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

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

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

Yes, pls, that'll do nicely for Embra

[geoff998rugby]

It will do nicely for Ulster too thanks - mind games dont work here

[Rava]

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

Faloon not a massive surprise Geoff. Could be his high penalty count as well.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Getting nervous, lads?!

[rodders]

Getting nervous, lads?!

[rodders]

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

Noooooooooooo!!!!!!!!

[geoff998rugby]

ASBO our only problem is so many quality players to pick from it does get difficult some times. I realize that is not a problem Edinburgh have

[RuggerRadge2611]

To be honest I'm not all that nervous myself. I'll be happy if we go out there, play some rugby and make a match out of it. If we win, we win. It's not a certainty and I'm not 100% convinced we can do it.

Underdogs suits Embra and Scotland well. I have no expectations about winning the game. I think we can but we have to play at our best. The guys have already done us pretty proud by beating Toulouse to get us to this match in the 1st place...... win lose or draw I'm proud of Edinburgh and what they have achieved.

So not nervous, just a heightened sense of anticipation at what should be a cracker of a game. All the nerves I reckon will be across the Irish sea.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

ASBO our only problem is so many quality players to pick from it does get difficult some times. I realize that is not a problem Edinburgh have

No, team picks itself - makes life nice and simple. Would it not be one helluva risk to pick Jackson as your pivot?

[Rava]

ASBO our only problem is so many quality players to pick from it does get difficult some times. I realize that is not a problem Edinburgh have

No, team picks itself - makes life nice and simple. Would it not be one helluva risk to pick Jackson as your pivot?

Actually given recent performances it might be more of a risk picking Humphreys.

[Mickado]

Jackson is consistent, the risk is around his ability to play at this level. Humphries is inconsistent at any level, he could win the game or lose it by himself.

Jackson is probably the lesser of two risky evils.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Jackson is consistent, the risk is around his ability to play at this level. Humphries is inconsistent at any level, he could win the game or lose it by himself.

Jackson is probably the lesser of two risky evils.

But it's also about experience too, don't you think?

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

The key to Edinburgh's attack? Watch Visser's movement on phase 4 - ouch-town, population 1, Ulster

[Glas a du]

Is this the weakest semi final since the French and English joined?

[Don Alfonso]

The key to Ulster's attack? Waltz past the self-same Visser on phase 6. Why not give him a wave as you go?

If iHumph isn't playing, Visser'll be the poorest tackler on the pitch.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Is this the weakest semi final since the French and English joined?

Nope, there's no Welsh teams contesting it

[rodders]

Is this the weakest semi final since the French and English joined?

I think you are on the wrong thread glas.....

[RuggerRadge2611]

Is this the weakest semi final since the French and English joined?

Can't be any weaker than Wales' presence in the quarter finals

[Rava]

Is this the weakest semi final since the French and English joined?

No! Surely that would be any of the many with a Welsh side in it

[Don Alfonso]

Rumblings that Jacko might be starting...

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0427/1224315232317.html

[Glas a du]

As you were then.

[rodders]

So not nervous, just a heightened sense of anticipation at what should be a cracker of a game. All the nerves I reckon will be across the Irish sea.

I'm really nervous now actually, much more so than before the Munster game.

I want to win this so much I can't put it into words, I will be flipping devasted if we lose this. To qualify from a group with the Tigers and Clermont and beat Munster at Thomond and lose now doesn't bear thinking about.

I'm pretty concerned about Edinburgh here and think this talk in the media that Ulster are big favourites is a bit over optimistic. Edinburgh haven't shown their hand in the Rabo at all and seem super confident here. Theres not much between the sides and we're a bit more battle weary having beaten competing on two fronts.

I just hope we show the steel and intensity we've shown against Clermont and Munster and that the huge crowd will be enough to steer us through.

[Don Alfonso]

The quality (and, indeed, quantity) of my work today may not be a personal high water mark.

[RuggerRadge2611]

The quality (and, indeed, quantity) of my work today may not be a personal high water mark.

+1 I think the embra team will be announced just after lunch.

[marty2086]

So not nervous, just a heightened sense of anticipation at what should be a cracker of a game. All the nerves I reckon will be across the Irish sea.

I'm really nervous now actually, much more so than before the Munster game.

I want to win this so much I can't put it into words, I will be flipping devasted if we lose this. To qualify from a group with the Tigers and Clermont and beat Munster at Thomond and lose now doesn't bear thinking about.

I'm pretty concerned about Edinburgh here and think this talk in the media that Ulster are big favourites is a bit over optimistic. Edinburgh haven't shown their hand in the Rabo at all and seem super confident here. Theres not much between the sides and we're a bit more battle weary having beaten competing on two fronts.

I just hope we show the steel and intensity we've shown against Clermont and Munster and that the huge crowd will be enough to steer us through.

rodders we just have to KEEP CALM AND BELIEVE!!!

With the experience, quality and hunger in the team I dont think we have to worry about the team being tired I think adreneline alone will get them through. any team that can do battle with Munster for 80minutes without 1 replacement can do it again

[Standulstermen]

The quality (and, indeed, quantity) of my work today may not be a personal high water mark.

This goes for me too. In fact i will probably break up the day with a wee jaunt to Ravers to pick up some flags ( ).

Rodders

I was a nervous wreck at thomond too. Only difference being i was heavily intoxicated the day before. No such luck this time.

[clivemcl]

Rumblings that Jacko might be starting...

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0427/1224315232317.html

As if i werent nervous enough! Theres safety in that Marshall to 9 and pienaar to 10 doesnt weaken the team very much if the gamble of jackson doesnt workk out. But iHumph missing out on the squad alltogether would be a terrible kick in the stones.

As i said to a friend this morning, I grew up watching films like the Mighty Ducks, so I would fully expect paddy Jackson having an absolute stormer and ultimately replace Sexton for Ireland next season...

[rodders]

Rodders

I was a nervous wreck at thomond too. Only difference being i was heavily intoxicated the day before. No such luck this time.

Are you heading down a stand, I take it you are coaching up and down?

Might call in on the way back up on Sunday to catch the Leinster game .

[Standulstermen]

Rodders

I was a nervous wreck at thomond too. Only difference being i was heavily intoxicated the day before. No such luck this time.

Are you heading down a stand, I take it you are coaching up and down?

Might call in on the way back up on Sunday to catch the Leinster game .

2 busloads heading down Rodders. 100 people. Wouldnt have missed it.

Ulster win
get 100 people back up to belfast

those are my two priorities........... in that order

[Hollbeck Ghyll]

Edinburgh team announced :

Edinburgh: T Brown; L Jones, N De Luca, M Scott, T Visser; G Laidlaw (capt), M Blair; A Jacobsen, R Ford, G Cross, Sean Cox, G Gilchrist, D Denton, R Rennie, N Talei.

Subs: A Kelly, K Traynor, J Gilding, S Turnbull, R Grant, C Leck, P Godman, J Thompson

[geoff998rugby]

I have to say this talk of experience re Humphreys and Jackson is bogus imv.

Jackson is a far strong character than Humphreys mentally.

I would suggest Humphreys would be far more likely to have a melt down than Jackson.
Jackson has a steel about him that Humphreys lacks.

[Don Alfonso]

Any more word on Chris, Geoff? When's the team announced?

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Edinburgh team announced :

Edinburgh: T Brown; L Jones, N De Luca, M Scott, T Visser; G Laidlaw (capt), M Blair; A Jacobsen, R Ford, G Cross, Sean Cox, G Gilchrist, D Denton, R Rennie, N Talei.

Subs: A Kelly, K Traynor, J Gilding, S Turnbull, R Grant, C Leck, P Godman, J Thompson

Ignoring the bench, that looks like a winning team

[The Great Aukster]

Edinburgh team announced :

Edinburgh: T Brown; L Jones, N De Luca, M Scott, T Visser; G Laidlaw (capt), M Blair; A Jacobsen, R Ford, G Cross, Sean Cox, G Gilchrist, D Denton, R Rennie, N Talei.

Subs: A Kelly, K Traynor, J Gilding, S Turnbull, R Grant, C Leck, P Godman, J Thompson

Looks weak.

[Don Alfonso]

That's it, Asbo. You keep the faith, buddy.

[Hollbeck Ghyll]

Edinburgh team announced :

Edinburgh: T Brown; L Jones, N De Luca, M Scott, T Visser; G Laidlaw (capt), M Blair; A Jacobsen, R Ford, G Cross, Sean Cox, G Gilchrist, D Denton, R Rennie, N Talei.

Subs: A Kelly, K Traynor, J Gilding, S Turnbull, R Grant, C Leck, P Godman, J Thompson

Ignoring the bench, that looks like a winning team

The bench is worrying isn't it! I suppose we knew it would be though. I for one will be praying, raindancing or whatever else I can google in the hope that we get no front row injuries.

[rodders]

Jackson is a far strong character than Humphreys mentally.

I would suggest Humphreys would be far more likely to have a melt down than Jackson.
Jackson has a steel about him that Humphreys lacks.

In fairness Geoff Jackson struggled badly with the boot in the U20's RWC. His composure wasn't great either.

I thought he played very well on Friday though but surely there must be plenty of question marks about Jackson.

I mean say what you want about IHumph but hes played and performed in plenty of big HEC games for us and Leicester. Jackson is unproven at this level.

[Don Alfonso]

Ah, but it renders Bradley's strategic masterstroke - "run at the 10 who won't tackle" - null and void. I've seen Jacko take down Faletau and Sean O'Brien without batting an eyelid. Talei? Denton? Please.

[geoff998rugby]

Jackson wil not be taking the kicks though - Pienaer will. Also he was fine kicking against Connacht. For me there are more question marks about Humphreys.

Also if you recall I posted that the team, forwards in particular, were fed up with Humphreys and were voicing that criticism. He was also, after analysis blamed for every try against Munster and Connacht.

The buzz is Jackson and Fitzpatrick are in but the last backrower is still uncertain.

[rodders]

Fair enough Geoff, I am excited to see Jackson get the nod particularly after Friday night but I still have some concerns about him.

I hope he really steps up to the plate .

Also seen Muller walk off with his arm round Jackson after the game on Friday night, seemed to be giving him some advice and feedback.

Great stuff from Muller, what a brilliant captain he is .

[Croyman]

you guys know best I'm sure - but to me Humphreys is "mercurial" - and I think he actually gets bored at doing things like closing a game down and then his mind tends to wander - and I guess his defence is non-existent (don't think he is very big?)

some pretty good players in a variety of sports have had similar afflictions

maybe he could sit on the bench - though not sure there's space - and be useful to bring on if a few scores were needed

[RuggerRadge2611]

Edinburgh team as expected, With the exception of front row cover and "Good"Godman, it's actually ok. Grant is capable as is Leck, Turnbull and JT.

Godman has a lot of experience and despite not being incredible he is somewhat reliable.

I genuinly think Edinburgh can win this game. Gutted to not be going to the match but will be watching it very noisily from the pub.

[Don Alfonso]

"Denton eyes place in Heineken Cup final"

Oh, that Edinburgh arrogance.

[clivemcl]

Geoff, why so certain Ruan is kicking? Since the Munster game, Jackson has been comfortably the better kicker than Pienaar has he not? But you'd always favour Ruan to take the middle of the park halfway line ones!

In other news- I Just went and bought loads of red stuff from a fancy dress shop!

[Don Alfonso]

What'd you get Clive? I can keep an eye out for you when I am watching the TV in the pub...

<sigh>

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Edinburgh team announced :

Edinburgh: T Brown; L Jones, N De Luca, M Scott, T Visser; G Laidlaw (capt), M Blair; A Jacobsen, R Ford, G Cross, Sean Cox, G Gilchrist, D Denton, R Rennie, N Talei.

Subs: A Kelly, K Traynor, J Gilding, S Turnbull, R Grant, C Leck, P Godman, J Thompson

Looks weak.

Tight 5 looks week. and their replacements. Ulster will ate them.

[clivemcl]

Just a red wig and facepaint and a red cowboy bandana for under my shirt! wahey!

[Notch]

Massive relief for everyone in Ulster colours if Humphreys isn't starting- starting with Humph at this stage is a risk we can't afford to make. Jackson is ready and by far the safer of the two options; I think most Ulster fans are pretty much unanimous on that point. Humph is playing the worst rugby of his life.

I'd also be delighted if Diack starts instead of Faloon and Fitzpatrick at tighthead. It looks like McLaughs is going to get all the selection calls right.

[RuggerRadge2611]

Edinburgh team announced :

Edinburgh: T Brown; L Jones, N De Luca, M Scott, T Visser; G Laidlaw (capt), M Blair; A Jacobsen, R Ford, G Cross, Sean Cox, G Gilchrist, D Denton, R Rennie, N Talei.

Subs: A Kelly, K Traynor, J Gilding, S Turnbull, R Grant, C Leck, P Godman, J Thompson

Looks weak.

Tight 5 looks week. and their replacements. Ulster will ate them.

Jean-Baptiste Poux, William Servat, Census Johnston, Yoann Maestri and Patricio Albacete. Go ask that lot if Edinburgh have a weak tight 5.

To be honest I'm not happy for Irish/Ulster fans to think us weak, a bit of respect needed surely?

Lets start from the top.

When the Tournament started we were expected to finish Bottom of our group getting mullered by everyone we played home and away. We won all but 1 game away to Cardiff and topped our group, with some convincing wins along the way.

Then came Toulouse who fully expected to romp to Victory and face Munster at the Aviva. Well they were wrong on both counts. Edinburgh dominated the forward game, effectively nulified the big ball carrying forwards in the Toulouse team and contained the Toulouse attack with only 13 men on the pitch for an 8th of the game. Furthermore Ulster turned over Munster at Thormand park.

It's been a tournament of Upsets for Edinburgh and Ulster caught Munster napping too.

Happy to be tagged underdogs but not weak. I only hope the Ulster players think us weak but I doubt they'll be as overconfident as some posters on here.

[Don Alfonso]

I hope you really enjoy this one, Clive. You've mentioned before that you have to pick and choose what games you get to, so have a whale of a time.

Raise a pint to those of us who can't make it. And remember to SUFTUM.

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