Ulster 2016/2017

by marty2086 Mon Feb 13, 2017 9:43 am

First topic message reminder :

And it's been confirmed

Ulster Rugby has today announced that Jono Gibbes will join the Province as Head Coach ahead of the 2017/18 season, having signed a two-year contract.

The former New Zealand player is currently Forwards Coach at French giants ASM Clermont Auvergne and he previously held a similar position at Leinster Rugby.

Gibbes joined Leinster in 2008, helping the squad to win three Heineken Cup titles during a six-year spell in Dublin. The first of those successes came under the stewardship of Michael Cheika in 2009, before he assisted Joe Schmidt in the 2011 and 2012 triumphs.

He moved to France in 2014 and was part of a coaching set-up that guided Clermont to the Top 14 and Champions Cup finals in his debut season.

In addition to his expertise in forward play, the 40-year-old has also gained valuable experience in coaching other aspects of the game, such as attack, during his stints at Leinster and Clermont.

Gibbes said that there were many contributing factors in his move back to Ireland:

"The respect that I have for Les (Kiss), as a coach and as a person, was one of my main reasons for making this decision. He really sold his vision of where he wants to take Ulster over the next few years.

"Ulster is a team that I know well, having come up against them on a number of occasions. The Clermont-Ulster games this season gave me an insight into the strengths of the squad and it's exciting to think that I'll be part of that environment from next season.

"With 6 years at Leinster and 3 years at Clermont in the Top 14, I've been afforded many different experiences, working with some very talented coaches and players. I hope to apply what I've learned to the role at Ulster and my family and I are looking forward to integrating into a strong community in Belfast."

Welcoming the news, Director of Rugby Les Kiss, added:

"Jono's CV speaks for itself and I know that he's looking forward to joining Ulster and working with the team. Jono has vast experience on both the playing and coaching fronts, having worked in many different environments such as Super Rugby, PRO12, the French Top 14 and European competitions.

"Since his retirement from playing, Jono has had an integral role in the coaching teams of two of European rugby's most successful sides. He was a key part of the Leinster set-up that won three Heineken Cups in four years and he has continued to be hugely successful during his time in France.

"Jono's expertise as a Forwards Coach is obvious, however his wealth of knowledge in other areas of the game will be really important for us."

"A review of the coaching structure is ongoing ahead of next season and the appointment of Jono as Head Coach is the first part of that process. A further announcement will be made in the coming weeks, which will focus on getting the right balance in our coaching team."

by Pete330v2 Sat Feb 18, 2017 5:16 pm

We were as good as we've been for some time. A very powerful, well controlled win. Wow!!!

by neilthom7 Sat Feb 18, 2017 6:35 pm

Coetzee makes a huge difference to that back row, it's like 2 entirely different back rows between when he is in it and when he is not

by Redman Sat Feb 18, 2017 6:56 pm

neilthom7 wrote:Coetzee makes a huge difference to that back row, it's like 2 entirely different back rows between when he is in it and when he is not

He was a machine today, as he was against Edinburgh. I'd have gone Pienaar MOTM but can't complain with Coetzee at all. He is seriously abrasive. Believe it was him involved in the afters at the final whistle as well. Just what we need.

by Guest Sat Feb 18, 2017 7:37 pm

Well I'm delighted with the 5 point win, and how we played. Not perfect, but a huge improvement on recent games. We do tend to raise our game against Glasgow though. Seems to be a bit of spite when we play each other. Think it was Touhy that said as much.

The Pienaar try was a thing of beauty, started and finished by him, but a wonderful team try. The effort emptied Pienaar, but it should be remembered he is just back from injury.

Coetzee is superb. I noticed the forwards gathering around him while he did the talking. He's a leader, and is motivating the forwards to a better performance, I believe. Reidy also put in a great performance. He always gives his best, even when the rest of the pack are just going through the motions, in past games.

Stockdale's try was excellent. A future international in the making.

Such a relief to comment without having a moan about a shoddy effort Very Happy

by marty2086 Sat Feb 18, 2017 7:48 pm

Worrying that we conceded two tries while they were down to 14 men, though it was really only one

Not sure why we were still playing so open towards the end, we are in direct competition with Glasgow and gave them a shout at a LBP. The top 6 could be very tight come the end of the season and these things need to be thought about and Marshall in particular seemed not to be.

by Guest Sat Feb 18, 2017 8:06 pm

It was worrying, but the positive to take from that is we managed to strike back with a try of our own, instead of retreating into our shell. Mentally, we are still not there, but finishing as we did will go a long way in adding mental strength. It will take time, and all I want for now is a consistent improvement.

by geoff999rugby Sun Feb 19, 2017 9:39 am

SecretFly wrote:
geoff999rugby wrote:
clivemcl wrote:Bowe in an Ireland shirt again? At a time when Ulster supporters are suggesting hecould be 5th choice winger with everyone fit??
Most were shocked he was included in the training squad.

It is because, if you ignore the inexperienced players who he does not want to blood till the summer, the only wingers standing are Earls, Zebo, Gilroy and Bowe.

I have high hopes of Sweetman, Bryne and Stockdale but currently the back three is the weakest part of the Irish set up

Whilst I think you're probably right on the reading of that, Geoff, I've never really understood this. Ireland always seems to be waiting for yet another summer tour to 'try out' the potential. The number of seasons (must be decades now) that I've been listening to that from the coaches and the journalists. We still continue to pamper our young gifted players more than other sides allow themselves to do so and I'm not so sure it really does pay back sufficiently. Our established backs (the ones we use for the Big games) are then always that little bit older, that little bit gone off their more electric youthful selves, that little bit more predictable to our opposition.
The inexperienced players aren't children - they're professional players. We should stop patronising them and give them their shots earlier. We should let them in when they are good enough to be in or good enough to at least charge the team with possibilities that opposition coaches might not have planned for.

Totally agree - Ireland are far to cautious and Ulster are even worse

by geoff999rugby Sun Feb 19, 2017 9:43 am

neilthom7 wrote:Coetzee makes a huge difference to that back row, it's like 2 entirely different back rows between when he is in it and when he is not

Absolutely - because of him we saw Henry winning turn over ball.

When the first player sends the ball character backwards it is far easier for the next guy to effect a turnover.

As opposed to being soft in the tackle as we have been all year prior to last week

Henry and Coetzee doing all of the talking in the forwards.

I got the feeling the players had a spring in their step now the coaching shambles has been resolved

by geoff999rugby Sun Feb 19, 2017 9:52 am

Don't know anything about him but I thought the referee Daniel Jones came up well short today with respect to two tries, at least.

Was not sure about one asked the assistant referee who said it was a try and then awarded the try.
Change his mind and then went to the screen - bit of a shambles.

One of the Glasgow tries was a clear loss of control and a knock on.
Not in a good position but awarded the try without consulting the assistant referee or going to the TMO.
The Glasgow fans I spoke to after the match to a man said it wasn't a try.

A later try he went a long way back in the play to look for I don't know what - nothing even remotely debatable.

The three incidence together don't make for a referee in full control

by marty2086 Sun Feb 19, 2017 11:59 am

Not sure how he ended with the game in the first place, Ben Whitehouse was listed as the ref before hand

Did he get a call from the TMO for Reidys try?

The first Cummings try was completely baffling as the ref stood watching it on the screen, think he either bottled sending it to the TMO or was enjoying the crowd reaction, either way he and the TMO both screwed up. Cummings himself knew it wasnt a try he was laying on the ground with his head in his hands

by carpet baboon Sun Feb 19, 2017 12:11 pm

I take it Stockdale came on at fullback? How did he play

by neilthom7 Sun Feb 19, 2017 2:18 pm

He did come on at fullback but I think moved when Cave got injured, he played well. His line for one of his tries off Luke Marshalls pass was brilliant. SHowed good hands to set up Bowe too

by carpet baboon Sun Feb 19, 2017 2:41 pm

Personally I would like him at Fullback long term.
Ireland's summer tour would love him at 15 with sweetman and Byrne on the wings.

by geoff999rugby Sun Feb 19, 2017 2:57 pm

I don't think his kicking is good enough for 15.

You are more likely to see him at 13 than 15 going forward.

Nelson is a better 15

by carpet baboon Sun Feb 19, 2017 3:06 pm

Is the young SA lad going to.be Paddy's backup next year then?
Or will it be split between him and nelson

by geoff999rugby Sun Feb 19, 2017 3:10 pm

It will be Nelson

The youngster is only 18/19 - will need some time to settle in

by carpet baboon Sun Feb 19, 2017 3:14 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:It will be Nelson

The youngster is only 18/19 - will need some time to settle in

Cheers couldn't remember quite how old he was. But everytime Nelson plays at ten I like what he does.

by **profitius** Sun Feb 19, 2017 3:17 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:I don't think his kicking is good enough for 15.

You are more likely to see him at 13 than 15 going forward.

Nelson is a better 15

Stockdale? One thing he does have is a monster kick. He is talented enough to play in multiple positions but I think he should look to play somewhere in the back 3 because he has the pace for it and his size is an asset.

by carpet baboon Sun Feb 19, 2017 3:35 pm

I'm with you prof and he picks some fantastic lines. I think his attacking game would be frightening coming from 15

by geoff999rugby Sun Feb 19, 2017 3:45 pm

He can kick but Nelson can kick long as well and is more accurate - that is more important.

Don't get me wrong 15 going forward is perfectly possible just don't think you will see much of it next year.

Ludik, Piatau and Nelson will cover that shirt in 17/18.

by Rory_Gallagher Sun Feb 19, 2017 5:02 pm

I see him as a winger - he sees himself as a 13. I don't think he is good enough in defence to play there though. Either way, he will be a future Irish international, no doubt. I wasn't too impressed when he first played for us, thought he was a bit slow and cumbersome. Wasn't I wrong, that boy has deceptive pace and serious skill.

Stockdale and Byrne could be the future wingers for Ireland. Both big, powerful and pacy. Sweetnam is the Irish winger who should move to 15.

by The Great Aukster Sun Feb 19, 2017 7:14 pm

When Jacob moved to his preferred 13, he looked at his most dangerous and scored two tries.
Given the uncertainty over Payne, Kiss could do a lot worse than give Stockdale a bit more exposure there.

by Redman Mon Feb 20, 2017 1:02 am

With Cave taking x2 head knocks in x2 games, you may well get your wish. Marshall will be away, Cave should be stood down and not sure on Olding.

McCloskey and Stockdale for 12 and 13?

by Don Alfonso Mon Feb 20, 2017 7:57 am

Reading a Munster fan posting on another forum this morning after chatting to a journo mate of his.

Apparently although Erasmus doesn't like Copeland's attitude, he will be kept on, and Conan has an open offer from us but won't take it. He says no Irish players want to move North "principally because of the culture difference".

So. More Saffa back rows it is.

by marty2086 Mon Feb 20, 2017 9:10 am

Don Alfonso wrote:Reading a Munster fan posting on another forum this morning after chatting to a journo mate of his.

Apparently although Erasmus doesn't like Copeland's attitude, he will be kept on, and Conan has an open offer from us but won't take it. He says no Irish players want to move North "principally because of the culture difference".

So. More Saffa back rows it is.

They do realise that when we talk about NI being in a time warp we are joking? Erm

by geoff999rugby Mon Feb 20, 2017 9:13 am

Redman wrote:With Cave taking x2 head knocks in x2 games, you may well get your wish. Marshall will be away, Cave should be stood down and not sure on Olding.

McCloskey and Stockdale for 12 and 13?

Olding not serious so I think he will play alongside McCloskey.
Also Gilroy away so Stockdale may well start on the wing.

Lot depends on Piatau being fit

by geoff999rugby Mon Feb 20, 2017 9:15 am

Don Alfonso wrote:Reading a Munster fan posting on another forum this morning after chatting to a journo mate of his.

Apparently although Erasmus doesn't like Copeland's attitude, he will be kept on, and Conan has an open offer from us but won't take it. He says no Irish players want to move North "principally because of the culture difference".

So. More Saffa back rows it is.

What I feared - what it means is although we have a much better backrow next year we will still be short of numbers
Really need Rea to come through and the other O'Connor to sign to give us the required strength in depth

by geoff999rugby Mon Feb 20, 2017 9:23 am

Neil Best continues to prove the accuracy wise words of Mark Twain

http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/thepateam/neil-best-column-ulster-wanted-appoint-scrum-half-little-coaching-experience-not-ruan-pienaar/

The man is and always has been a total tube

by Pete330v2 Mon Feb 20, 2017 9:39 am

Redman wrote:With Cave taking x2 head knocks in x2 games, you may well get your wish. Marshall will be away, Cave should be stood down and not sure on Olding.

McCloskey and Stockdale for 12 and 13?

Having those two beasts in the midfield would be worth seeing, a second pair of locks with pace to burn. Interesting indeed.

by Pete330v2 Mon Feb 20, 2017 9:42 am

geoff999rugby wrote:Neil Best continues to prove the accuracy wise words of Mark Twain

http://www.punditarena.com/rugby/thepateam/neil-best-column-ulster-wanted-appoint-scrum-half-little-coaching-experience-not-ruan-pienaar/

The man is and always has been a total tube

On punditarena too, the place to go for sports fiction reading.
I'm afraid I do agree with him re: Dwayne Peel. I will await how he performs until making my mind up obviously but I have the gut feeling that it's a massive error in judgment by Ulster. I hope I'm very wrong.

by Pete330v2 Mon Feb 20, 2017 9:51 am

Don Alfonso wrote:Reading a Munster fan posting on another forum this morning after chatting to a journo mate of his.

Apparently although Erasmus doesn't like Copeland's attitude, he will be kept on, and Conan has an open offer from us but won't take it. He says no Irish players want to move North "principally because of the culture difference".

So. More Saffa back rows it is.

It's so saddening to hear that but these guys have a very valid point. Belfast is for a large section of the city's population still very tribal. You can be immediately allotted a tribe simply from the accent with which you speak. It's sad, it should have disappeared years ago but it still exists.

by geoff999rugby Mon Feb 20, 2017 9:58 am

Then again the 3rd most visited location in the UK by tourist (after London and Edinburgh)

I have many English friends who have lived here for years and have NEVER been subject to abuse due to their nationality or accent.

Wind up and cruel jokes yes but not outright abuse.

Sure many areas I would not want to go to after dark but the same can be said for Dublin and Limerick.

You can have a great life in Northern Ireland and we certainly are not short of foreign players who have settled here and like it.

To be honest this has more to do with preconception than reality and I suspect from players who actually have little idea of what the reality is

by marty2086 Mon Feb 20, 2017 9:59 am

geoff999rugby wrote:
Redman wrote:With Cave taking x2 head knocks in x2 games, you may well get your wish. Marshall will be away, Cave should be stood down and not sure on Olding.

McCloskey and Stockdale for 12 and 13?

Olding not serious so I think he will play alongside McCloskey.
Also Gilroy away so Stockdale may well start on the wing.

Lot depends on Piatau being fit

Olding is due to have a scan today on his elbow, the hope is its clear and he'll play this weekend

by Don Alfonso Mon Feb 20, 2017 10:05 am

Pete330v2 wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:Reading a Munster fan posting on another forum this morning after chatting to a journo mate of his.

Apparently although Erasmus doesn't like Copeland's attitude, he will be kept on, and Conan has an open offer from us but won't take it. He says no Irish players want to move North "principally because of the culture difference".

So. More Saffa back rows it is.

It's so saddening to hear that but these guys have a very valid point. Belfast is for a large section of the city's population still very tribal. You can be immediately allotted a tribe simply from the accent with which you speak. It's sad, it should have disappeared years ago but it still exists.

Please.

What you say is correct, but not in the circles these boys are going to move in. Jack Conan is not going to be mixing at the Felons’ or the Sandy Row Rangers Club. He’ll be on the Lisburn Road, or the Ormeau Road, drinking skinny lattes and tweeting about his new car, donated by whatever dealer is sponsoring Ulster that season.

We tend to run ourselves down and romanticise everywhere else. If he doesn’t want to come, fine. But let’s not pretend Dublin – or the South in general - is some marvelous Utopia.

by marty2086 Mon Feb 20, 2017 10:07 am

geoff999rugby wrote:Then again the 3rd most visited location in the UK by tourist (after London and Edinburgh)

I have many English friends who have lived here for years and have NEVER been subject to abuse due to their nationality or accent.

Wind up and cruel jokes yes but not outright abuse.

Sure many areas I would not want to go to after dark but the same can be said for Dublin and Limerick.

You can have a great life in Northern Ireland and we certainly are not short of foreign players who have settled here and like it.

To be honest this has more to do with preconception than reality and I suspect from players who actually have little idea of what the reality is

On the flipside, I've a friend from Dublin who lives in a hardcore Loyalist estate without a bother, I doubt the likes of Conan would be moving there anyway

He doesn't even get the rubbish jokes except from me about him now having a Belfast accent

by marty2086 Mon Feb 20, 2017 10:09 am

Don Alfonso wrote:
Pete330v2 wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:Reading a Munster fan posting on another forum this morning after chatting to a journo mate of his.

Apparently although Erasmus doesn't like Copeland's attitude, he will be kept on, and Conan has an open offer from us but won't take it. He says no Irish players want to move North "principally because of the culture difference".

So. More Saffa back rows it is.

It's so saddening to hear that but these guys have a very valid point. Belfast is for a large section of the city's population still very tribal. You can be immediately allotted a tribe simply from the accent with which you speak. It's sad, it should have disappeared years ago but it still exists.

Please.

What you say is correct, but not in the circles these boys are going to move in. Jack Conan is not going to be mixing at the Felons’ or the Sandy Row Rangers Club. He’ll be on the Lisburn Road, or the Ormeau Road, drinking skinny lattes and tweeting about his new car, donated by whatever dealer is sponsoring Ulster that season.

We tend to run ourselves down and romanticise everywhere else. If he doesn’t want to come, fine. But let’s not pretend Dublin – or the South in general - is some marvelous Utopia.

Maybe the news today about the congestion on the Lisburn Road has put them off Whistle

by Pete330v2 Mon Feb 20, 2017 11:02 am

geoff999rugby wrote:Then again the 3rd most visited location in the UK by tourist (after London and Edinburgh)

I have many English friends who have lived here for years and have NEVER been subject to abuse due to their nationality or accent.

Wind up and cruel jokes yes but not outright abuse.

Sure many areas I would not want to go to after dark but the same can be said for Dublin and Limerick.

You can have a great life in Northern Ireland and we certainly are not short of foreign players who have settled here and like it.

To be honest this has more to do with preconception than reality and I suspect from players who actually have little idea of what the reality is

Belfast is a fantastic city, one of the best in Europe IMO. The tribal thing does exist though and that's the bit people see in the media. No journo ever reports on how much fun the city was at the weekend or how wonderful the music was in St George's Market etc. You'll never see a headline of "95% of the Northern Irish populace got on without a care in the world". They prefer the negative news and that's what the world sees including the world south of the border. One small suggestion of negative attitudes towards 'outsiders' will be a huge turn-off to anyone wanting to come north. It's completely wrong but it's the preconception that exists. If they were to dip their toe in I do believe any doubts would instantly disappear.

by Don Alfonso Mon Feb 20, 2017 12:00 pm

Yeah, I agree with that. Winning some silverware would help...

by marty2086 Mon Feb 20, 2017 1:01 pm

Don Alfonso wrote:Yeah, I agree with that. Winning some silverware would help...

We won the European Cup in '99, does that not count? Whistle

by Pete330v2 Mon Feb 20, 2017 1:04 pm

marty2086 wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:Yeah, I agree with that. Winning some silverware would help...

We won the European Cup in '99, does that not count?

You can only get the brasso out up to a point Smile

by Don Alfonso Mon Feb 20, 2017 1:16 pm

In the same vein, I've been up to my oxters with the effect our own election is having on us up here and this all completely bypassed me: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/20/ireland-pm-enda-kenny-fine-gael-expected-resign-police-scandal

Everyone's as backwards as us, it seems.

by marty2086 Mon Feb 20, 2017 1:24 pm

Don Alfonso wrote:In the same vein, I've been up to my oxters with the effect our own election is having on us up here and this all completely bypassed me: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/20/ireland-pm-enda-kenny-fine-gael-expected-resign-police-scandal

Everyone's as backwards as us, it seems.

That's even more backwards, sure what kind of self serving politician resigns over a scandal Rolling Eyes

by geoff999rugby Mon Feb 20, 2017 1:28 pm

Makes you wonder if there was a hidden meaning to the chant that 'Arlene's on fire'.

The more she burns the more she makes Whistle

by SecretFly Mon Feb 20, 2017 2:45 pm

There's a time for sport but have none of you listened to the news today?

The world is close to all out war.... and it's not funny at this point:

http://www.wru.co.uk/eng/news/38152.php#.WKr_3GevmCh

by Guest Mon Feb 20, 2017 4:27 pm

Pete330v2 wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:Reading a Munster fan posting on another forum this morning after chatting to a journo mate of his.

Apparently although Erasmus doesn't like Copeland's attitude, he will be kept on, and Conan has an open offer from us but won't take it. He says no Irish players want to move North "principally because of the culture difference".

So. More Saffa back rows it is.

It's so saddening to hear that but these guys have a very valid point. Belfast is for a large section of the city's population still very tribal. You can be immediately allotted a tribe simply from the accent with which you speak. It's sad, it should have disappeared years ago but it still exists.

I'm not sure how true that is. I have friends from the RoI, and they have never encountered any sectarian abuse, and one of them have lived here for close to 30 years.

I would suggest the "Culture difference" is one that exists within the other 3 Provinces. They do seem more willing to move to England, and I'm sure they get more than enough feedback from players, from here and from the other 3 Provinces who have moved here, to know that it's completely safe for them.

On the other side, I have stayed in the RoI many times and have never experienced sectarian abuse, even though they know I'm a Protestant, Unionist, Nordie king

by SecretFly Mon Feb 20, 2017 4:33 pm

Hold on a sec. Is someone here saying that eating turnips for dinner.... breakfast and supper.... is culturally different to everyone else?

by Guest Mon Feb 20, 2017 4:37 pm

SecretFly wrote:Hold on a sec. Is someone here saying that eating turnips for dinner.... breakfast and supper.... is culturally different to everyone else?

Well it's turnips v Ulster Fry's, Fly. Slightly different to arguing over which side of the egg to open, but just as serious boxing

by clivemcl Mon Feb 20, 2017 5:25 pm

Don Alfonso wrote:
Pete330v2 wrote:
Don Alfonso wrote:Reading a Munster fan posting on another forum this morning after chatting to a journo mate of his.

Apparently although Erasmus doesn't like Copeland's attitude, he will be kept on, and Conan has an open offer from us but won't take it. He says no Irish players want to move North "principally because of the culture difference".

So. More Saffa back rows it is.

It's so saddening to hear that but these guys have a very valid point. Belfast is for a large section of the city's population still very tribal. You can be immediately allotted a tribe simply from the accent with which you speak. It's sad, it should have disappeared years ago but it still exists.

Please.

What you say is correct, but not in the circles these boys are going to move in. Jack Conan is not going to be mixing at the Felons’ or the Sandy Row Rangers Club. He’ll be on the Lisburn Road, or the Ormeau Road, drinking skinny lattes and tweeting about his new car, donated by whatever dealer is sponsoring Ulster that season.

We tend to run ourselves down and romanticise everywhere else. If he doesn’t want to come, fine. But let’s not pretend Dublin – or the South in general - is some marvelous Utopia.

Exactly! And to be perfectly honest, he could still probably live in Dublin if he didn't mind the commute. He could effectively play for Ulster and only be forced to interact with the cashier in the A1 Applegreen.

If you want my gut feeling about it - they hate us. I believe there is a stigma for Dublin players to go to Ulster. I believe there would be a fair bit of slagging sent there way - perhaps labels such as 'traitor' or 'brit lover' even if only in jest.
I could well be wrong, but it's no more of a ridiculous suggestion than the one that a rugby player might feel a sever culture shock 1.5 hours up the road. steam

by geoff999rugby Mon Feb 20, 2017 6:50 pm

SecretFly wrote:Hold on a sec. Is someone here saying that eating turnips for dinner.... breakfast and supper.... is culturally different to everyone else?

That is a real problem for an Englishman in Ireland.

You do realise they call Swedes Turnips and Turnips Swedes Headscratch

by SecretFly Mon Feb 20, 2017 7:08 pm

Oh please...don't mention the Swedes. They're causing enough fuss on other threads.

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