Ulster 2016/2017

by marty2086 Mon 13 Feb 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 Rory_Gallagher Fri 10 Mar 2017, 2:37 pm

Very interesting team indeed.

by geoff999rugby Fri 10 Mar 2017, 3:33 pm

Pete330v2 wrote:For those who like to do the handicap bets in the games, Ulster are -42 in this game.
Perhaps the bookies didn't see last week's rain sodden effort and they're definitely forgetting our utter lack of killer instinct. That being said I'd be disappointed at anything less. With the pack selected and that backline we should be looking to carve Zebre into slices.

I think the key difference is the weather - set fair for tomorrow evening.

Just been told the game last week would have been called off if it was anything other than an Italian team .
Didn't think it was right for both teams to have a wasted journey

by marty2086 Fri 10 Mar 2017, 3:39 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:
Pete330v2 wrote:For those who like to do the handicap bets in the games, Ulster are -42 in this game.
Perhaps the bookies didn't see last week's rain sodden effort and they're definitely forgetting our utter lack of killer instinct. That being said I'd be disappointed at anything less. With the pack selected and that backline we should be looking to carve Zebre into slices.

I think the key difference is the weather - set fair for tomorrow evening.

Just been told the game last week would have been called off if it was anything other than an Italian team .
Didn't think it was right for both teams to have a wasted journey

Watching it last week wasn't sure if that was a factor or if the ref was his usual incompetent self

Probably weren't wanting to pi$$ off the locals either after the Zebre game was called off and didn't go down well

by Guest Fri 10 Mar 2017, 4:33 pm

marty2086 wrote:(15-9): J Payne, C Gilroy, J Stockdale, L Marshall, C Piutau, S Olding, R Pienaar;
(1-8): C Black, R Herring (captain), W Herbst, K Treadwell, A O'Connor, R Diack, C Henry, M Coetzee;
Replacements (16-23): J Andrew, A Warwick, R Ah You, F van der Merwe, C Ross, P Marshall, P Nelson, D Busby

Interesting side named for tomorrow, Payne at 15, Stockdale at 13 and Olding at 10. Maybe a side with a view on some options for next season?

Also Pete Browne in the A side to play Munster this weekend and think John Andrew is hard done by not getting a start

Really looking forward to seeing that backline, as well as Treadwell and O'Connor starting.

Hopefully we don't mess up our chances of getting that bonus point this time.

by Guest Fri 10 Mar 2017, 4:34 pm

marty2086 wrote:BaaBaas are coming back to play Ulster on June 1st, they are saying its a last chance to see departing players Ruan Pienaar and Roger Wilson, what a way to announce your most capped player is leaving

Comes across as a bit crass. Probably a mistake, but a stupid one. Wilson deserves better.

by marty2086 Fri 10 Mar 2017, 4:48 pm

The weather looks like it will hold up but that wasn't really the reason for not get 5 points last week

Hopefully Luke Marshall can find some form tomorrow, has really looked out of sorts recently. Hard to blame him either getting dragged down to Dublin constantly then shipped back regardless of how others perform

Get the feeling someone in the media dept had a brain fart and wasn't meant to release that or was meant to announce Wilsons departure and forgot

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 10 Mar 2017, 5:04 pm

Although this team is certainly interesting and Zebre are the team to play when experimenting, I'm guessing that most fans do agree that we need to have some sort of settled team fairly soon? Our second row, back row and centres especially have been changed every game.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 10 Mar 2017, 5:07 pm

marty2086 wrote:The weather looks like it will hold up but that wasn't really the reason for not get 5 points last week

Hopefully Luke Marshall can find some form tomorrow, has really looked out of sorts recently. Hard to blame him either getting dragged down to Dublin constantly then shipped back regardless of how others perform

Get the feeling someone in the media dept had a brain fart and wasn't meant to release that or was meant to announce Wilsons departure and forgot

Not sure why, but it does seem to be a real theme with players on the fringes coming back from Joe's camps. McCloskey did it last season, Marshall has been poor and Rory Scannell is in a similar boat for Munster.

by geoff999rugby Fri 10 Mar 2017, 5:12 pm

We were very poor last week but at the same time given half decent weather we would have still got 5 points.

It was a big factor

by marty2086 Fri 10 Mar 2017, 6:28 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:We were very poor last week but at the same time given half decent weather we would have still got 5 points.

It was a big factor

geoff twice we turned the ball over close to the line because we used the same illegal tactics both times when the game was essentially won and we were looking for the fourth try. That wasn't the weather that was stupidity, on another day we may have got away with it but after it failed once you dont go right back to it

by Guest Fri 10 Mar 2017, 7:30 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Although this team is certainly interesting and Zebre are the team to play when experimenting, I'm guessing that most fans do agree that we need to have some sort of settled team fairly soon? Our second row, back row and centres especially have been changed every game.

We do need a settled team, but the season's nearly over, and Gibbes will have his own idea's about shaping a settled team. Hopefully idea's that don't involve flogging dead horses.

by marty2086 Fri 10 Mar 2017, 7:41 pm

Munchkin wrote:
Rory_Gallagher wrote:Although this team is certainly interesting and Zebre are the team to play when experimenting, I'm guessing that most fans do agree that we need to have some sort of settled team fairly soon? Our second row, back row and centres especially have been changed every game.

We do need a settled team, but the season's nearly over, and Gibbes will have his own idea's about shaping a settled team. Hopefully idea's that don't involve flogging dead horses.

How many years have we had a settled team for? Rotation is important to keep guys sharp but its finding the right balance, early in the season I think it was a hindrance because the guys weren't used to it but especially with Gibbes coming in I think training will bring a better sharpness and readiness to the players and it will work better

by Guest Fri 10 Mar 2017, 7:59 pm

I believe having a settled team, and rotation, is important. We should have settled centre pairings/back row/half-backs for games outside of the international windows, as well as those inside, for example. We also need academy players ready to step in as injury/rest cover, as well as blooding new players which should get their chance as injuries mount up.

by geoff999rugby Sat 11 Mar 2017, 7:56 am

marty2086 wrote:
geoff999rugby wrote:We were very poor last week but at the same time given half decent weather we would have still got 5 points.

It was a big factor

geoff twice we turned the ball over close to the line because we used the same illegal tactics both times when the game was essentially won and we were looking for the fourth try. That wasn't the weather that was stupidity, on another day we may have got away with it but after it failed once you dont go right back to it

We played very badly I agree but at the same time if we had good weather we still would have got 5 points

It was the combination of poor play and bad weather that did for us

Treviso, like Zebre, are that poor

by geoff999rugby Sat 11 Mar 2017, 7:59 am

We wont have a settled team till after the 6N

Everyone fit the backs will be (ignoring Trimble for now)

Pienaer, Jackson, Gilry/Stockdale, Marshall/Olding, Payne, Piatau, Ludik

As to forwards

Balck/Warwick, Best, Herbst, Treadwell, O'Connor/de Merwe, Coetzee, Reidy, Henry

by geoff999rugby Sat 11 Mar 2017, 8:00 am

Saw Bowe come off last night - that was the dodgy knee

That could easily be the end of his career

by clivemcl Sat 11 Mar 2017, 6:38 pm

Job done. Clear the bench by 65th minute. Get Piutau and Pienaar off at half time. Worrying about Coetzee.

by Maine man Sat 11 Mar 2017, 6:48 pm

How did the centres get on?

by Rory_Gallagher Sat 11 Mar 2017, 6:54 pm

Still another half to go Maine! The entire backline is playing extremely well. Stockdale picks some excellent lines and Marshall has scored 2 tries. Very clever rugby and Olding steering the ship but I guess it is hard to gauge things against such a weak team like Zebre.

Feel for Coetzee.

by carpet baboon Sat 11 Mar 2017, 7:10 pm

What happened to coetzee

by Rory_Gallagher Sat 11 Mar 2017, 7:20 pm

He was helped off with a knee injury.

by carpet baboon Sat 11 Mar 2017, 7:25 pm

Ahhh Frick sake

by clivemcl Sat 11 Mar 2017, 7:31 pm

I want to see Ulster with a killer instinct. I want 70 points. Should get at least two more tries in last 20.

by clivemcl Sat 11 Mar 2017, 8:03 pm

Actually a touch disappointed to not reach 70, and to concede 21.
Olding looked a great option at 10. Better backup ten than Nelson?? Stockdale helped his argument for his selection as a 13. I'll not get carried away though. We have been blown away by numerous young centers over the years and none of them have really kicked on to the potential we felt they had. (There's time yet to be fair!)

Coetzee injury could be a big worry. Sad

by Guest Sat 11 Mar 2017, 8:33 pm

Have to be pleased with that result, even if the opposition isn't all that great. To be fair on Zebre though, they did play very well, in patches.

Stockdale is such a good player. He's already better than all our wingers, bar Piutau, and is very comfortable at centre. He's better than Ringrose (yeah bring it on, Leinster fans mad

).

Payne, Piutau and Olding were a joy to watch. Next to Jackson, Olding is our best 10, but he sees himself at centre, and for good reason.

Wee Paul had a very good game. Gets a lot of grief from us, but he can have great games. Just not consistent.

This evenings backline was very sparkly. Very pleasing to the eye Cool

Just hoping Coetzee's injury isn't more than a niggle.

by geoff999rugby Sat 11 Mar 2017, 11:37 pm

The opposition w
ere absolute rubbish - I could look good against them -don't read too much into that performance

Coetzee taken away in an ambulance - fear the worst

by Guest Sun 12 Mar 2017, 5:35 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:The opposition w
ere absolute rubbish - I could look good against them -don't read too much into that performance

Coetzee taken away in an ambulance - fear the worst

Zebre aren't a great side, but that game was perfect for seeing what our backs can do, given a bit of space (think that backline behind a solid pack), and that backline can be devastating.

One thing that stood out for me in that game is the pace of Stockdale. He really is fast. Maybe he has added a few yards to his pace, because when he first came to Ulster I thought he was slow!

I will be gutted for Coetzee if his injury means another 9/10 months out of the game. He is a fantastic addition to Ulster, and it's very clear he just loves playing. I wouldn't be too disappointed if he's out for a few months, but would be ready and firing for the start of next season. Fingers and toes crossed.

by marty2086 Sun 12 Mar 2017, 9:08 pm

Despite the quality of the opposition there was a ruthlessness in the players that has been missing in the past, all too often in these kinds of games we have taken our foot of the pedal after a while and things end up a lot closer than they should.

In saying that, we still conceded 3 tries and haven't checked the stats but there are quite a few missed tackles in there. Luke Marshall as well had another silly moment picking up Gilroys kick when he was clearly in front of it and had no need to go near the ball

Coetzee getting back up and trying to play on hopefully is a good sign and he didnt need the cart to go off the field, the ambulance was hopefully just to go get scanned Fingers Crossed

by The Great Aukster Sun 12 Mar 2017, 10:40 pm

Stockdale isn't really fast but he is showing he has a really fast brain and probably moreso than any other homegrown ulsterman makes the right decision more often than not. It was refreshing to hear Olding acknowledge his howlers amongst his gems and shows he has the raw material to learn when to kick and when to pass.
The big fear is Coetzee's fitness as Ulster don't have another one, and have suffered all season.
Really disappointed with Busby's attempt to stop the last try - was he saving himself for Cork?

by Redman Mon 13 Mar 2017, 12:49 am

The Great Aukster wrote:Stockdale isn't really fast but he is showing he has a really fast brain and probably moreso than any other homegrown ulsterman makes the right decision more often than not. It was refreshing to hear Olding acknowledge his howlers amongst his gems and shows he has the raw material to learn when to kick and when to pass.
The big fear is Coetzee's fitness as Ulster don't have another one, and have suffered all season.
Really disappointed with Busby's attempt to stop the last try - was he saving himself for Cork?

Seconded. I was surprised there was no mention of it the commentary, but it was an awful attempt at a tackle. The guy didn't even step, it was half a hand off from 10-12 metres. Running straight and just missed him completely.

For the rest of the game ...... well I think just refer to earlier post. The team felt like they needed to perform - so they did. I fear we'll be back to losing ways whenever we run up a half decent team and panic. Having class acts like Payne back reduce the risk but let's be honest, we'll do nothing without Coetzee there barking orders and lifting standards.

Such a shame O'Connor can't play week in, week out. Again impressed with Treadwell, I have high hopes.

by marty2086 Mon 13 Mar 2017, 10:28 am

Agree about Treadwell, his potential is scary, he is still only 21 and is looking like he can be a quality player and him and Henderson in the second row could be a fantastic pairing. You throw in Gibbes to the mix and what he can teach him then it could be a real astute signing.

On Stockdale, does he ever get caught when he gets a clean break?

by **rodders** Mon 13 Mar 2017, 11:36 am

The Great Aukster wrote:Stockdale isn't really fast but he is showing he has a really fast brain and probably moreso than any other homegrown ulsterman makes the right decision more often than not.

I think he reminds me a bit of Bowe, not great at changing pace but when he hits a line at speed he's hard to catch/stop, especially as picks great angles.

by Redman Mon 13 Mar 2017, 11:45 am

Stockdale does run some nice lines. It's the pace vs size that is the issue for the defence. Even if they get hand on him he'll fly through cause he's 16 stone or whatever. I think 13 looks his best position, I'm not that convinced by him under the highball. The problem with that is he has some serious competition for that shirt both at Ulster and for Ireland.

I do like the look of Ringrose. He's got some great potential, but the way the media have ordained him as the 2nd coming of BOD there's no chance Stockdale getting close to that jersey for Ireland in the next few years.

Realistically with Earls and Kearney on the way out Jacob's best shot at a cap is either wing or fullback.

by Redman Mon 13 Mar 2017, 11:47 am

Snap Rodders.

by marty2086 Mon 13 Mar 2017, 12:30 pm

Coetzee is going to be out for a 'short stint' because of his injury, apparently more tests are needed today to determine how long exactly

by SecretFly Mon 13 Mar 2017, 5:25 pm

rodders wrote:
The Great Aukster wrote:Stockdale isn't really fast but he is showing he has a really fast brain and probably moreso than any other homegrown ulsterman makes the right decision more often than not.

I think he reminds me a bit of Bowe, not great at changing pace but when he hits a line at speed he's hard to catch/stop, especially as picks great angles.

Ulster might still be trying that kind of ancient stuff from yesteryear but Ireland will have no truck with such nonsense archaic methodology.

by Pete330v2 Tue 14 Mar 2017, 2:39 pm

T'other forum reporting that an unofficial source on twitter is saying Coetzee is out for another 9 months. Hope this isn't true! Somone say it ain't so or moreover prove this to be utter T.Kite.

by Redman Tue 14 Mar 2017, 2:54 pm

Catastrophic if true.

If it's the other knee I'd love to know what the odds of that happening are.

by Pete330v2 Tue 14 Mar 2017, 3:20 pm

It's probably the usual BS from some members on that forum but once in a while there's no smoke without fire.
I wonder would we be allowed a medical joker. Oh no, stupid me, we're neither Munster nor Leinster.

by geoff999rugby Tue 14 Mar 2017, 3:27 pm

If true claim the insurance pay off his contract and get another player

There is no room of sentiment.

9 months takes us to Christmas and only 4/5 moths left of his contract - pointless

by marty2086 Tue 14 Mar 2017, 3:50 pm

The initial diagnosis was mild ligament strain and 4/5 weeks out but they had to do further scans to check for any other damage. If there was anything more serious I doubt he would have carried on like he did

by Pete330v2 Tue 14 Mar 2017, 3:59 pm

Fingers crossed it's just someone trolling/ taking the mick.

by Guest Tue 14 Mar 2017, 4:00 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:If true claim the insurance pay off his contract and get another player

There is no room of sentiment.

9 months takes us to Christmas and only 4/5 moths left of his contract - pointless

If it's true, I agree. No room for sentiment. Coetzee signed a 3 year deal though.

by Guest Tue 14 Mar 2017, 4:03 pm

marty2086 wrote:The initial diagnosis was mild ligament strain and 4/5 weeks out but they had to do further scans to check for any other damage. If there was anything more serious I doubt he would have carried on like he did

He carried on after the first knock, but not the second. Didn't look good with him being helped off.

Still nothing official, so still keeping my fingers crossed.

by marty2086 Tue 14 Mar 2017, 4:07 pm

Munchkin wrote:
marty2086 wrote:The initial diagnosis was mild ligament strain and 4/5 weeks out but they had to do further scans to check for any other damage. If there was anything more serious I doubt he would have carried on like he did

He carried on after the first knock, but not the second. Didn't look good with him being helped off.

Still nothing official, so still keeping my fingers crossed.

Was there a second knock though? I thought it was more just a case of him trying to tough it out and not being up to it

by Guest Tue 14 Mar 2017, 4:09 pm

marty2086 wrote:
Munchkin wrote:
marty2086 wrote:The initial diagnosis was mild ligament strain and 4/5 weeks out but they had to do further scans to check for any other damage. If there was anything more serious I doubt he would have carried on like he did

He carried on after the first knock, but not the second. Didn't look good with him being helped off.

Still nothing official, so still keeping my fingers crossed.

Was there a second knock though? I thought it was more just a case of him trying to tough it out and not being up to it

Yes, unless my memory is playing tricks on me, which is more than possible Erm

You have me doubting myself now. Will take a look when I get a few minutes.

by geoff999rugby Tue 14 Mar 2017, 4:13 pm

Munkian you are right.

In which case it will be a medical joker

by Guest Tue 14 Mar 2017, 4:17 pm

geoff999rugby wrote:Munkian you are right.

In which case it will be a medical joker

We will probably sign an injured medical joker, if Nucifora allows us to sign injury cover.

by marty2086 Tue 14 Mar 2017, 4:18 pm

Sorry Munchkin Crying or Very sad

by clivemcl Tue 14 Mar 2017, 4:21 pm

Not saying no to a medical joker, but whats the chances of signing somebody even close to Coetzee standard? It's a big loss anyway - bigger if we don't get allowed a medical joker. Considering we with have Botha in our backrow, I wouldn't be surprised if we are told to get on with it.

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