Ulster 2014/2015, Part 2

by **Notch** Mon Jul 14, 2014 3:20 pm

First topic message reminder :

Part 1; https://www.606v2.com/t53882p950-ulster-2014-2015

We've been rocked with the seismic revelation David Humphreys is leaving the province- indeed has already left- for Gloucester. Anscombe was slated to be seeing out the last year of his contract before being quietly let go but the Humphreys bombshell left him as the odd man out, and he's been pushed out the door. The decision was partly because he was hired to work under a Director of Rugby and Ulster are looking for someone with more experience in the market to take on Humphreys role in addition to the coaching responsibilities. As usual, the rumour mill is on overdrive and opinions are polarised- but this is Ulster Rugby after all. Les Kiss is our interim Director of Rugby and it seems Allen Clarke is filling the role of forwards coach in the short term. More changes or appointments could be forthcoming.

If all that wasn't enough we've been dealt a real group of death in the new Champions Cup- double-winners Toulon will brave the Ravenhill roar along with old friends Leicester Tigers and old foes the Scarlets. All in all, this team should be capable of securing a Top 4 finish at the very least in the Pro12 and we need to target the top two, our prospects in Europe look more occluded- it might come down to best runners-up and our pool promises to be tight and competitive.

Our pre-season concludes when we take on Exeter Chiefs at Ravenhill on Friday the 22nd August and then travel to Donnybrook to face Leinster on Friday the 29th August. It'll be a big relief to see the action at Ravenhill moving from the headlines to the pitch

Players Out
Johann Muller (retired), Paddy Wallace (retired), Stephen Ferris (retired), Chris Cochrane (retired), Chris Farrell (Grenoble), Niall Annett (Worcester), John Afoa (Gloucester), Tom Court (London Irish), James McKinney (Rotherham), David McIlwaine (Rotherham), Paddy McAllister (Aurillac), Sean Doyle (ACT Brumbies), Adam Macklin (Rotherham), Ian Porter (Connacht)

Players In
Franco van der Merwe (Golden Lions), Louis Ludik (Agen), Wiehahn Herbst (Natal Sharks), Ruaidhrí Murphy (ACT Brumbies), Dave Ryan (Zebre), Ian Humphreys (London Irish), Charlie Butterworth (Lansdowne), Sean Reidy (Counties Manukau)

Hookers
Rory Best, Rob Herring (Jonny Murphy, John Andrew*)
Props
Callum Black, Ruaidhrí Murphy, Andrew Warwick, Declan Fitzpatrick, Wiehahn Herbst, Dave Ryan, Ricky Lutton, Bronson Ross, Kyle McCall(?)
Locks
Iain Henderson, Dan Tuohy, Franco van der Merwe, Lewis Stevenson, Neil McComb
Backrow
Robbie Diack, Conor Joyce, Chris Henry, Mike McComish, Sean Reidy, Charlie Butterworth, Nick Williams, Roger Wilson (Clive Ross**)
Scrum-half
Ruan Pienaar, Paul Marshall, Michael Heaney
Outhalf
Paddy Jackson, Ian Humphreys
Centres
Luke Marshall, Stuart Olding, Darren Cave, Stuart McCloskey
Wings
Michael Allen, Andrew Trimble, Tommy Bowe, Craig Gilroy
Fullback
Louis Ludik, Ricky Andrew, Jared Payne, Peter Nelson

*Academy hookers training with first team squad
**Clive Ross, cousin of Mike, is on trial

Opening fixtures

F; Exeter Chiefs (H)
F; Leinster (A)

Pro12; Scarlets (A)
Pro12; Zebre (H)
Pro12; Cardiff Blues (A)
Pro12; Zebre (A)
Pro12; Edinburgh (H)

ECC; Leicester Tigers (A)
ECC; RC Toulon (H)

by The Great Aukster Tue Aug 19, 2014 1:12 pm

George Carlin wrote:Good lord. I've checked in again and this thread hasn't cheered up at all.

Hard to feel cheerful when you know the rich leagues are actively poaching resources!

I heard some details of Humphreys' deal at Gloucester and was staggered - there was simply no way he could turn that down. I've also heard of one senior player who has been made an offer he can't refuse (or shouldn't if he has any sense). Player's coming to the end of their careers can literally double their 'per year income' and at the same time extend the number of years they play because they can be rotated more in big squads.

It's a professional game and money makes the rugby world go round, but the prospect of success for Ulster in Europe is diminishing every year with more and more French Euros attracting talent.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue Aug 19, 2014 2:27 pm

rooster wrote:BBC NI have done a 4 year deal to show our matches that Sky don't show plus knockout stages if we get there.
Thank goodness for that as Setanta backed by BT were after them as well.

by marty2086 Tue Aug 19, 2014 2:30 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
rooster wrote:BBC NI have done a 4 year deal to show our matches that Sky don't show plus knockout stages if we get there.
Thank goodness for that as Setanta backed by BT were after them as well.

Ulsters game at Scarlets will also be the first game on Sky but noticed that the first Sky game at Ravenhill will be 5pm on a Saturday which is a shame for tradition but maybe a bit better for those who can't make the Friday evening games

by Kingshu Tue Aug 19, 2014 2:49 pm

Just noticed as well that we have Zebre twice in the first 4 rounds, that should mean we get to the top (or very near top) of the table early doors, (of course not thaking this for granted)

This should be good from a players mental prespective, less pressure if leading than there is playing catch up.

Another intresting thing about the league is there really has been a top 5 develop, if you look at the odds to top the league in the regular season, its fairly close between the 3 Provinces and Glasgow little bit difference to Ospreys( around 7/1), but then there is a hugh jump to around 33/1 for the 6th favourite (Scarlets I think). It appears in the bookmakers believe there is a pretty big gulf in class between the top 5 and the best of the rest.

by marty2086 Tue Aug 19, 2014 3:16 pm

Would maybe have preferred at least one of those games in November or February when the internationals are away but looking at the run in we are going to need a good start as a good finish is going to be tough especially given the history we have had with injuries at the end of the season

by **Notch** Tue Aug 19, 2014 4:23 pm

marty2086 wrote:
Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
rooster wrote:BBC NI have done a 4 year deal to show our matches that Sky don't show plus knockout stages if we get there.
Thank goodness for that as Setanta backed by BT were after them as well.

Ulsters game at Scarlets will also be the first game on Sky but noticed that the first Sky game at Ravenhill will be 5pm on a Saturday which is a shame for tradition but maybe a bit better for those who can't make the Friday evening games

I've got the reverse problem, I can always do Friday night but I generally work Saturdays censored

Anyway, great news for the fans most Ulster games will remain free to air and good news for the league in that interest from other parties has probably led to BBC NI having to put more money on the table.

by **Notch** Tue Aug 19, 2014 4:24 pm

George I'm actually just excited for the season to start now. Just to see guys run out on the Ravenhill pitch and play some rugby.

by **Notch** Tue Aug 19, 2014 5:42 pm

The Great Aukster wrote:
George Carlin wrote:Good lord. I've checked in again and this thread hasn't cheered up at all.

Hard to feel cheerful when you know the rich leagues are actively poaching resources!

I heard some details of Humphreys' deal at Gloucester and was staggered - there was simply no way he could turn that down. I've also heard of one senior player who has been made an offer he can't refuse (or shouldn't if he has any sense). Player's coming to the end of their careers can literally double their 'per year income' and at the same time extend the number of years they play because they can be rotated more in big squads.

It's a professional game and money makes the rugby world go round, but the prospect of success for Ulster in Europe is diminishing every year with more and more French Euros attracting talent.

Bad news we might be losing another senior player. I assume you mean Andrew Trimble or Tommy Bowe as they are out of contract at the end of the year.

But I would question whether Humphreys is worth that. If you have that kind of money why not just go after a really top Director of Rugby who is comfortable with coaching as well? Humphreys role at Gloucester this season amuses me. His contribution for Ulster was based on recruitment and being able to sell the image of the club. He's come into a side that has already made a number of new signings he's had no input on. All he is really going to do this season he's done already; appoint the new coach and after that let him coach and cash his cheques.

by **Notch** Tue Aug 19, 2014 6:12 pm

BBC NIs question to former Lions lock Franco van der Merwe; "How hard was it to leave the Sharks?"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/28854008?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

Doh

Franco sounds like he will be a great acquisition though.

by clivemcl Tue Aug 19, 2014 7:35 pm

Notch wrote:BBC NIs question to former Lions lock Franco van der Merwe; "How hard was it to leave the Sharks?"

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/28854008?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook

Franco sounds like he will be a great acquisition though.

Franco was on loan to Sharks from the Lions prior to him leaving SA.

There is still a Doh

moment though - the accompanying article says he signed from Sale Sharks...

by **Notch** Tue Aug 19, 2014 11:42 pm

What I'm really interested to see is who plays hooker on Friday night. I'd expect that Best and Herring won't be back playing as they toured Argentina.

by **George Carlin** Wed Aug 20, 2014 6:59 am

Notch wrote:George I'm actually just excited for the season to start now. Just to see guys run out on the Ravenhill pitch and play some rugby.

Good news. A club has to be in a good place when you're scared that they won't do as well as their squad suggests they should.

I am also gagging for the season to start and for the mighty mazongas of Glasgow to stop being so Scottish and actually win the thing.

I think that knowing the offer from Gloucester was monstrous would make me feel much better if I was an Ulster fan. That's what it took to prise Anscombe away and it's what the market said he was worth after what he'd done with your club. Ulster will thrive. You can't do anything about market forces and the movement of money. You can only lean on your RU's help to deal with it and mitigate its effect and the IRU is in a great place to do that.

Don't be afraid. Eat your Nutella Ravenhill crepes and rejoice.

by RF09 Wed Aug 20, 2014 11:10 am

Losing another player due to a big offer?
Who? Sad

Lets not count our chickens though....money doesn't buy everyone...(Ruan Piennar case in point...There's no club that could match what Toulon might offer...but he's still here)

I still cling to the romantic notion that the pride for the club & shirt carries some weight....

Yes it could go the way of soccer ..players taking the biggest offers...but even there are still good examples...few, I grant you but there are....Gerrard, Scholes, Giggs etc etc...

by marty2086 Wed Aug 20, 2014 12:33 pm

RF09 wrote:Losing another player due to a big offer?
Who?

Lets not count our chickens though....money doesn't buy everyone...(Ruan Piennar case in point...There's no club that could match what Toulon might offer...but he's still here)

I still cling to the romantic notion that the pride for the club & shirt carries some weight....

Yes it could go the way of soccer ..players taking the biggest offers...but even there are still good examples...few, I grant you but there are....Gerrard, Scholes, Giggs etc etc...

You really picked the wrong examples of loyalty when you consider the amounts those players earned

Some players may see an opportunity to earn a bumper payday over a one or two year period and then return for a swansong in Ulster

by clivemcl Wed Aug 20, 2014 1:12 pm

I'd say if anyone would be tempted away it would be Darren Cave. Wouldn't blame him.

by **George Carlin** Wed Aug 20, 2014 1:32 pm

RF09 wrote:Losing another player due to a big offer?
Who?

Stuart Hogg? Run

by **Notch** Thu Aug 21, 2014 1:32 pm

Exeter Chiefs:

(15-9) Dollman; James, Whitten, Hill, Jess; Slade, Thomas; (1-8) Moon, Yeandle, Low, Caldwell, Welch, Ewers, Johnson, Waldrom.

Reps: Taione, Rimmer, Francis, Lees, Armand, Chudley, Steenson, Botha. Extras: Sturgess, Bateman, Brown, White, Scaysbrook, Horstmann, Townsend, Sweeney, Hughes, Arnott

A strong team, this will be a good work-out.

by **Notch** Thu Aug 21, 2014 6:10 pm

Ulster name a large squad with lots of young prospects;

(15-9) R Andrew, R Scholes, L Ludik, M Allen, J Stockdale, I Humphreys, P Marshall; (1-8); C Black, J Andrew, D Fitzpatrick, A O'Connor, F van der Merwe, C Butterworth, S Reidy, R Wilson (C);

Replacements: K McCall, J Murphy, A Warwick, R Murphy, B Ross, W Herbst, L Stevenson, N McComb, J Simpson, C Joyce, C Ross, M McComish, F Taggart, J Atkinson, M Heaney, D Shanahan, R Adair, J Owens, S O’Hagan.

After all the debate on Payne vs Cave at outside centre, we start the first game of the season with Louis Ludik in there.

Looks like we'll deploy three separate front rows throughout the game with six front row forwards on the bench, three locks as well and five back rows. Much less change behind the pack most likely were we are missing a massive host of players- Pienaar, Jackson, Trimble, Gilroy, McCloskey, Olding, L. Marshall, Cave, Payne, Bowe. Up front we're only missing Best, Herring, Tuohy, Henderson, Diack, Henry and Williams- which just highlights how paper thin the depth in our pack is.

by clivemcl Thu Aug 21, 2014 8:03 pm

J Stockdale anyone?? Academy?

by **Notch** Thu Aug 21, 2014 8:10 pm

Yeah, just a year out of school. Obviously quite a few more Academy lads on the bench. Ricky and John Andrew are the first set of brothers to play together for Ulster since Simon and Rory Best.

by The Great Aukster Thu Aug 21, 2014 9:33 pm

Jacob Stockdale former Wallace centre. He probably doesn't have the pace for wing and is seen as a future 13 - Humphreys rated him as probably the best Academy prospect he'd seen, because of his game awareness.

by clivemcl Tue Aug 26, 2014 9:46 am

Not a peep since the friendly? I don't like the quietness!

Was anyone there? Anyone stand out?

What about Ludik at 13. Is that a one off?

Do people think Payne may stay at 15 more than we previously thought now that his pal Anscombe is gone?

by Pete330v2 Tue Aug 26, 2014 10:44 am

Clive here's a bit of a summary that I read on t'other forum, the one that shall not be named Smile

- Scholes looked good. The 2 tries were reward for numerous line breaks, several of them clean. Gilroy could end up seeking a move to Connacht - or more likely, Exeter - if he doesn't get back into gear.
- Van der Merwe was imperious.
- Ludik is a strong tackler and fits the 13 slot well.
- Herbst is a wee machine. A front row of Black-Best-Herbst, backed by a combo of vdM/Tuohy/Henderson, will be hard to beat - we may actually have a weaponised scrum next season.
- O'Hagan's kick around the 75-minute mark was actually very close, as BR mentioned.
- iHumph's defense is still absent. iHumph can still produce flashes of unlocking excellence. iHumph can still goal kick very well.
- Allen may suit a centre role better than the wing. Maybe, with Scholes coming up, he is being shifted back into that role for the season?
- I had initially thought Butterworth was recruited as a bona fide back-up for Henry in the 7 shirt, but that doesn't seem to be the case.

I can't comment on the accuracy as I've read nothing else on the game itself but I would say that his comment on Gilroy is somewhat premature to say the least Smile

by **Notch** Tue Aug 26, 2014 12:13 pm

I was at the game, here are some thoughts.

-Ludik was quality- as a defender he is excellent, strong, good footwork. Very good buy. Looks like he'll really improve the team as his defensive reading of the game will translate very well to fullback.

-Rory Scholes was really excellent, best I've seen him play- really dangerous. Ran good lines, good footwork, did mess up a high ball but good defensive positioning. Really liked him and Ludik high-fiving when they immaculately defended a 3 on 2 overlap. Good team spirit.

- The scrum was ok throughout the game, but when Herbst came on we immediately became dominant and started winning penalties. We played three separate front rows. Black-Andrew-Fitzpatrick for the first 40 minutes. Warwick-McCall-Ross from 40 minutes to 65 minutes and R. Murphy-J. Murphy-Herbst for the last 15 minutes. The last of those three were the ones who really got on top of the scrummage.

-The scoreline doesn't really reflect the game too much- it reflects we made 16 substitutions across the 80 minutes and we came apart in the last 10 when the back line was full of Academy boys. Exeters two tries they got to come from behind and win were incredibly soft... but they had two yellow cards and no players sin binned due to an agreement between the teams that they would stay at 15 for the whole game, they also made less subs and took the game a bit more seriously I would say.

-The best of the new back rows was Clive Ross, but Butterworth looks more a seven than a six. None of the new back rows are a carrying threat and that looks like a major issue for us if Williams isn't fit. McComish was easily the worst back row on show, a terrible defensive read from him cost us the third try and the game itself. He did pretty much nothing else apart from that. Butterworth, Joyce and Ross all look like better options and Reidy unfortunately didn't get a chance to show what he can do as he came off injured in the first half.

-Stockdale did best out of the Academy backs- O'Hagan and Owens looked slightly overawed when they came on, and Owens was a bit of a liability in terms of his defensive positioning. O'Hagan kicked from hand very conservatively compared to Humphreys and that affected us a bit. Stockdale found it hard to get himself involved when compared to Rory Scholes on the other wing but when he did he showed good footwork and strength.

-Michael Allen worked hard but doesn't have the power for centre or the creativity to compensate, nor does he have the pace and finishing ability for the wing. The above comments about Gilroy are premature in the extreme. If we have four wingers I would have Bowe, Trimble, Scholes and Gilroy. In the centres you have Marshall, Olding, McCloskey, Cave and Payne. I find it really hard to see where Allen is going to get game time; as dependable, hard working and solid as he is he maybe just lacks something to stand out in any one position.

-Ian Humphreys threw some flaky passes as well as some excellent ones, still isn't interested in tackling and his kicking at posts and from hand was very good. Same old mixed bag he's always been!

-Shanahan struggled and got caught constantly. He's too small to get sucked into contact and they very successfully targeted him. Looks still a fair bit behind Marshall and Heaney, who also both played in this game.

-The lineout stuttered a bit. Hopefully we're able to improve that area, probably the biggest worry.

We finished with this team on the pitch;

1. Ruaidhrí Murphy
2. Jonny Murphy
3. Wiehahn Herbst
4. Lewis Stevenson
5. Neil McComb
6. Conor Joyce
7. Clive Ross
8. Mike McComish
9. David Shanahan
10. Sean O'Hagan
11. Jacob Stockdale
12. Michael Allen
13. Louis Ludik
14. Ross Adair
15. Jack Owens

Some I'm not really concerned that they blew a 13 point lead because of disorganisation in defence- front row and Louis Ludik apart, thats a Ravens team.

by Pete330v2 Tue Aug 26, 2014 3:53 pm

Cheers for that Notch, a cut above anything I've read on t'other site.

In case people don't check t'other forum here's an example of a common comment on Jared Payne for an example

"The selfish Kiwi who, on 5th April 2014, single-handedly returned Johann's chances of leaving in triumph & ruined Ulster's season, far from the "loner" who didn't bother mixing with mere Ulstermen suddenly sees the light & is almost behaving like one of the boys.
The antipodean blackguard has not yet apologised for his actions in any meaningful way & until he does so, he is dead to me in much the same way as The Liar Afoa".

Are these people fans?

by marty2086 Tue Aug 26, 2014 4:01 pm

Pete330v2 wrote:Cheers for that Notch, a cut above anything I've read on t'other site.

In case people don't check t'other forum here's an example of a common comment on Jared Payne for an example

"The selfish Kiwi who, on 5th April 2014, single-handedly returned Johann's chances of leaving in triumph & ruined Ulster's season, far from the "loner" who didn't bother mixing with mere Ulstermen suddenly sees the light & is almost behaving like one of the boys.
The antipodean blackguard has not yet apologised for his actions in any meaningful way & until he does so, he is dead to me in much the same way as The Liar Afoa".

Are these people fans?

by **Notch** Tue Aug 26, 2014 4:03 pm

Please don't quote that forum Pete- reading it hurts my brain Smile

I should say when I say Owens defensive positioning was off, I meant his positioning at fullback. When they kicked to him he was rather at sea and didn't deal with it well at all.

Also the programme had McCloskey at 12 and Michael Allen on the wing, so I assume McCloskey was a late withdrawal. Probably why the centres both played the full 80 minutes and every other position featured two if not three players across the whole match. We played three loose heads, three hookers, three tight heads and three scrum halves. Looking at all those changes and it's little wonder we lost our shape in the last quarter. If that happened in a competitive game everyone would be gutted/disappointed/angry but I felt rather sanguine about it. We used 32 players in that game and we were still without 17 senior players who are either injured or just not available due to being internationals.

by Don Alfonso Tue Aug 26, 2014 7:28 pm

One thing that I do hope is true from T'Other Forum is a claim that Payne is going to focus on 15. I'd be delighted to hear that.

by Don Alfonso Tue Aug 26, 2014 7:31 pm

Here - where's the 606 Insider, Geoffrey? Could do with some tantalising pre-season whispers.

by **George Carlin** Tue Aug 26, 2014 9:00 pm

Don. I have to ask. What is "the 'Shaft", exactly?

by Jenifer McLadyboy Tue Aug 26, 2014 9:24 pm

I'm guessing it's Belshaft. Home of the Kingspan Stadium.

by Pete330v2 Tue Aug 26, 2014 9:36 pm

Sorry Notch I just needed to offload, the poster that posted that seems to be the godfather of that forum, or thinks he is. It truely disgusts me.

Lets all of us shout 'Geoff' in our heads and try to summon the manhimself. I'd like an inside update.

by **Notch** Tue Aug 26, 2014 9:40 pm

I wouldn't bother reading it then.

by Don Alfonso Wed Aug 27, 2014 9:12 am

George - yeah, the 'Shaft is indeed Belfast.

Feels like we're all flailing about in the dark here. I honestly have no idea how this season will shape up.

by **George Carlin** Wed Aug 27, 2014 9:23 am

Don Alfonso wrote:George - yeah, the 'Shaft is indeed Belfast.

Feels like we're all flailing about in the dark here. I honestly have no idea how this season will shape up.

Absolutely - plenty of teams that think they've recruited well.

The reason I think that teams like Ulster and Munster will do well is because they have retained the core of last season's tight squad and then have added quality instead of journeymen - Munster in particular have done well with Bleyendaal, Smith and Copeland. If Herbst and vd Merwe shape up as hoped, then Ulster are looking good but as has been said, are a bit light in quality loose forward replacements.

Glasgow have done all right with their recruitment (especially de Klerk) but I still don't like having lost Geoff Cross to Irish and Chris Cusiter to Sale.

by Don Alfonso Wed Aug 27, 2014 10:03 am

Yeah, Cusiter I rate particularly. The thing about Ulster is that we've lost big names who weren't performing on the pitch for us anyway - Afoa, Muller and Ferris. So its not about a massive drop-off in talent this season - it's really about how good the replacements are in their own terms.

by **Notch** Wed Aug 27, 2014 11:01 am

Dan Tuohy will captain the side against Leinster. Franco van der Merwe will partner him in the second row and call the lineout.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/dan-tuohy-locked-in-battle-to-retain-his-starting-role-at-ulster-30539033.html

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed Aug 27, 2014 12:27 pm

I think UAFC and Munsterfans are more like planetrugby and have a lot of people posting....."less seriously" than on some other forums.

Not sure they are "disgusting" or anything else. Perhaps just not to some people's tastes. (mine included quite often)

I think there are people out there who take things that they may read on such forums waaaay to seriously.

PS I do not have an account on any of the named forums and I don't read them that regularly.

by Pete330v2 Wed Aug 27, 2014 1:12 pm

I only look in there for the odd hint of some news that one or two posters there produce if things have gone quiet in here Jen. There is a UAFC version of Geoff on there who's boobie-bits of info are well worth reading. It's just that you have so sift through the excrement to find those golden nuggets.

I have a gut feeling that our signing of Franco is going to be a winner. He seems to be a worthy replacement for Muller and has a similar aura about him (not that I've met him). I got me a good feeling about this season. I hope my gut isn't far out.

by Pete330v2 Wed Aug 27, 2014 2:23 pm

Just to add to more of the rubbish I read online I was reading planet rugby's Pro12 transfer roundup. They mention that Ulster signed Devin Montgomery. He covers lock and backrow and looks to be a bit of a ball carrying lump. I haven't heard any mention of him being signed though. Anyone know anything about him or has planet rugby gone off on one as usual?

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed Aug 27, 2014 2:37 pm

Pete330v2 wrote:Just to add to more of the rubbish I read online I was reading planet rugby's Pro12 transfer roundup. They mention that Ulster signed Devin Montgomery. He covers lock and backrow and looks to be a bit of a ball carrying lump. I haven't heard any mention of him being signed though. Anyone know anything about him or has planet rugby gone off on one as usual?

Was covered on the previous page of this thread. Apperently it was an old rumour that re surfaced.

by Standulstermen Wed Aug 27, 2014 2:45 pm

Just reading Notchs summation and agree with most of it. Allen however looked rather powerful to me. He looked to have bulked up quite a bit and he frequently was able to fend off the first tackler. That said he was never really running at space and was used constantly on the bosh and cutting back inside.

I'm not convinced he will offer more but I would guess (given his size now) that he is looking at some centre gametime and not wing

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed Aug 27, 2014 3:08 pm

Notch wrote:
**Clive Ross, brother of Mike, is on trial

Just spotted this. Yerman is his 1st cousin which probably accounts for his different shape. Laugh

by **Notch** Wed Aug 27, 2014 3:48 pm

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:
Notch wrote:
**Clive Ross, brother of Mike, is on trial

Just spotted this. Yerman is his 1st cousin which probably accounts for his different shape.

Yes, I was misinformed! Fair play I got their relationship wrong.

Mind you if you want to talk about different shapes, look at Sean Cronins brother Neil (scrum-half) or Jonny Sextons brother Jerry (lock). Or even Ricky and John Andrew from the team that played Exeter.

by Jenifer McLadyboy Wed Aug 27, 2014 3:51 pm

Just like me and Devin Montgomery.

by **Notch** Sun Aug 31, 2014 12:29 pm

Toulon tickets going on sale;

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/News/LatestNews/TabId/149/ArtMID/793/ArticleID/1714/Toulon-tickets-to-go-on-general-sale-at-10am-tomorrow.aspx

by clivemcl Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:37 pm

Sold Out my lunctime??? :-(

Good for the club though! Its going to be touch and go to get tickets this year with the increase in ST holders!

by Pete330v2 Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:40 pm

I don't bother trying anymore. It's brilliant for Ulster Rugby to be hosting big teams to sell out home crowds so my voice won't be missed. I never ever sing SUFTUM anyway, it just feels wrong singing a pet shop boys song, BRING BACK THIN LIZZY!!!!!

by **Notch** Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:45 pm

For general games its all right, for European games you have to be a demon on the refresh button.

Ravenhill is now the perfect size. Any bigger and it would be too easy to get tickets for the big games, the high level of demand will inflate season ticket sales even further as people want to be guaranteed their spot and that will grow the attendance for the smaller games zen

by Pete330v2 Mon Sep 01, 2014 1:49 pm

Ulster have now become a main staple of sport in Ulster and beyond. It seems not so long ago that as sports fans we were on the fringes of fan society but now the brand has grown and multiplied brilliantly. I don't forsee demand dropping drastically in the coming years. Tis all good.

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