoog;

You bad, bad, bad man!

[geoff998rugby]

Rava I agree it is tight - Thursday to take first contact is very late.

Just reporting the non contact stuff has gone well.

[Suspicious lurker]

Hoog;

You bad, bad, bad man!

???

[Mickado]

Will probably start a different thread on this, but over for the game and staying Sunday. Best pub to watch the Leinster ASM game in? Cheers JS

Where are you staying?

Actually staying a wee bit outside the centre, Ballymun, but planning to head into town on Sunday to watch the game.

Well if you just want to find a pub in town (and not travel out to Donnybrook) then I recommend the Woolshed on Parnell Street (about 5 mins walk from O’Connell Street).

It’s an Aussie/Kiwi/Saffer/Brazilian sports bar with ma-hassive screens and good offers on beer and food.

Kiely’s is also good though, as Gibbo mentioned.

[rodders]

Rava I agree it is tight - Thursday to take first contact is very late.

Just reporting the non contact stuff has gone well.

Will we go with Faloon at 7 if Henry doesn't make it?

Henrys game is based on Workrate and commitment so if hes still being held back in training at this stage then thats a worry.

Mind you we thought Ferris might miss the QF.......

[Notch]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0426/1224315192719.html

Interview with McLaughlin in the IT.

[justified sinner]

Will probably start a different thread on this, but over for the game and staying Sunday. Best pub to watch the Leinster ASM game in? Cheers JS

Kielys of Donnybrook. Great pub grub. Great pint. Great service. Leinster HQ, roysh. It's Champion...

http://www.kielysofdonnybrook.ie/

Cheers Gibson, will check that out on Saturday morning, then may pop back for the game on Sunday.

[justified sinner]

[quote="Mickado"]quote="justified sinner"]

Well if you just want to find a pub in town (and not travel out to Donnybrook) then I recommend the Woolshed on Parnell Street (about 5 mins walk from O’Connell Street).

It’s an Aussie/Kiwi/Saffer/Brazilian sports bar with ma-hassive screens and good offers on beer and food.

Kiely’s is also good though, as Gibbo mentioned.

Cheers, will check that one out as well as Kiely's

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Can't see too many surprises tomorrow. Put in options at 23 and for the 3 players who retired early last week. Looks like at least 2 of them will make it.

Can't see him leaving iHump out altogether.

T Court
R Best
D Fitzpatrick
J Muller
D Tuohy
S Ferris
C Henry/W Faloon
P Wannenburg

R Pienaar
P Jackson
C Gilroy
P Wallace/N Spence/
D Cave
A Trimble
S Terblanche

N Brady
P McAllister
A Macklin
L Stevenson
R Diack
P Marshall/I Porter
I Humphreys
A D’Arcy/N Spence//I Whitten/L Marshall/C Gaston

[Notch]

Whiff of Cordites semi-final preview;

http://whiffofcordite.com/2012/04/26/hec-semi-final-preview-ulster-v-edinburgh/

[RuggerRadge2611]

Ulster by 7 is a little optimistic. I reckon it'll be a lot closer than that.

I'm not going to allow myself to be called on who I think will win. I feel predicting who will win is difficult and I don't want to jinx Edinburgh by predicting either way.

[MrsP]

Chicken!

[RDW]

Any further word on Pieenar?

I have no idea what gastroenteritis is but if it is contagious then hopefully Ferris has been giving him lots of bear hugs recently and maybe some kissing too...!

You can probably tell I really have no idea what gastroenteritis is...

[MrsP]

Gastroenteritis is usually a tummy bug.

But in this case it could be more accurately described as a wummy bug!

[rodders]

Is there any way to cure a wummy bug mrs p?!

[MrsP]

I find a good smack on the back of the culprit's head works wonders rodders!

[Notch]

Unfortunately, RDW, you have been ensnared in a web of lies and deceit. There are no twitter rumours about Pienaar. He seems fine and we all hope that continues.

[geoff998rugby]

Gastroenteritis is usually a tummy bug.

But in this case it could be more accurately described as a wummy bug!

Spot on

[RDW]

I probably should have clicked on the links people put up- would have seen that they were talking baws!

Fair play Ulster fans - round 1 to you! Lets hope you lose where it matters!

[MrsP]

It wasn't an Ulster fan RDW.

It was that bandwagoner Hughie. He's usually a Leinster or Munster fan, depending on who gets furthest in the HEC that season. He clearly feels Ulster are his best bet this year so...





Only messing Hughie!



<cuppasoup>

[R!skysports]

Eeerr is there a game on?

Come on the underdogs

[Rava]

Chris Henry a major injury doubt for Heineken Cup semi-final

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17820128

[rodders]

Chris Henry a major injury doubt for Heineken Cup semi-final

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17820128

Feic..... Hopefully Henry can make it but if not I'm banking on an openside masterclass from Willie!

SUFTUM!

[Notch]

We've lost two great forwards in Chris and Big John but we still have a great pack and I know for sure Willie Faloon and Declan Fitzpatrick are going to 'bring it' in a massive way.

SUFTUM! I'm a lot more nervous than I was 2 days ago but still confident we're going to finish the job we started in Thomond.

[geoff998rugby]

That BBC article would have been written before his contact session started.

Whether he plays or not will be determined right now - anyone down at New Forge with binoculars

[rodders]

SUFTUM! I'm a lot more nervous than I was 2 days ago but still confident we're going to finish the job we started in Thomond.

I don't think thats a bad thing Notch, having that fear factor, uncertainty, the feeling that there is a mounting challenge ahead.

It helps eliminate any risk of complacency in the players, camp and most importantly the fans.

Everyone respects Edinburgh I'm sure but because we know each other so well in the Rabo its not quite the same as playing one of the marquee European clubs.

Obviously I want everyone fit but I think that real feeling that we need to produce something special to progress raises the stakes and excitment.

SUFTUM!!

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Chris Henry a major injury doubt for Heineken Cup semi-final

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17820128

The balance has tilted

[RuggerRadge2611]

Falloon vs. Rennie a 7, I know who my money would be on.

The backrow is a clash that Ulster can afford to lose and I would say I would have to say that the loss of Henry would tip the scales ever so slightly in favour of Edinburgh, especially at the breakdown.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Falloon vs. Rennie a 7, I know who my money would be on.

The backrow is a clash that Ulster canNOT afford to lose and I would have to say that the loss of Henry would tip the scales ever so slightly in favour of Edinburgh, especially at the breakdown.

Fixed that for you, Radge

[RuggerRadge2611]

Falloon vs. Rennie a 7, I know who my money would be on.

The backrow is a clash that Ulster canNOT afford to lose and I would have to say that the loss of Henry would tip the scales ever so slightly in favour of Edinburgh, especially at the breakdown.

Fixed that for you, Radge

Cheers Da'

[Notch]

It's going to go one of two ways- we'll win by 10 or 15 or it'll be bumhole-tighteningly close. I can't wait.

[RDW]

Reckon Edinburgh will manage to keep 15 players on the pitch this time?

Or maybe that's our "surprise tactics" - play some of the game with 13 men, that'll really throw them!

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Nathan Hines shows you how to beat Ulster: Wagga - poor old 1F, the nasty big man won't let you go!!

[rodders]

Exactly ASBO...theres only one way to beat Ulster..... Cheat!......

[geoff998rugby]

Marshall will be fine

Henry ???????????????????????????????????? - dodgy

[Notch]

Time for a new batch of heroes;

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/heineken-cup/ulster-need-a-new-batch-of-heroes-humphreys-16149316.html

[RDW]

Right lads and lasses - I'm off to Dublin! Hope everyone has a great time, and come on the gunners!!!!!!

[The Great Aukster]

Ballymena are playing Garryowen in Bateman Cup (All-Ireland Senior Cup) at St Mary's RFC Templeville Grounds in Dublin at 12.35pm and Ulster Rugby would encourage those travelling to Dublin early to go along and add their voice to those cheering on the Ulster side. Entrance is 5-10 euro.

This is terrible news, who are Ulster going to bring in for Humphreys, Wallace and Trimble?

[rodders]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-17860804#

Aw man it makes me well up with pride it really does.....

SUFTUM!!

[Rava]

Right lads and lasses - I'm off to Dublin! Hope everyone has a great time, and come on the gunners!!!!!!

Have a good journey RDW

[rodders]

Right lads and lasses - I'm off to Dublin! Hope everyone has a great time, and come on the gunners!!!!!!

Have a good one mate! ....... but not too good....

[RuggerRadge2611]

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/rugby/top-rugby-stories/heineken-cup-david-denton-looks-forward-to-clash-with-stephen-ferris-1-2259351

Heineken Cup: David Denton looks forward to clash with Stephen Ferris
By DAVID FERGUSON
Published on Friday 27 April 2012 02:13


IF THERE is one clash to pick out from the many intriguing match-ups across the field in Dublin tomorrow, the battle of the sixes is a strong contender.


David Denton pushed on into the Scotland side at No 8 after fine displays in the Edinburgh back row in the Heineken Cup, and repaid the faith shown by Scotland coach Andy Robinson. But with Netani Talei available to Michael Bradley, Denton’s ability with Ross Rennie on the other side of the scrum has the potential to make the Edinburgh unit stronger than Scotland’s.

But the challenge for the youngster does not come much tougher than that posed by the Ulster No 6 Stephen Ferris, a clash watched eagerly from afar by Warren Gatland and other coaches hoping to lead a pack of British and Irish Lions to Australia next summer.

The two are not dissimilar. The Scot is 22, weighs 17 stones and stands 6ft 5in tall, while the County Antrim man is 26, 6ft 4in and weighs 17st 2lbs. Denton first faced him in the international in February, where Ferris ended on the winning side, but Denton relished the battle.

“If he’s not the best then he’s one of the best blindsides in the world,” he said. “He’s a great player and I really enjoyed playing against him in the Six Nations. “He won that game so he has one up on me and I need to get one back, but I’m looking forward to getting that chance. I felt I at least matched him, but the guy who wins the game is the one who comes out on top. That’s all that matters.”

Asked what it was that made Ferris a key figure for Ulster, Denton said: “He has great leadership ability in terms of leading from the front. When he gets on the front foot and puts in a dominant tackle the whole Ulster team gets behind him.

“That’s the influence I need to try to bring to games. If I can make a dominant tackle behind the gain line that’s really helpful for the boys around me to get attitude and psyche up. Little moments like that can change a game.

“The gain line will win or lose us the game. Personally, when I’m carrying the ball I have to look at targeting their defenders and getting over the gain line.

“The more I can do that the easier it will be to get the ball to our playmakers and get other players over the line.

“But I think I can improve my game by watching him [Ferris] play. I have certain weaknesses that I think he does well. His defensive ability is particularly strong.

“That’s where he changes games, while I look to change games more in attack. But defence is an area where I can look to have more game-changing moments like he does.”

That kind of learning is invaluable to the promising crop of youngsters Denton heads. He is a confident lad and, having grown up in South Africa, is acutely aware of the Springbok influence in the Ulster side.

“Hopefully, I can get in [Ruan] Pienaar’s head … run down his channel a few times and shake him up a bit.”

But first things first: the back row battle for supremacy. Ferris and Ulster know they need to shut down Denton, as Toulouse sought to in the quarter-final, while Denton and the Edinburgh side know the dangers of letting Ferris pick up a head of steam.

“We’re two teams who play an attacking style of rugby,” added Denton, “but we know that to do that we have to win the battle up front. Myself, Netani, Gilcho [Grant Gilchrist] and the likes play a massive role in that.

“If we can get on top, get over the gain line and keep them behind it then we have a very good chance of winning.”

Denton relishing a chance to test himself against Ferris.

I reckon whoever gets the better of this contest will lay the platform for their team to win the match.

[RuggerRadge2611]

Oh and safe journey RDW ya git!

[geoff998rugby]

Team rumours:

Paddy Jackson seems to have his nose in front re the 10 shirt

Really not sure about Henry - I think Diack 8, Wannenberg 7 is under serious consideration, if Henry doesn't make it.
Management disappointed with Faloon's last two games - he may have played himself out of the team

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