Ulster 2015/2016

by Standulstermen Sun May 24, 2015 2:15 pm

First topic message reminder :

Thought i would give ol' GC a helping hand and try and get Ulster types looking inward at what has been a tricky season and looking forward to next season and how we should improve. Dont have time to put down all my own theories but will do so later. This thread is a matawalu free zone btw!

by Guest Fri Nov 06, 2015 6:40 pm

Notch wrote:
Munchkin wrote:Maybe Mulholland will surprise us. Certainly makes the game a bit more interesting

He might not be great, but Wilson hasn't looked at all motivated and even if he makes a few mistakes or gives away a silly pen or two he'll struggle to be worse. Plus he's still learning whereas Wilson will be retiring soon.

Wilson deserves a boot in the @rse, but you would think he might up his game with Kiss now in charge. Maybe not, and maybe too little too late. The surprising thing for me isn't that Wilson has been dropped. It is who is replacing him. I don't know much about Mulholland, other than he has a bit of pace, and he has a bit of grit, apparently. Kiss wouldn't start him if he didn't see something that was worth giving him a chance, especially a starting place. It's a bit of a leap from where he was to starting for Ulster, but hopefully he goes well, and at least offers us more than Wilson has.

by geoff999rugby Sat Nov 07, 2015 1:25 pm

Stephen Mulholland played for Rainey OB last year and was in the Irish Club side that played Scotland clubs recently.

I would not be phased by the fact he is not in our Academy - we get more forwards from outside the official system than inside due to their internal inability to spot potential even when it bits them in the face.

Would like to know his age though - any Rainey OB supports out there?

Also this selection does smack of the influence of Les Kiss - laying down some markers I reckon

by Don Alfonso Sat Nov 07, 2015 1:37 pm

I for one welcome the era of Les Kiss, and an end to Doak's despotic tyranny of crimes against rugby.

by Don Alfonso Sat Nov 07, 2015 1:42 pm

Oldaing, Marshall, Payne, Trimble, Bowe.

We have a better backline out injured than any of the provinces can currently field.

by Guest Sat Nov 07, 2015 2:04 pm

This Ulster Rugby picture was taken on the 31 July .... StevenMulholland

And this site has him as a Lock: stevenMulholland

Although it also suggests that he was born 1970 Very Happy

From Ballymena RFC:

Ballymena RFC
20 August ·
Steven Mulholland has a well deserved chance of getting his first run out for Ulster tomorrow night against Leinster. Great to see such a presence of players representing Ballymena in the squad. Good luck to Jack Owens, Luke Marshall, Ian Humphreys, Clive Ross, Andrew Warwick, John Andrew, Bronson Ross, Alan O'Connor, Dan Tuohy and Dave Shanahan.

by geoff999rugby Sun Nov 08, 2015 12:19 pm

Nerdy fact - 1/1/70 is the date representation of zero in a number of old computer systems

I think that is the explanation - he doesn't look 45 !

by Guest Sun Nov 08, 2015 1:06 pm

So it wasn't his healthy lifestyle and staying out of the sun? Erm

Looking forward to seeing how he gets on. Hopefully he can help answer the problems we have in the backrow. Even with a new player coming in, with Williams gone we will still need cover.

by geoff999rugby Mon Nov 09, 2015 9:24 am

Interesting to hear Stephen Ferris on the TV basically suggested the backrow next week should be Diack, Williams, Henry.

I know Wilson is not someone he has a lot of time for but even so.

by Guest Mon Nov 09, 2015 10:39 am

Diack seemed a bit more fired up than usual yesterday. Ok, he seemed a bit fired up which is unusual, but good to see, his mistakes aside.

by clivemcl Mon Nov 09, 2015 10:41 am

I would agree. I've a lot of time for Diack. And until our duper duper new signing I'd be tempted to go with Robbie at 8.

by **Notch** Mon Nov 09, 2015 2:54 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:Interesting to hear Stephen Ferris on the TV basically suggested the backrow next week should be Diack, Williams, Henry.

I know Wilson is not someone he has a lot of time for but even so.

I would agree with him too. Why would we pick Wilson ahead of Diack if the latter is fit? Better lineout option, we lose nothing in terms of ball carrying, tackling and breakdown work and Diack looks a lot more interested and motivated.

Interview with Les Kiss; I must say I like the cut of his jib. Bit of a breath of fresh air compared to Doak's pretty uninspiring interviews anyway!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSbM-5GhFaA&feature=youtu.be

by marty2086 Mon Nov 09, 2015 6:37 pm

Sad to see Ulster getting dragged into this

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/ulster-rugby-fans-fury-over-absence-of-poppy-from-shirts-during-remembrance-sunday-game-34181112.html

by **Notch** Mon Nov 09, 2015 6:45 pm

marty2086 wrote:Sad to see Ulster getting dragged into this

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/ulster-rugby-fans-fury-over-absence-of-poppy-from-shirts-during-remembrance-sunday-game-34181112.html

Completely moronic. The Royal British Legion themselves say;

"If the poppy became compulsory it would lose its meaning and significance. We are thankful for every poppy worn, but we never insist upon it, to do so would be contrary to the spirit of Remembrance and all that the poppy stands for."

People going around policing other people's poppies is ludicrous. The important thing is to reflect and remember. Besides that, I think poppies on sports jerseys is just a case of virtue signalling and it's not about remembrance, it's just a cultural thing and about 'keeping up appearances'. It's also an extremely recent trend. Ulster have a War Memorial as part of the ground and a minute's silence was impeccably observed before the game- people need to wise up.

As for the Belfast Telegraph, waiting for a minority of fans to get angry about something on Facebook and then just reporting what they say verbatim should in no way be considered journalism.

by marty2086 Mon Nov 09, 2015 6:54 pm

The Ulster Rugby statement said "players and supporters respectfully observed a minute's silence prior to the fixture against Newport Gwent Dragons on Sunday".
"Kingspan Stadium has a permanent War Memorial Arch, which pays respect to those fallen during WW1 and WW2," it added.
"Each year, Ulster Rugby pays respect in its usual and traditional manner with a memorial service at the arch, during which a wreath is laid by the Ulster Rugby President."
The statement added that Newport Gwent Dragons and Cardiff Blues were the only Pro12 clubs who wore a poppy on their sleeves at the weekend.

by Guest Mon Nov 09, 2015 6:59 pm

Oh for goodness sake. I agree with wearing the poppy as an act of remembering the horror of war, and for those lives lost, but there are other ways of remembering for those that wish to. Such as a minutes silence. Being forced to wear the Poppy would be contrary to the ideal that those lives were lost for. Freedom, including the freedom to remember however we wish.

by **Notch** Mon Nov 09, 2015 7:10 pm

Munchkin wrote:Oh for goodness sake. I agree with wearing the poppy as an act of remembering the horror of war, and for those lives lost, but there are other ways of remembering for those that wish to. Such as a minutes silence. Being forced to wear the Poppy would be contrary to the ideal that those lives were lost for. Freedom, including the freedom to remember however we wish.

People on Ulster Rugbys Facebook are like... "We fought against fascism, and to commemorate the fight against fascism, we will be insisting everyone behave exactly as we behave and think exactly as we think."

by Pete330v2 Mon Nov 09, 2015 7:11 pm

"http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/ulster-rugby-fans-fury-over-absence-of-poppy-from-shirts-during-remembrance-sunday-game-34181112.html"

That's a badly written headline anyway as they are obviously not Ulster fans if that's all they have to complain about. Everyone does their rememberance in their own way, Ulster rugby have nothing to answer to. It's just more bad, lazy journalism as usual from the BT.

by marty2086 Mon Nov 09, 2015 7:16 pm

Just had a look at the Ulster page, its funny most of the outraged fans only became outraged after the article appeared Doh

Are there many other teams in any sport that have permanent memorials?

by Pete330v2 Mon Nov 09, 2015 7:16 pm

"DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson called on Ulster Rugby to provide an explanation."

That single line containing that name is enough to prove Ulster Rugby have nothing to answer to.

by Guest Mon Nov 09, 2015 7:26 pm

Notch wrote:
Munchkin wrote:Oh for goodness sake. I agree with wearing the poppy as an act of remembering the horror of war, and for those lives lost, but there are other ways of remembering for those that wish to. Such as a minutes silence. Being forced to wear the Poppy would be contrary to the ideal that those lives were lost for. Freedom, including the freedom to remember however we wish.

People on Ulster Rugbys Facebook are like... "We fought against fascism, and to commemorate the fight against fascism, we will be insisting everyone behave exactly as we behave and think exactly as we think."

That's an irony that will be lost on them, as is the fact that Ulster Rugby make a special effort in the act of remembering.

by Dave. Mon Nov 09, 2015 8:56 pm

The Daily Gail was as bad as it is now. Really is sensationalist nonsense these days.

Reactions like that put me off wearing a poppy; it's a person's choice, and I don't think you need to wear one to remember the dead, although should someone want to wear one, that's fine! Same with a lot of things in NI, some people think one way, some others think another way, and that's fine. Just don't be a clampit!

by Rory_Gallagher Mon Nov 09, 2015 9:48 pm

Notch wrote:
Munchkin wrote:Oh for goodness sake. I agree with wearing the poppy as an act of remembering the horror of war, and for those lives lost, but there are other ways of remembering for those that wish to. Such as a minutes silence. Being forced to wear the Poppy would be contrary to the ideal that those lives were lost for. Freedom, including the freedom to remember however we wish.

People on Ulster Rugbys Facebook are like... "We fought against fascism, and to commemorate the fight against fascism, we will be insisting everyone behave exactly as we behave and think exactly as we think."

The unfortunate truth is that for many people it has little to do with true remembrance and respect, and everything to do with a bitter and twisted political agenda.

by geoff999rugby Tue Nov 10, 2015 9:08 am

Belfast Telegraph is only fit for Bog paper as it has shown again.
As an FYI who exactly is that rotund tube Billy who attempt to write humour but comes across as a complete idiot?

Jeffrey Donaldson speaks through backside again - nothing new there.

The poppy fascists are becoming quite unpleasant.
I know a few who used to wear poppies but wont now due to this unpleasant mind set.
Barbara Windsor comment, for example, was moronic

by Pete330v2 Tue Nov 10, 2015 9:17 am

"The unfortunate truth is that for many people it has little to do with true remembrance and respect, and everything to do with a bitter and twisted political agenda."

That's the problem. I myself don't go out of my way to wear a poppy although I still buy a few every year.
All too often the act of wearing a poppy is to rememberance what facebook likes are to feeding the starving.

by clivemcl Tue Nov 10, 2015 9:19 am

"We are probably the only club in the UK that has a war memorial in our ground and they can't even wear a poppy on Remembrance Sunday. Shouldn't be playing today in the first place."

This tube is effectively saying "shouldn't even be playing sport on the Sabbath day anyway, but at least if you are going to break a commandment, the least you could do is wear a little red flower. "

Which I find rather absurd and amusing.

I wonder what other broken commandments he would be interested to know if a poppy was worn?

Can you see the headlines?

'Adulterer shuns remembrance day'
'Murderer was not wearing poppy'

by marty2086 Tue Nov 10, 2015 9:21 am

Its funny how many of those who say its not divisive make it so by doing what they are doing, I'm also not sure how sowing a poppy onto a jersey is respectful, Im anti all wars but from my POV Ulsters approach seems to be more considered and respectful than that taken by many others

by **Notch** Tue Nov 10, 2015 3:05 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:I know a few who used to wear poppies but wont now due to this unpleasant mind set.
Barbara Windsor comment, for example, was moronic

I'm much the same- I think it is very important to reflect on war, the death and destruction caused by it- to be thankful that I or others in my generation are not forced to live through it the way my granddad who was an Air Raid Warden in WW2 or my great-grandfather who fought at the Somme in WW1 had to. Being aware of that and supporting politicians who work to end war and promote non-violence is very important to me. But while donating money to the RBL is a fine way to support those aims, is it really necessary to wear a little red flower to show everyone else how respectful you are? One can show respect and remember without a poppy; not just once a year but all the time.

by Pete330v2 Tue Nov 10, 2015 9:32 pm

Excellent post Notch, as usual you can say it like no other on here.

On another note I was just reading how Parisse is looking at several offers for next season Smile

by johnnymonaghan Wed Nov 11, 2015 8:43 am

Think this guy fits the bill for the back row

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ulster-target-world-cup-winner-vito-34189066.html

I thought Vito was more a 7 than an 8 though...
Do you reckon Ulster can magic a world class 6 with and Irish Granny?

by Pete330v2 Wed Nov 11, 2015 9:03 am

Vito would be an amazing signing, bring it on Ulster, get that wallet out Smile

by Rory_Gallagher Wed Nov 11, 2015 9:11 am

Victor Vito would be a great signing. He is a 6/8 mostly. Not sure I have seen him play 7.

by Don Alfonso Wed Nov 11, 2015 10:56 am

Please, please, please let this be true.

If we can only get forwards sorted, we'll have a ludicrous amount of talent to juggle in the backline.

We do need much more strength in depth, though, if we're to ever claim silverware again. Even if Vito came, say he was injured during the subsequent Six Nations when we would likely be missing Henderson and Henry, who'd be in our backrow? We'd be back to Reidy (who in fairness looks like he's stepped up a bit), Diack, No Disrespect To Clive Ross and Wilson. Eugh.

by johnnymonaghan Wed Nov 11, 2015 11:09 am

I stand corrected......http://www.allblacks.com/Player/AllBlacks/1367

"Playing primarily at blindside, Vito also impressed with good showings at number eight, and his skills in fifteens included a strong work rate around the field, good abilities in the loose, and a solid showing in the air"

by Guest Wed Nov 11, 2015 11:27 am

Would be a great signing if it's true. O'Connor doesn't actually quote any Ulster source, or even say that Ulster have approached Vito. Think O'Connor is being a little creative, but hope I'm proven wrong.

by **Notch** Thu Nov 12, 2015 3:27 pm

Ulster A team & replacements to face Bristol, British & Irish Cup, Kingspan Stadium, Friday 13th November (7.30pm kick off):

(15-9): Jonny McPhillips, Roger McBurney, Callum Patterson, Mark Best, Robert Lyttle, Sam Windsor, Paul Rowley; (1-8) Ruaidhri Murphy, John Andrew, Bronson Ross, Alan O'Connor, Pete Browne, Clive Ross, Willie Faloon (Captain), Stephen Mulholland;

Replacements (16-22): Johnny Murphy, Michael Lagan, Jonny Simpson, Alex Thompson, Conor Joyce, Liam Free, Andrew Magrath.

Tempted to go along to this to see where Alan O'Connor has gone. Can't believe Lewis Stevenson is ahead of him in the pecking order... See Ruaidhri Murphy is now down to fourth choice loose head behind Kyle McCall as well.

by The Great Aukster Thu Nov 12, 2015 5:15 pm

Brizzle team:
Luke Arscott; George Watkins, Tommaso Benvenuti, Ben Mosses (c), Charlie Amesbury; Callum Sheedy, Craig Hampson; Ellis Genge, Chris Brooker, Jamal Ford-Robinson, Tom Ellis, Mark Sorenson, Nick Koster, Max Crumpton, Rayn Smid.
Replacements: James Stephenson, James Hall, Glen Townson, Jack Davies, Andy Uren, Adrian Jarvis, Gareth Maule.

Pretty tasty team with Benvenuti in the line up, might be worth a look to see how Best/Patterson cope? What are ticket prices like Notch?

by **Notch** Thu Nov 12, 2015 5:20 pm

Free for season ticket holders I think. Not sure about the rest.

Ulster are going to get humped based on their recent form.

by The Great Aukster Thu Nov 12, 2015 5:43 pm

Yes can't see anything but a big loss.

I wouldn't mind seeing some of the young guys though and seeing who stands out amongst those around then. Right now I'm available to go and there shouldn't be any problem paying at the gate.

I think Ulster are missing a trick in these matches - they should encourage more people by running special promotions in the shop and bars.
The season ticket holders should have a loyalty bonus where say every grade 2 game they attend they get entry into a ballot, or a point that is worth something in the shop, or priority when ordering European Cup final tickets!

by clivemcl Mon Nov 16, 2015 4:17 pm

ANy of you guys who went to the 'A' Game have anything to report? Any good performances? Any awful performances?

How did O'Connor look?

by **George Carlin** Tue Nov 17, 2015 6:19 am

https://www.606v2.com/t61282-champions-cup-pool-1-ulster-v-saracens-21-november

by The Great Aukster Tue Nov 17, 2015 1:32 pm

Didn't get to the 30-5 victory Sad

By all accounts the rugby was mediocre, which considering the Championship leaders were against a scratch team of rookies and makes the scoreline very surprising.

On the pitch according to t'other forum Faloon and AOC were the stand-outs. The surprise package was Jonny Simpson who turned the scrum fortunes around.

The real plaudits have to go to Alex Codling though. Firstly he had the spheroids to pick a squad of in-form unknowns and when Bronson is carded he resists the temptation to take replacement Simpson off again because he had been doing better. Simple logic that few adhere to - good signs.

by geoff999rugby Wed Nov 18, 2015 10:31 am

Agree the above post.

To add Windsor place kicking was excellent but his all round game was poor.
To be fair not help by Rowley at SH who was awful - we won inspite of him.

Some of the young backs looked good (Patterson in particular) but without doubt Simpson was MOTM
The game confirmed to me AOC should be higher up the pecking order and Browne is definitely behind him and Stevenson.
He is better than McComb but that is about it

Codling has made a difference

by **Notch** Wed Nov 18, 2015 11:30 am

Rowley has just been awful every time I've seen him. Considering we've let the likes of Porter and Heaney go at scrum-half its even slightly galling to see him get a contract. He's not even better than Shanahan and will likely be out the door without ever cracking the first team should we be lucky enough to avoid injuries in that position.

by The Great Aukster Wed Nov 18, 2015 1:29 pm

It doesn't really matter that Heaney or Porter were better than Rowley, because neither were good enough for Ulster (nor was McIlroy). Given that both Pienaar and Marshall are now both in their 30s, Ulster really need to be trawling wide to find younger alternatives.

Scrum half is a position largely undervalued in Ireland and that is why so few world class players have ever emerged there. I'd prefer more school 10s to be tried there, because they tend to be better footballers, whereas at school the 9 is simply a passer.

by geoff999rugby Wed Nov 18, 2015 2:24 pm

Ulster currently have head in sand re scrum half.

Pienaer has stated he wishes to retire here and that makes him good for another 3 years or so.
Ulster not looking beyond that - short sighted

by **Notch** Wed Nov 18, 2015 2:29 pm

Well, we are now paying a player worse than Heaney or Porter probably the same amount of money. Putting aside the idea of what is 'good enough', its not at all good to see players let go only to be replaced by players who are even worse.

by marty2086 Wed Nov 18, 2015 2:31 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:Ulster currently have head in sand re scrum half.

Pienaer has stated he wishes to retire here and that makes him good for another 3 years or so.
Ulster not looking beyond that - short sighted

And that's if he doesn't get a bad injury Fingers Crossed

by Pete330v2 Wed Nov 18, 2015 2:40 pm

It's nice to know Ruan is going nowhere but as has been stated we need a worthy understudy pronto.

by geoff999rugby Wed Nov 18, 2015 3:35 pm

Notch wrote:Well, we are now paying a player worse than Heaney or Porter probably the same amount of money. Putting aside the idea of what is 'good enough', its not at all good to see players let go only to be replaced by players who are even worse.

Rowley is on less than Heaney.
At least he is cheap I suppose Whistle

by The Great Aukster Fri Nov 20, 2015 1:14 pm

Discussing Rowley and Heaney et al is like choosing a draught excluder when half the roof is missing.

Pienaar can potentially be replaced by a NIQ player, when his time comes, but what about Small Parcel - who will replace him? If Heaney or Porter were never going to be that person then it is right that they left for their own careers. So far it doesn't look like Rowley is the person either so that only leaves Shanahan who needs a lot more experience to be really judged.

Given that Jackson is increasingly likely to be the next 10 behind Sexton, should Ulster be looking to the IRFU for a 9 who could potentially partner him at both levels?

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