ERC Heineken Cup Final thread - Ulster v Leinster

[Glas a du]

First topic message reminder :

All roads lead to Twickenham for the clash of the Titans of Irish Rugby on 19/5/12.

Ulster Flag

Ulster for a long time dominated inter provincial rugby in Ireland. Some see this as the start of something big.

Leinster Flag

Leinster are blessed with an amazing cohort of talent, based around BOD. Is the third final in four years one too far for him? If Leinster do it they will create history with the first back to back wins (since Leicester apparently. Couldn't remember that, must have been devalued for some reason )

"@HarpinOnRugby: Sexton needs 15pts in the Heineken Cup final to become the first player to win back-to-back scoring titles in the competition. #2amrugbyfact"

Ulster have failed to make the Rabo playoffs. Will an extra game against Glasgow this weekend help or hinder Leinster? Will a lack of a competitive game hinder Ulster?

Meanwhile, we conducted a vox pops:

"Leinster all day, all night and all the next week. It's in the bag. BELIEVE"
Mr Gibson

"We are gonna Party like its 1999! SUFTUM!"
Mr Ravavivian

"Ulster are in CRISIS!"
Mr Ravavivian

"If Ulster get to the final then it's a devalued tournament"
Mr Livinguptostereotype

"well at least Nigel is reffing, I'll have my pink cowboy hat on cheering for him!"
Mrs Livinguptostereotype

"where my f***ing whisky, I don't support the Burgh, but they were robbed. It will be Exeter challenging Clermont in next years final mark my words!"
Mr Ofussurvive


NEWSFLASH

ULSTER FANS - IMPORTANT NEWS FROM STANDULSTERMAN

Sorry to get off topic lads. Just heard that Paddy Wallace will be down in the bar on Monday helping give away the heineken cup final prize from 8pm if anyone is interested.



"@WhiffofCordite: Not great news about Kearney and BOD is it? Hopefully just minor niggles. Why must pre-final weeks always be so fraught?"

"Mine's a double..." Mickado

"Can we change the title of this thread please to Three time European Champions v The poor man's munster" Hoog.

Come on Ulster, where's your banter?


"Kiwi, this one will do: -

" Rava

From Twitter:
"@rpetty80: If Ulster win the Hcup then Ireland would have 3 teams that have won it multiple times. England has 2 and France its just 1 #rugby"

There have been 35 tries scored in 16 Heineken Cup Finals. Will this game be above or below average in terms of tries?

[Mickado]

So, on the Jennings / McLaughlin thing…

Why don’t we start Jennings to tidy up our breakdown/slow down there’s and pick Toner (rather than McLaughlin) to improve the lineout. We won 12 out of 12 lineouts last week and the starting locks were Toner and Thorn. I know Leo is the captain but there’s leaders all over the pitch and this is making the best use of our resources IMO.

[Rava]

Afoa, who has played at Twickenham before has an unbeaten record there and wants to keep that in tact

“I’ve been very fortunate to play there a few times and had a few wins there mainly against English squads and have never lost there but to play a club game over there is going to be a little bit difference, two Irish teams playing in a foreign country will be strange but that is just the way it is, we have to make sure we manage the travel well and play our own game.”

Another one.

ADVANTAGE ULSTER

[BoyneRFC]

So, on the Jennings / McLaughlin thing…

Why don’t we start Jennings to tidy up our breakdown/slow down there’s and pick Toner (rather than McLaughlin) to improve the lineout. We won 12 out of 12 lineouts last week and the starting locks were Toner and Thorn. I know Leo is the captain but there’s leaders all over the pitch and this is making the best use of our resources IMO.

No way we will start a HEC final without our captain.

It just wouldn't happen ever.

[BoyneRFC]

Afoa, who has played at Twickenham before has an unbeaten record there and wants to keep that in tact

“I’ve been very fortunate to play there a few times and had a few wins there mainly against English squads and have never lost there but to play a club game over there is going to be a little bit difference, two Irish teams playing in a foreign country will be strange but that is just the way it is, we have to make sure we manage the travel well and play our own game.”

Another one.

ADVANTAGE ULSTER

I wonder what Brad Thorn's record is like?

[Glas a du]

You lot and your "ADVANTAGE". It was ADVANTAGE Ireland after the first four rounds of HC group games going into the 6N remember? It was ADVANTAGE Ireland well into the last ten minutes of the game in the Aviva Stadium in the spring and Wales went up the field and scored twice to win. Worry about who's got the blydi ADVANTAGE when the games in injury time.

[BoyneRFC]

You lot and your "ADVANTAGE". It was ADVANTAGE Ireland after the first four rounds of HC group games going into the 6N remember? It was ADVANTAGE Ireland well into the last ten minutes of the game in the Aviva Stadium in the spring and Wales went up the field and scored twice to win. Worry about who's got the blydi ADVANTAGE when the games in injury time.

You are like a guy hanging around a party who frankly is not invited. This is about the HEC (club rugby). Not byidi internationals. That's for another day.

Well done to wales in winning 3 times on the bounce against Ireland. It hasn't happened in ages. You have a great team.

Enjoy the HEC Final.

[BoyneRFC]

Damn, Ive just engaged a troll, havent I? Oh well.

[Submachine]

First fault Glas. Reported to be c.25K each of Leinster and Ulster supporters travelling for the game.

Deuce.

[dubh_linn]

rte website says leinster team announced Friday midday

[rodders]

I wonder what Brad Thorn's record is like?

Well you could ask him but he's probably too old to remember....

[Notch]

Damn, Ive just engaged a troll, havent I? Oh well.

Nah, just a guy making an honest comment.

[Kingshu]

Just reading a few articles, and Ulster are described as a defencive team, (after the Munster and Edinburgh game), but we are also top try scorers in the league so are an attacking team.

So are Ulster an attacking team, a defensive team, an attacking team that can defend very well, or defensive counter-attacking team?

Leinster are always described as an attacking team who's backs can cut you open for everywhere, but they also won their semi by putting in a fine defensive display.

So how would you describe them?

For me Leinster = attacking with a very strong last line of defence
Ulster = attacking from set plays, and very good defence all over the pitch.

[Glas a du]

This is about the HEC (club rugby). Not byidi internationals. That's for another day.

Funnily enough that's what a guy from Donnegal was telling me in our Hotel within an of hour of the match. Just before challenging me to a scrummaging competition.

[eirebilly]

This is about the HEC (club rugby). Not byidi internationals. That's for another day.

Funnily enough that's what a guy from Donnegal was telling me in our Hotel within an of hour of the match. Just before challenging me to a scrummaging competition.

Yeah, they are a bit perverted up there

[clivemcl]

Just watched Humphries try v Clermont again. Darcys break was sensational. I love the lad!

Anyways, anyone got any news on what Hotel the Ulster lads are staying at?

[rodders]

This is about the HEC (club rugby). Not byidi internationals. That's for another day.

Funnily enough that's what a guy from Donnegal was telling me in our Hotel within an of hour of the match. Just before challenging me to a scrummaging competition.

[pete (buachaill on eirne)]

So, on the Jennings / McLaughlin thing…

Why don’t we start Jennings to tidy up our breakdown/slow down there’s and pick Toner (rather than McLaughlin) to improve the lineout. We won 12 out of 12 lineouts last week and the starting locks were Toner and Thorn. I know Leo is the captain but there’s leaders all over the pitch and this is making the best use of our resources IMO.

I wouldn't start without Cullen tbh, he is a bit of a neanderthal in open play but does so much work in rucks and defence.

Start McLaughlin I think to counter their physicallity and lineout
I'd also be tempted to start VDM just to stiffle any scrum advantage and then bring on the baby Rhino and Jenno when the game is looser to wreck havoc!

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Damn, Ive just engaged a troll, havent I? Oh well.

Well it is his Thread........ In all fairness.

[BoyneRFC]

... yes a Welshman's thread on the All Ireland final.

Anyway, the more the merrier.

Must be a lonely auld time of year.....

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

... yes a Welshman's thread on the All Ireland final.

Anyway, the more the merrier.

Must be a lonely auld time of year.....

Not if he's an Os fan. Sitting there in the long grass... grinning like a Mexican Bandito

[Suspicious lurker]

So, on the Jennings / McLaughlin thing…

Why don’t we start Jennings to tidy up our breakdown/slow down there’s and pick Toner (rather than McLaughlin) to improve the lineout. We won 12 out of 12 lineouts last week and the starting locks were Toner and Thorn. I know Leo is the captain but there’s leaders all over the pitch and this is making the best use of our resources IMO.

I wouldn't start without Cullen tbh, he is a bit of a neanderthal in open play but does so much work in rucks and defence.

Start McLaughlin I think to counter their physicallity and lineout
I'd also be tempted to start VDM just to stiffle any scrum advantage and then bring on the baby Rhino and Jenno when the game is looser to wreck havoc!

Said pretty much that myself during the week. Agree 100% especially with the healy v vdm choice

[Rava]

Not saying Ulster are the poor cousins but the travel arrangements for the teams to get to London are certainly diverse.

Spoiler:

Spoiler:

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

V good

[Notch]

Saw Stephen Ferris tweeted this about Stefan Terblanche earlier;

Spoiler:

Will be hoping to see a couple of those go between the posts on Saturday

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

It's amazing how far the ball will go on the high veld of Ulster

[Notch]

Indeed! I don't know what it is with Saffers and their long boots.

Feeling confident now. Ulster to win 6-0 with two Stefan Terblanche penalties from his own goalline and breakdown tactics that'll make dreamer take up following cricket

[Artful_Dodger]

On that note - Pienaar kicking pretty much anything within 50m maybe 55m is such a weapon for us, think he's been the best goal kicker in Europe this season.

[Guest]

It's amazing how far the ball will go on the high veld of Ulster

[Artful_Dodger]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0517/1224316238462.html?via=mr

Great article, and really encouraging for the future of Ulster rugby, cannot endorse Logan's words about Ulster rugby being a neutral space enough.

[Notch]

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2012/0517/1224316238462.html?via=mr

Great article, and really encouraging for the future of Ulster rugby, cannot endorse Logan's words about Ulster rugby being a neutral space enough.

Yeah, it's hugely encouraging. I think everyone is quite pleased with the progress we're making. I'm so proud that Ulster is moving forward in this fashion. I mean, obviously alot of the other Ulster fan had a blazing row about something or other related to the article, but sure isn't that just normal?

Every silver lining has a cloud after all!

[Pot Hale]

A little interesting piece of information that I read:

If Ulster win on Saturday, it'll be the first time they've won the Heineken Cup.

[Mickado]

Yeah technically it wasn't sponsored by Heineken in 1999.

Love the two modes of transport Rav!

[GunsGerms]

...plus of course English teams weren't involved in 99.

[geoff999rugby]

I know there were more French teams - made it a more difficult competition to win if you ask me

[MrsP]

Why didn't Leinster play in 1999?

[MrsP]

Or Toulouse?

Or Munster?

Or Stade Francais?

[geoff999rugby]

Mrs P all the 4 team you mentioned were in the competition

[MrsP]

But,

If it was such an easy one to win, then why didn't any of them win?

[Notch]

Mrs P all the 4 team you mentioned were in the competition

I think that was the point she was making

[clivemcl]

Pedrie has been in 10 finals in his career. His record is 9/10.

Advantage Ulster!

[geoff999rugby]

Mrs P all the 4 team you mentioned were in the competition

I think that was the point she was making

Whoosh - put it down to being before 9 and the fact I have something happening tomorrow on my mind

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Mrs P all the 4 team you mentioned were in the competition

I think that was the point she was making

She's subtle ...








... as a

[Mickado]

Rob Kearney is a major doubt according to Newstalk.

Team announced at lunchtime.

[AsLongAsBut100ofUs]

Rob Kearney is a major doubt according to Newstalk.

Team announced at lunchtime.

Nah, he's a a fullback

[rodders]

Jeebus that would be a big blow for Kearney after missing the last two finals.

I genuinely hope Leinster can pick from a full deck and all their big guns are fit and well. It would be terrible for great players like Kearney and BOD to miss out...........

.....plus I don't want any feicin excuses when Ulster lift the trophy ....

[Mickado]

I'd be worried about Kearney being out Rodders, Ulster will have been preparing for him to start, if he doesn't then Nacewa goes to fullback, and that's no harm at all. If Kearney and BOD are out then McFadden goes to center and D.Kearney and Carr or Conway start. In other words, we're pretty thin.

[rodders]

I think BOD is a bigger problem, especially with O'Malley out too...McFadden is pretty ropey at defending that 13 channel imo.

Nacewa to 15 and Dave Kearney to the wing is a reasonable enough option if I say so myself.......

But yes with Fitzgerald and O'Malley already out Leinster can't really afford to lose many more of the 3/4's.

[rodders]

Oh yeah it might be a bit late but Ryanair ended up putting on a second flight on Saturday morning from Derry... I think the flights were pretty cheap too if there's anyone who hasn't sorted out their travel.

[GunsGerms]

I think BOD is a bigger problem, especially with O'Malley out too...McFadden is pretty ropey at defending that 13 channel imo.

Nacewa to 15 and Dave Kearney to the wing is a reasonable enough option if I say so myself.......

But yes with Fitzgerald and O'Malley already out Leinster can't really afford to lose many more of the 3/4's.

McFadden d is fine. Anyone would get steamrolled by north. If you are counting on finding holes in the Leinster defense best way is to comit numbers at the break down and draw numbers in. I also think Ulster are good for a try from a set move or maul off a close range lineout.

[rodders]

Leinster Baby I've seen McFadden miss half a dozen tackles in that outside channel in the past few seasons, its nothing to do with North, he gets his head on the wrong side frequently and gets bounced off or he shoots the line.

He doesn't get as exposed in the 12 channel because he has defenders tighter either side but he is not a good defender when he is one on one in space or when people run straight and hard at either shoulder.

If he's at 12 he'll be fine because Sexton and O'Driscoll are colossal defenders but outside D'arcy there is a chink in the armour there as D'arcy can be caught out on his weak shoulder too and neither are good defensive organisers.

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