Champions Cup Pool 1: Ulster v Toulouse, 11 December

by **George Carlin** Sun 06 Dec 2015, 7:09 am

Ulster Rugby v Stade Toulousain
Friday 11 December 2015
KO: 19:45
Kingspan Stadium, Belfast

Live on BT Sport / beIN Sports

Referee Wayne Barnes (England)
Touch Judge 1 Tim Wigglesworth (England)
Touch Judge 2 Paul Dix (England)
Fourth Official Jonny Erskine (Ireland)
TMO Graham Hughes (England)
Assessor Jim Fleming (Scotland)

A. Head to Head

7 Played 7
3 Wins 3
3 Losses 3
1 Draws 1
150 Points 171

B. Recent Form

21 January 2007
Toulouse 28 - 13 Ulster

21 October 2006
Ulster 30 - 3 Toulouse

27 October 2000
Ulster Rugby 25 - 29 Toulouse

22 October 2000
Toulouse 35 - 35 Ulster Rugby

C. Teams

Ulster Rugby
Champions Cup Pool 1: Ulster v Toulouse, 11 December Ulster11

Champions Cup Pool 1: Ulster v Toulouse, 11 December Ulster11

Louis Ludik; Andrew Trimble, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Craig Gilroy; Paddy Jackson, Ruan Pienaar; Kyle McCall, Rory Best, Wiehahn Herbst, Alan O'Connor, Franco Van Der Merwe, Robbie Diack, Chris Henry, Nick Williams

Replacements: Rob Herring, Andy Warwick, Ricky Lutton, Clive Ross, Roger Wilson, Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys, Rory Scholes.

Stade Toulousain
Champions Cup Pool 1: Ulster v Toulouse, 11 December Marcel10

Champions Cup Pool 1: Ulster v Toulouse, 11 December Marcel10

Clément Poitrenaud; Vincent Clerc, Gael Fickou, Toby Flood, Maxime Médard; Luke McAlister, Sébastien Bézy; Vasil Kakovin, Corey Flynn, Census Johnston, Yoann Maestri, Joe Tekori, Yacouba Camara, Thierry Dusautoir, Louis Picamoles

Replacements: Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille, Dorian Aldegheri, Edwin Maka, Gregory Lamboley, Gillian Galan, Jean-Marc Doussain, Alexis Palisson.

by **Notch** Sun 06 Dec 2015, 11:25 am

Gonna be hard for us with the injuries we've had. Losing Henderson for this game is especially devastating- I'm worried we're simply going to be outmuscled up front.

Also, we have Wayne Barnes nope

Assuming none of the players injured on Friday are available I would go with;

1. McCall
2. Best (c)
3. Lutton
4. O'Connor
5. Van Der Merwe
6. Wilson
7. Henry
8. Williams
9. Pienaar
10. Jackson
11. Gilroy
12. McCloskey
13. Marshall
14. Trimble
15. Ludik

by **rodders** Mon 07 Dec 2015, 10:19 am

Notch wrote:
Also, we have Wayne Barnes

Christ on a bike. Barnes doesn't like the French either though.... he tends to penalize Best a lot in particular...

Don't think Toulouse will like playing at Kingspan but hard to see that will be enough with our recent form and all the injuries.

by neilthom7 Mon 07 Dec 2015, 10:18 pm

Don't generally like Barnes but who knows maybe he has discovered the Ulster fry and grown fond of us recently. Going to be tough we can only hope Toulouse travel really badly. The good news is in the backs we have still got some very good players so if and its a big if we can get front foot ball then we can still do something. I will certainly be hoping for that and less of the snow in my face than when watching us v saracens

by The Great Aukster Tue 08 Dec 2015, 10:39 am

Ulster are missing a significant wedge of their backline:
Nelson, Olding, Cave, Bowe, Payne

However it's the forwards where the real mismatch exists so the backs won't see much ball anyway.

by Pete330v2 Tue 08 Dec 2015, 10:48 am

Are we ready for the 'ULSTER IN CRISIS!!!!' thread yet ? Smile

by **George Carlin** Wed 09 Dec 2015, 2:12 pm

Offy preview:

PREVIEW: Toulouse 'must win' at Ulster

The significance to result of this European Rugby Champions Cup tie in Belfast appears to depend upon which side of the Channel you are standing.

Toulouse insist qualification from Pool One could well rest upon their results against Ulster over the coming weeks.

The four-time European champions got their Champions Cup back on track, following defeat to Saracens, with a 27-3 victory over Oyonnax.

They have since defeated Oyonnax again, in the Top 14, to maintain their third place in the championship, just a point behind leaders Clermont-Auvergne.

But their away form has been a problem of late having lost three of their last four games on the road. That includes the humbling 32-7 loss at Saracens, the worst defeat suffered by les Toulousains in Europe in nine years - at Ulster.

Record try-scorer Vincent Clerc said: "The next two games in the European Cup are essential to qualification. We will have to go and get a result in Ulster, that's obvious.

"You really get the European Cup in mind and we are in a situation where we have the pressure. We must negotiate our way through these ties."

Clerc, set to make his 80th appearance in the Champions Cup, added: "We had a difficult match in difficult conditions at Oyonnax [last week] with a slippery ball. That could help us prepare for Ulster where we could have the same conditions."

Ulster have also lost to Saracens this season and face major injury problems with Iain Henderson, Darren Cave, Dan Tuohy and Peter Nelson joining Tommy Bowe and Jared Payne on the sidelines.

But they got back to winning ways last week in the Guinness Pro12 against Edinburgh and have a game-in-hand over Saracens and Toulouse.

Director of rugby Les Kiss said: "There are a lot of permutations that don't fit the normal European year. Losing can put you on the back foot, but it would be remiss of anyone to define a competition after two games. I don't think anyone's been defined after round two in this competition before.

"We just need to keep our head about ourselves. It's important to win because that would put a different kind of pressure on the pool.

"Toulouse know that it's a real battle for that second place and you never know what could happen if we do win.

"Saracens know we have that extra game up our sleeves. You don't think they'll take their eye off the ball, but it does put extra pressure on them."

Match Facts

- Ulster have won three of their four home matches against Toulouse in the Champions Cup including a 30-3 victory the last time these sides met in Belfast.
- The spoils are split evenly between these teams overall in the Champions Cup however with each side earning three wins and a draw in the seven games between the two.
- Ulster have won only two of their last eight Champions Cup matches, this after winning six in a row prior to that.
- Ulster lost their last home game against French opposition, but won five in a row against teams from France before that.
- Toulouse are one of four teams in the Champions Cup yet to miss a kick at goal so far this season, with the French side slotting all five of their shots at goal.
- Toulouse are just 21 points away from scoring their 4000th in the Champions Cup overall.
- Toulouse have made 47 offloads so far in the Champions Cup this season, the most of any team; Louis Picamoles (10), Luke McAlister (7) and Yoann Maestri (5) have made more than any other player.
- Toulouse have kicked from hand just 29 times in their two games this season and have the lowest match average of any team (14.5); Ulster, in contrast, put boot to ball 31 times in their opening game.
- Ulster gained just 147 metres over the gainline in their opening game, the fewest of any team in a game so far this season.
- Louis Picamoles has made a competition-high 37 carries this season, eight more than any other player.

Yes, yes. Pikachu is awesome. We get it, blah, blah.

by **George Carlin** Thu 10 Dec 2015, 7:10 am

Anyone? No? Bueller? Bueller?
Tumbleweed

by Pete330v2 Thu 10 Dec 2015, 10:54 am

I can only imagine an Ulster 23 something like this for the game:

McCall, Best, Lutton, FVDM, AOC, Wilson, Henry, Williams, Pienaar, Jackson, Gilroy, McCloskey, L Marshall, Trimble, Ludik
Warwick, Herring, Herbst, Stevenson, Diack, P Marshall, Scholes, Arnold

So despite having key players out injured we can still field a pretty decent side for this.
The home record means nothing on the night but do think we stand a decent chance to maintain that good record. The French never travel well and Toulouse especially don't like Ravespan so fingers crossed eh???

by neilthom7 Thu 10 Dec 2015, 12:42 pm

Teams are up
Ulster: Louis Ludik; Andrew Trimble, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Craig Gilroy; Paddy Jackson, Ruan Pienaar; Kyle McCall, Rory Best, Wiehahn Herbst, Alan O'Connor, Franco Van Der Merwe, Robbie Diack, Chris Henry, Nick Williams

Replacements: Rob Herring, Andy Warwick, Ricky Lutton, Clive Ross, Roger Wilson, Paul Marshall, Ian Humphreys, Rory Scholes.

Toulouse: Clément Poitrenaud; Vincent Clerc, Gael Fickou, Toby Flood, Maxime Médard; Luke McAlister, Sébastien Bézy; Vasil Kakovin, Corey Flynn, Census Johnston, Yoann Maestri, Joe Tekori, Yacouba Camara, Thierry Dusautoir, Louis Picamoles

Replacements: Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille, Dorian Aldegheri, Edwin Maka, Gregory Lamboley, Gillian Galan, Jean-Marc Doussain, Alexis Palisson.

by Guest Thu 10 Dec 2015, 1:01 pm

As strong a team as we could hope for with the injuries. Still looks like a decent side to me, and with home advantage we have a chance.
I think Ulster will throw everything they have at Toulouse, and that worries a bit. The last thing I want is more injuries, but at the same time I think we have to try and get something out of this game. Rock and a hard place.

Some game for O'Connor to get thrown into with so little game time in Pro12. Massive step up. Hopefully they all play at their best. Herbst especially.

by neilthom7 Thu 10 Dec 2015, 3:27 pm

Yeah Herbst could be really crucial to this game, if he gets it together then he is a destructive force but if not hes a penalty machine. If we can get the backs into it then we can win it, well at least thats my story and I'm sticking to it lol

by The Great Aukster Thu 10 Dec 2015, 7:09 pm

No lock on the bench - risky?

I'm hoping Barnes is a Herbst type of referee. Biggest test yet for McCall, so might get a glimpse of his true potential.

by Pete330v2 Fri 11 Dec 2015, 9:05 am

Ian Humphreys is covering lock Aukster Run

by neilthom7 Fri 11 Dec 2015, 11:44 am

Pete330v2 wrote:Ian Humphreys is covering lock Aukster

I thought it was small paul covering lock and Humph covering prop? Very Happy

by eirebilly Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:02 pm

Not sure how many are watching this but Toulouse are certainly getting the rub of the green...

by clivemcl Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:08 pm

Considering recent form and injuries... ulster are putting in a very positive performance. Anyone's game.

by eirebilly Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:09 pm

Great try Ulster Very Happy

by formerly known as Sam Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:17 pm

eirebilly wrote:Not sure how many are watching this but Toulouse are certainly getting the rub of the green...

Eh? You're joking right? Barnes set his stall out early and Ulster adjusted. After that he's been pinging Tolouse and has just correctly sin binned the French 9.

McCallister is having a shocker at ten and Flood is not a 12. The Tolouse defence coach really needs to get involved as the organisation on that department is poor at best.

Ulster looking confident.

by eirebilly Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:17 pm

Paddy Jackson is having an excellent game so far. By far and away the best 10, behind Sexton, in Ireland.

by eirebilly Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:19 pm

formerly known as Sam wrote:
eirebilly wrote:Not sure how many are watching this but Toulouse are certainly getting the rub of the green...

Eh? You're joking right? Barnes set his stall out early and Ulster adjusted. After that he's been pinging Tolouse and has just correctly sin binned the French 9.

McCallister is having a shocker at ten and Flood is not a 12. The Tolouse defence coach really needs to get involved as the organisation on that department is poor at best.

Ulster looking confident.

The joys of waiting to make a comment eh Wink

In the first few minutes, Toulouse were getting the rub of the green but now Ulster seem to be getting it. I am one of the few Irish people that like Barnes as a ref thumbsup

by clivemcl Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:24 pm

Williams will get cited for that

by **profitius** Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:25 pm

Ulster are playing very well.

Stupid from Williams there though. Deserved yellow.

by clivemcl Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:26 pm

That said.. where was the contact with the head? Over acting there.

by eirebilly Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:26 pm

clivemcl wrote:Williams will get cited for that

The game has gone soft. Looks like he was going for a clearout, lost his left arm against a toulous player but went for the ball. Nothing in it for me except a bit of play acting Wink

by eirebilly Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:28 pm

Andrew Trimble, still the best 14 in Ireland clap

by clivemcl Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:29 pm

Unreal try! Trimble season needed that!

by formerly known as Sam Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:31 pm

clivemcl wrote:That said.. where was the contact with the head? Over acting there.

Whiplash? He certainly hit him hard enough.

Lovely chip and chase for the try.

Eirebilly I'm not a Barnes fan but he's having a decent game , Williams yellow aside.

by Pete330v2 Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:35 pm

THIS

IS

BRILLIAAAAAAANTTT!!!!

This is more like the Ulster side I know.

I think the Williams incident was 50/50, sometimes they are just the penalty, sometimes the yellow.
Amazing score from Angry Andy proving why he's simply the best and a very well deserved tastey lead to go into the 2nd half.

I'm not quite used to this Smile

by eirebilly Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:36 pm

Sam, Barnes is having a very good game. I was just a bit on the back foot from his early decisions in the game.

Been an absolute quality match so far though, Ulster really giving it socks and winning in the midfield. Flood, as good as a player that he is, is no 12 and Ulster are exposing his defensive channel with ease.

by Cyril Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:37 pm

What has happened to Toulouse these days? Smashed by Sarries and now coming off second best to Ulster.

Sad times for the French side. Very poor.

Williams' reputation for cheap shots isn't getting any better!

by **BigGee** Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:42 pm

Ulster playing very well and well worth their lead. A good chance to get their season back on track

by clivemcl Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:53 pm

WHERE HAS THIS COME FROM????? Yahoo

by eirebilly Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:54 pm

Its amazing how well Ulster can play without the negative play from Payne Wink

Must

before rodders and Notch onslaught Very Happy

by doctor_grey Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:55 pm

Holy cow!
Just turned the match on. Fantastic scoreline.

Is the scoreline a real reflection of the match????

by Marshes Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:57 pm

Ulster have been outstanding! Some of the fringe players who have come in for injuries really taking their chance! Fantastic fight at the breakdown and dragging the Toulouse defence all over the pitch. On for the BP Very Happy

by Pete330v2 Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:57 pm

eirebilly wrote:Its amazing how well Ulster can play without the negative play from Payne

Must before rodders and Notch onslaught

What it Billy, Notch'll get you Smile

This is unreal, where is Chunky? Smile

by formerly known as Sam Fri 11 Dec 2015, 8:58 pm

Pienaar pulls out his Ellisade impersonation in front of the great French scrum half. Cheeky little cross field. Surely it's when Ulster get the TBP now rather than if.

by Marshes Fri 11 Dec 2015, 9:02 pm

McCloskey ya beast!!

by clivemcl Fri 11 Dec 2015, 9:02 pm

I'm lost for words here...

by doctor_grey Fri 11 Dec 2015, 9:04 pm

This looks like men against boys. Really remarkable.

by Heaf Fri 11 Dec 2015, 9:05 pm

Bet nobody predicted this score-line ...

by eirebilly Fri 11 Dec 2015, 9:05 pm

Pete330v2 wrote:
eirebilly wrote:Its amazing how well Ulster can play without the negative play from Payne

Must before rodders and Notch onslaught

What it Billy, Notch'll get you

This is unreal, where is Chunky?

Aah now Pete, Notch is fickle, he will just say that Schmidt made a great player average... Oh wait, Notch is fecked Very Happy

by Pete330v2 Fri 11 Dec 2015, 9:07 pm

I too am lost for words. On this season's form I didn't see how we'd win this game but this is a transformation. I do hope this is the Kiss factor starting to tell

by eirebilly Fri 11 Dec 2015, 9:09 pm

I remember years back when the great Rav (shame he doesn't post here anymore) told us that Ulster would get a TBP win against Leicester. I, and I imagine all, thought that all the helfnsaftey got to his head but he was right.

Ulster on the march, great to see Very Happy

by doctor_grey Fri 11 Dec 2015, 9:09 pm

eirebilly wrote:Its amazing how well Ulster can play without the negative play from Payne

Must before rodders and Notch onslaught

What's that about Payne. I was never overly impressed with him but thought he was OK, not great, but OK. Never quite thought him international level though. .

by eirebilly Fri 11 Dec 2015, 9:13 pm

doctor_grey wrote:
eirebilly wrote:Its amazing how well Ulster can play without the negative play from Payne

Must before rodders and Notch onslaught
What's that about Payne. I was never overly impressed with him but thought he was OK, not great, but OK. Never quite thought him international level though. .

Sidey runny crabby McCrabbit will fade away now. Too much talent in Ireland to keep him in the fold Very Happy

by doctor_grey Fri 11 Dec 2015, 9:14 pm

eirebilly wrote:
doctor_grey wrote:
eirebilly wrote:Its amazing how well Ulster can play without the negative play from Payne

Must before rodders and Notch onslaught
What's that about Payne. I was never overly impressed with him but thought he was OK, not great, but OK. Never quite thought him international level though. .

Sidey runny crabby McCrabbit will fade away now. Too much talent in Ireland to keep him in the fold

Aaah. Gotcha, boss.

by Heaf Fri 11 Dec 2015, 9:15 pm

Poor call by the official's there though - that wasn't a knock on by Toulouse

by Pete330v2 Fri 11 Dec 2015, 9:18 pm

eirebilly wrote:I remember years back when the great Rav (shame he doesn't post here anymore) told us that Ulster would get a TBP win against Leicester. I, and I imagine all, thought that all the helfnsaftey got to his head but he was right.

Ulster on the march, great to see

Good old Rav, a gentlman if ever there was one.

This has just entered dream territory

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