most influential player / Opposition player you wish played for your team?

For me it has to be Ruan Pienaar. He may not be the best player in the league but by 'eck he runs a game well. He turns Ulster from an OK team to a good one just by being on the pitch.

A doctor to keep everyone fit please! Our injury issues over the last few seasons just border on ridiculous!

Of practical players for Glasgow to attain for the right now, I would say John Barclay. Quality in the backrow who covers all positions well.

Ideal case scenario for now and the future ignoring ability to acquire, Ardie Savea. Young (23), skillful who has the size to play across the back row if needed. Would immediately upgrade any backrow.

Would have to look at captains at the other provinces. If Leinster had a Best or a Murray added to their starting XV they'd give any team in Europe a run for their money.

A Piutau or Wade would add a wow factor in the backfield. We've tried Tiquri, Kirchener

Kind of miss Contepomi so would be nice for a Hernandez for a bit of magic. Wouldn't describe him as a most influential player though, more of an indulgence.

Paul O'Connell.

Currently I wouldn't mind seeing CJ Stander or Pete O'Mahoney in an Ulster jersey.

Nakarawa and Matawalu.

That's all you need. Have a high class team around those two and the sky is the limit.

Picamoles would be amazing for Tigers IMO.

Or

Heaslip.

SecretFly wrote:Nakarawa and Matawalu.

That's all you need.  Have a high class team around those two and the sky is the limit.

Definitely - although it's worth saying that both need a team to structure its tactics around how they like to play. Glasgow managed to mould themselves to how Matawalu was playing in 2014 and how Nakarawa was playing in 2015, and the results were pretty spectacular.

Contrast that with how Racing 92 and Bath have signally failed to do what is needed, attempting to make these Über-specialists play in a conventional way. The results are a waste of pure talent.

IanBru wrote:

SecretFly wrote:Nakarawa and Matawalu.

That's all you need.  Have a high class team around those two and the sky is the limit.

Definitely - although it's worth saying that both need a team to structure its tactics around how they like to play. Glasgow managed to mould themselves to how Matawalu was playing in 2014 and how Nakarawa was playing in 2015, and the results were pretty spectacular.

Contrast that with how Racing 92 and Bath have signally failed to do what is needed, attempting to make these Über-specialists play in a conventional way. The results are a waste of pure talent.

Oh I was cautious about that Ian, thus why I slid in the 'high class team' around them; meaning that just relying on them doing some magic stuff would be the wrong approach.  First a good team with a good playing philosophy (in my case Leinster is okay on that) - then add some magic with those two worked into the processes - or accommodated by the processes - and away you go!  
I would be wary of any side just thinking they could benefit from either of them by just letting them turn up and expecting great things to happen. In a team that uses them the right way... Bang.

For Ulster out of the Pro12 Stander further afield Billy Vunipola.

A kick arse 8 would so wonders for our team

For Quinn's I'd take any of Farrell, his leadership and control and partnership with Care would be good. Nathan Hughes/James Johnson to add some power to the back row. Or Bismarck du Plessis to beast up the pack

Come back Charlie Piatau!

Piatau is a very good shout

I'd probably say Conor Murray. If there's one area Saracens can probably get some improvement it's 9.

Plus Murray is such a good 9.

I think he's the most complete 9 currently.

beshocked wrote:I'd probably say Conor Murray. If there's one area Saracens can probably get some improvement it's 9.

Plus Murray is such a good 9.

I think he's the most complete 9 currently.

Would you take Youngs over him?

No, Youngs IMO can be too erratic. He's clearly a good player but goes through weird phases where sometimes he's a sublime match winner and sometimes he lacks direction and seems out of his depth.

It's as if his basic skills just go out of the window. On his day he can be unplayable but on others you just don't want him to play!

He had a consistent run of good form in the AIs but he's been poor when I've seen him in the AP.

beshocked wrote:No, Youngs IMO can be too erratic. He's clearly a good player but goes through weird phases where sometimes he's a sublime match winner and sometimes he lacks direction and seems out of his depth.

It's as if his basic skills just go out of the window. On his day he can be unplayable but on others you just don't want him to play!

He had a consistent run of good form in the AIs but he's been poor when I've seen him in the AP.

He looks poor playing for Leicester because they have become a poor side. If he was kicking for Saracens their kick chase would make his average kicks look good. Playing for Tigers his average kicks look poor.

Exiledinborders wrote:

beshocked wrote:No, Youngs IMO can be too erratic. He's clearly a good player but goes through weird phases where sometimes he's a sublime match winner and sometimes he lacks direction and seems out of his depth.

It's as if his basic skills just go out of the window. On his day he can be unplayable but on others you just don't want him to play!

He had a consistent run of good form in the AIs but he's been poor when I've seen him in the AP.

He looks poor playing for Leicester because they have become a poor side. If he was kicking for Saracens their kick chase would make his average kicks look good. Playing for Tigers his average kicks look poor.

I am not saying Youngs is a bad player and he has many strengths but I would prefer Murray. Though then again I am not sure Youngs' style would suit Saracens.

Youngs is an excellent 9 going forward but can struggle if his pack is not on top. Sure, you can say that about most backs but I think he’s one back who feeds off his pack more than others. Meaning when they do well, he does but when they aren’t on top he doesn’t help his team get out of trouble.
With Saracens that generally wouldn’t be a problem but in a close pack battle it could lead to a loss.

Murray would be absolutely perfect in that Saracens team.

A lock like Itoje would be very welcome.

yappysnap wrote:For Quinn's I'd take any of Farrell, his leadership and control and partnership with Care would be good. Nathan Hughes/James Johnson to add some power to the back row. Or Bismarck du Plessis to beast up the pack

If we are looking for a hooker (fair enough), look no further than Guirado for us, I think. Or Coles

Bundee Aki