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

[Artful_Dodger]

No citings for knocking the ball down now is there, citings only for foul play.

[stevetynant]

IMO rugby is more than just winning the HC and having another star on your shirt.

and for that reason I hope the Jeff never stops relegation and promotion and converts to a sterile league with little or no history.

It takes all sorts- obviously you enjoy bash up rugby each to their own - England not exactly known for their flare over the years are they.

[Knowsit17]

When Ulster beat Clermont in the final we will see how smug you are then about the standard of Rabo teams, in saying that I;ve no doubt you realize that both Ulster and Edinburgh have been focusing on the HC all season, something Jeff teams don't have the luxury of doing due to your incredibly poor organizational and management skills.

That statement sums up the Rabo, and that is the reason why it is the third best league in Europe behind the Jeff and French league IMO!

But as a paying customer (well most of the time) fans want to see their clubs best players not a 2nd string team!

I'm not normally big on stats but one thing they clearly indicate is that the AP is 3rd-rate behind the Rabo and Top 14. Truth hurts Hershy but alas one can only blindly deny so much

[nathan]

No citings for knocking the ball down now is there, citings only for foul play.

ah cool, as i said, havent seen the incidents. ta

[HERSH]

Why would I care about Leicester losing a game?

Maybe they had a bad day at the office, it happens from time to time.

You've already said that Ulster have concentrated on the HC this season, Leicester have a lot of fans who want to see their best team week in week out and pay good money for that privilege, I think its a shame that some fans miss out on seeing their their best team week after week, in many ways its biting the hand that feeds you.

[nathan]

When Ulster beat Clermont in the final we will see how smug you are then about the standard of Rabo teams, in saying that I;ve no doubt you realize that both Ulster and Edinburgh have been focusing on the HC all season, something Jeff teams don't have the luxury of doing due to your incredibly poor organizational and management skills.

That statement sums up the Rabo, and that is the reason why it is the third best league in Europe behind the Jeff and French league IMO!

But as a paying customer (well most of the time) fans want to see their clubs best players not a 2nd string team!

I'm not normally big on stats but one thing they clearly indicate is that the AP is 3rd-rate behind the Rabo and Top 14. Truth hurts Hershy but alas one can only blindly deny so much

could you point me to these clear stat's that point to the AP being 3rd rate? ta

[Artful_Dodger]

Really HERSH?

2% of the population of Northern Ireland (40'000 people) made their way to Dublin today to see a HC semi final, I doubt any of them are disappointed as you would say.

Any comment on Harlequins number 1 in the Premiership losing to Connacht ranked 8th in the Rabo??

[Knowsit17]

Firstly, the AP sides have infamously been falling short in the Heino for a good few years now when measured against their French and Celtic counterparts. Secondly, the Rabo and Top 14 is producing a more successful brand of player on the international scene, as evidenced by the recent GS's won by Wales, France and Ireland and their respective runs in the last RWC compared to the English.

[HERSH]

Really HERSH?

2% of the population of Northern Ireland (40'000 people) made their way to Dublin today to see a HC semi final, I doubt any of them are disappointed as you would say.

Any comment on Harlequins number 1 in the Premiership losing to Connacht ranked 8th in the Rabo??

I expect they're very happy with their team, but I'd imagine there be one or two fans wondering why they waste their money watching Ulster the rest of the season, when its clear they are holding back and not very committed in the Rabo.

As for the Quins game, I found that rather amusing

[eirebilly]

Terblanch's yellow. Deserved
Ferris, very very lucky boy not to see yellow. That was clear as day.

Not having a dig at Poite or Ulster but Ulster have benefitted from Poite twice. It happens in rugby and i hope that Ulster take full advantge

havent seen the game, so havent seen the incidents but is it likely Ferris will be cited?

Doubt it very much to be honest.

[Glas a du]

Hang on, hang on, HERSH may be a loon, but don't write off English rugby, unless you want your backside on a plate. They will win the 6 nations within five years and will be in the next WC final.

[The Great Aukster]

Leicester have a lot of fans who want to see their best team week in week out and pay good money for that privilege, I think its a shame that some fans miss out on seeing their their best team week after week, in many ways its biting the hand that feeds you.

Not everyone believes the hype surrounding individual players, as it's the team that matters at the end of the day isn't it? However if some fans like style over substance than having a rugby version of Hello Magazine with the same faces every week that's their prerogative.

[TJ1]

Hersh - rugby is an entertainment business. i watch a lot of rugby - all the good games I have seen were HC games. some real crackers

[nathan]

Firstly, the AP sides have infamously been falling short in the Heino for a good few years now when measured against their French and Celtic counterparts. Secondly, the Rabo and Top 14 is producing a more successful brand of player on the international scene, as evidenced by the recent GS's won by Wales, France and Ireland and their respective runs in the last RWC compared to the English.

lol, what does brand of international player meant to mean? you do realise you only just won the grand slam over england....

[Notch]

In other words no English teams in it so you missed out on an absolute scorcher or a game??

An Absolute Scorcher!

Two Rabo teams currently in 6th and 11th place in the league!!!!

Hardly world class.

Ask London Irish and Leicester about 'em

[Hollbeck Ghyll]

Guys - Pretty sure there are loads of threads devoted to which league is better. Don't let HERSH drag you in. Maybe let's keep this thread about a fantastic game of rugby, where Edinburgh hit heights in a competition where they were expected to fail, and Ulster have blazed a path to a long overdue final.

[nathan]

Guys - Pretty sure there are loads of threads devoted to which league is better. Don't let HERSH drag you in. Maybe let's keep this thread about a fantastic game of rugby, where Edinburgh hit heights in a competition where they were expected to fail, and Ulster have blazed a path to a long overdue final.

very true!!

congrats to Ulster!

[Notch]

Really HERSH?

2% of the population of Northern Ireland (40'000 people) made their way to Dublin today to see a HC semi final, I doubt any of them are disappointed as you would say.

Any comment on Harlequins number 1 in the Premiership losing to Connacht ranked 8th in the Rabo??

I expect they're very happy with their team, but I'd imagine there be one or two fans wondering why they waste their money watching Ulster the rest of the season, when its clear they are holding back and not very committed in the Rabo.

As for the Quins game, I found that rather amusing

Nah sorry, we just suffered from a bad start to the season. A lot of injuries and absences to the World Cup and we didn't get off the mark. Lost 4 games in a row- you can only afford to lose 5 or 6.

[Don Alfonso]

Stand Up For Declan Fitzpatrick.

The Cavan man, in his second game since November, humiliated his Scottish international opponent. Surprised it has received so little comment. I honestly never dared hope he would dominate like that.

[Gibson]

Leicester have a lot of fans who want to see their best team week in week out and pay good money for that privilege, I think its a shame that some fans miss out on seeing their their best team week after week, in many ways its biting the hand that feeds you.

Not everyone believes the hype surrounding individual players, as it's the team that matters at the end of the day isn't it? However if some fans like style over substance than having a rugby version of Hello Magazine with the same faces every week that's their prerogative.

That's good though. The very essence of it all. The very thing that makes the HC - all so special. Well done Ulster.

[Artful_Dodger]

Stand Up For Declan Fitzpatrick.

The Cavan man, in his second game since November, humiliated his Scottish international opponent. Surprised it has received so little comment. I honestly never dared hope he would dominate like that.

He was immense Don - excellent performance, Fitzpatrick for Ireland.

[Gibson]

Firstly well plaid Ulster.

Just finished having a brace of pints with FES (top bloke btw) at Teuchters in Edinburgh. Full credit to Ulster they took their chances and Pienarr kicked wonderfully.

All the best for the final lads.

Quietly gutted

Walk tall Radge.

[tecphobe]

Declan Fitzpatrick was excellent he may even get a start at twikers based on that could be a bolter for the summer tower. Kidney must be Poopie himself In case its an Ulster Leinster Final a week before there due to get on the plane to New Zeland

[Notch]

Radge man, I know how you feel. Because Northampton did the same thing to us last year. We played all the rugby in that game too but were muscled out of it. You need to learn lessons the hard way in this competition and this game will seriously stand to Edinburgh long term. Be proud

Declan Fitzpatrick was man of the match in my heart. If only he could actually do anything apart from scrum!

If the IRFU still think Tom Court should play tighthead after today they need a slap. Two good Irish props featured for Ulster- who are actual tighteads. Okay Fitzpatrick is probably too unfit and one-dimensional for test rugby but even Macklin (a real tighthead) or Hagan (a real tighthead) would do better coming on for Ross.

Oh, and didn't Tom Court scrummage well at loosehead?

[tecphobe]

Radge man, I know how you feel. Because Northampton did the same thing to us last year. We played all the rugby in that game too but were muscled out of it. You need to learn lessons the hard way in this competition and this game will seriously stand to Edinburgh long term. Be proud

Declan Fitzpatrick was man of the match in my heart. If only he could actually do anything apart from scrum!

If the IRFU still think Tom Court should play tighthead after today they need a slap. Two good Irish props featured for Ulster- who are actual tighteads. Okay Fitzpatrick is probably too unfit and one-dimensional for test rugby but even Macklin (a real tighthead) or Hagan (a real tighthead) would do better coming on for Ross.

Oh, and didn't Tom Court scrummage well at loosehead?

Declan Fitzpatrick can scrummage thats a fantastic bloody start for a prop. The rest can all be taught he should go on the summer tour. if hes unfit he can made fit, its much eaier to get some fit than to make them scrum

[Notch]

Brian McLaughlin sums it up for me;

“We’re very pleased to have won but disappointed with the way we played the game. We’re looking forward to getting to Twickenham now, we’re a better rugby side than that.

I'd give Ulster two stars out of five really- hard not to feel we never got up to third or fourth gear in many areas. We missed Chris Henry so bad. Was delighted with the result but disappointed with the performance. Hardly matters now!

Just be warned Leinsturrrr fans. The best is yet to come!

[Gibson]

Be happy Notch. Get off de net and have a private one. I would. Ulster in a Final, where English teams were actually involved and suitably dispatched? Unheard of.

Bit nervous for tomorrow, even though I know we'll win a gigantic tussle.

Connacht need the HC to grow. And we cant trust ye Saffers with that particular responsibility. Ya know.

Enjoy it my man. I can almost feel the buzz from here.

[Notch]

I knew we'd win at half-time. We hadn't got it right tactically, we'd a man in the bin and we were in front. We are too hard nosed to let it slip from that point. Last year we would have lost, this year we toughed it out and did what we had to do- and next year... well, next year look out Europe!

Small game to get over us before next year mind you.

[Notch]

I think Tom Courts face speaks for us all

Spoiler:

[Gibson]

Notch,
Dont take this wrong, but Edinburgh threw that one away. Far better team on the day. Every neutral fan knows that. Maybe even some Ulster fans do too.

But. It's the Final via Pienaar. He did it. And he alone, showed the way in the end.

[Notch]

Nah, have to disagree. They were better ball in hand and at the breakdown but we scored when we needed to score and they didn't- thats the way it is. We visited their 22 once in the first half I think- left with the try they should have helped themselves to on about four or five occasions. They played great rugby but they weren't clinical enough.

The game was decided by the performances of the tight five. But I wouldn't expect you to appreciate the craft of the real superstars of this game we love- the front row union

Our scrum and rolling maul was on the money today. The old nugget about forwards winning a game and backs deciding how much is a cliche because its true. Edinburgh made a wonderful contribution to the tournament and the game but todays match was a fascinating contest; flair and high-risk rugby versus experience, guile and forward power. The teams were strong in different areas of the game. We certainly dominated up front after half-time whereas Edinburgh's attacking structures were hard to deal with.

In the end, we did what we needed to do. But there'll be no backslapping on Monday back in Belfast when they look at the videos- we still didn't do ourselves justice.

[Rory_Gallagher]

Notch,
Dont take this wrong, but Edinburgh threw that one away. Far better team on the day. Every neutral fan knows that. Maybe even some Ulster fans do too.

But. It's the Final via Pienaar. He did it. And he alone, showed the way in the end.

I think most Ulster fans agree with you. Ulster did not play well. Pienaar basically won that game for us. I am ecstatic beyond words that we did win, but Edinburgh were the better team. We missed Henry BIG TIME. Rennie/Denton punished us hard throughout. If we end up playing Leinster in the final, we really have to be better at the breakdown. O'Brien and Jennings will punish us even more.

Saying all of that, COME ON ULSTER!

[Rory_Gallagher]

Our scrum was excellent though, I am so happy with that. Fitzpatrick, take a bow my friend. Macklin also did great when he came on.

[tecphobe]

Paddy Wallace ‏ @paddywallace12 Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! paddy on the beer lol

[Notch]

Paddy Wallace ‏ @paddywallace12 Reply Retweet Favorite · Open
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! paddy on the beer lol

Fair play Paddy. I imagine our Ireland boys will get a rest next week.

[MrsP]

Notch,

MrP just started to watch the build up back and there you were, in the new Tee shirt!

[Notch]

Woohoo!

Fame at last

[MrsP]

Were you not freezin?

[Notch]

No, it was really warm in the stadium- such a sunny day!

Call it the greenhouse effect

[MrsP]

I was there too and it was freezin!

You must have been on the sunny East side.

Didn't care though!

Thanks to all the gracious Edinburgh fans at the match and on here.



What a cup run you guys have had. You will come back stronger next year.

[Rory_Gallagher]

I thought it was very cold! Brilliant atmosphere though!

[Notch]

I think Edinburgh have been wonderful for the tournament and made a great contribution to todays game.

[LeinsterFan4life]

where has this guy fitzpatrick come out from...hes a great scrummager why has he not featured more for both ulster and ireland...

[Notch]

He has featured for Ulster a lot to be fair. He's been out injured for the last five months!

Every time the poor guy gets a break he gets injured... he's been in Ireland training squads and played for Ireland A. He's always struggled with his fitness, both in terms of injury and just general match fitness. He's a sixty minute man at the moment.

I thought Adam Macklin went well when he came on.

[LeinsterFan4life]

ah thats really dissapointing cause he can solve all irelands issues at the tighthead position

[Notch]

He won't get picked. He's a scrummager and no more- look how long they persevered with Buckley over Ross because of his game 'in the loose'. And it's true I'm not sure he's currently fit enough for test rugby.

But today he really did scrummage well. He was given a very hard time at Welford Road earlier in the competition but today he did great.

[tecphobe]

He won't get picked. He's a scrummager and no more- look how long they persevered with Buckley over Ross because of his game 'in the loose'. And it's true I'm not sure he's currently fit enough for test rugby.

But today he really did scrummage well. He was given a very hard time at Welford Road earlier in the competition but today he did great.

Those are the guys they should be developing though notch. We have a thing in Ireland for trying to turn back rows into props we have enough mobility and work ethic in our pack to cover for picking one prop purely on the bases of his scrummaging ability as you get it all from healey and best.

[Notch]

I know. I just have little faith we'll do that... this coaching team have lost my faith. To be fair, Fitzpatricks record with injuries has meant a) he's never had a shot for Ireland and b) Ulster can't rely on him to be first choice

[toml]

Have to say BJ Botha played a big part helping develop Deccie Fitz

[Standulstermen]

Fair play to Edinburgh I thought they were excellent. Missed their chances in the first half and to me ulster choked the life out of them for most of the 2nd half. A notch mentioned chris Henry was a big miss and ferris wasn't his usual brilliant self. Deccie fitz deserves a mention but big Pedrie stood up again and defensively I thought cave was exceptional.

Not sure if he missed any tackles but there was at least twice he stopped certain overlaps. Great judgement. Edinburgh are on a good thing though. We all know Bradley sacrificed the league but with a good pre season I reckon they could feature prominently in both competitions next year.

Roll on twickenham.

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