Ulster Rugby 2017-2018 Part 2

by Cyril Sat Oct 20, 2018 8:56 pm

First topic message reminder :

Part 2

by Pot Hale Fri Dec 07, 2018 8:20 pm

And now?

by carpet baboon Fri Dec 07, 2018 8:35 pm

Well some good, some not so good

by carpet baboon Fri Dec 07, 2018 8:56 pm

Get in

by carpet baboon Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:17 pm

4 trys. A bit scrappy but still not to bad

by neilthom7 Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:17 pm

Really tricky conditions but a lot of points left out there from Cooneys boot today

by carpet baboon Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:18 pm

Our defence for the majority of the game has been very good

by neilthom7 Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:27 pm

Agreed, one last big effort needed to hold on for the win here

by carpet baboon Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:30 pm

I would love be to see the stats on how far Treadwell has ran tonight. I love his ridiculous enthusiasm

by neilthom7 Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:38 pm

that lineout wasn't straight

by neilthom7 Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:40 pm

Win and a bonus point, would not have called that before the game, great effort from the lads, they need to follow it up with the same again next week
Best and Coetzee were massive in the pack tonight

by Pot Hale Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:42 pm

Excellent result Ulster - 5 points away from home at Scarlets. Not many teams do that. The squad really stood up tonight.

by Guest Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:48 pm

Scarlets in free fall this season. Sad to see.

Congrats to Ulster though. Good win. clap

by carpet baboon Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:54 pm

Considering we only won by a point Scarlets never looked like causing us to much trouble. More to do with there individual skill at putting away the few changes they got, rather than us not defending well.
Coetzee had his best defensive game I have seen him have for us.
Best was colossal.
Henderson and Treadwell were everywhere.
Cooney ran the show.
Burns had his best game for us.
Addison was brilliant in attack and defence.
Ludik organised
Our wingers were a handful and took there chances.
Stockdale what a try ( yes some poor tackles, but he still backed himself)
All in all one of our best performances this year

by Pot Hale Fri Dec 07, 2018 9:56 pm

Does Pivac now get to target PRO14 whilst the other likely suspects fight on two fronts or are Scarlets still in it?

by carpet baboon Fri Dec 07, 2018 10:15 pm

It was a weird performance from them. Some great individual skills but some basic failings as a team.
Can I also point out O'Sullivan played the full 80 and at the end was still leading the line in defence. Machine

by Brendan Fri Dec 07, 2018 10:51 pm

Surprised by the results, still in the hunt for a last 8 spot

by mikey_dragon Sat Dec 08, 2018 1:29 am

Thought both teams who are usually very lively and skilful weren’t that good, each making uncharacteristic errors which mostly made it a frustrating game to watch. Scarlets made a lot more errors though which is one of the reasons why they lost. The recent run from them are games they would have won last season. Hopefully things get better next year with a fresh approach and less injuries.
I don’t know much about Ulster’s coaching team but it seems that they’ve added to it in recent times and they look better for it this season- I still think the team underperforms to an extent given the players available but I would expect them to get better as the season goes on.

by Guest Sat Dec 08, 2018 7:14 am

Pot Hale wrote:Does Pivac now get to target PRO14 whilst the other likely suspects fight on two fronts or are Scarlets still in it?

I don’t think they were really in it (the tournament) before this game, realistically. The old saying still holds true - something about losing two games and you’re out, or losing at home and you’re pretty much stuffed, or something like that. Scarlets are 0 from 3. They’re gone!

Not sure how they’ll respond but I can’t see why they wouldn’t put all of their eggs isn’t the Pro14 basket now.

by Don Alfonso Sat Dec 08, 2018 10:10 am

mikey_dragon wrote:Thought both teams who are usually very lively and skilful weren’t that good, each making uncharacteristic errors which mostly made it a frustrating game to watch. Scarlets made a lot more errors though which is one of the reasons why they lost. The recent run from them are games they would have won last season. Hopefully things get better next year with a fresh approach and less injuries.
I don’t know much about Ulster’s coaching team but it seems that they’ve added to it in recent times and they look better for it this season- I still think the team underperforms to an extent given the players available but I would expect them to get better as the season goes on.

Ulster are still finding their feet. Head coach in two weeks before the season started, and defence coach was a player last season.

Scarlets simply aren't the same team as last season, without Beirne, Barclay and Williams. Also, that was a pivotal, tough Euro match, one that most (including me) would have expected to be a Scarlets win - one that they could have kicked on from. As much as the likes of PhilBB (this is absolutely not aimed at you, Mikey) carps on about refs, last night's "crowd" is an illustration of the real problem with the Welsh regions and the Pro14. The support is atrocious.

by Guest Sat Dec 08, 2018 12:42 pm

Don Alfonso wrote:
mikey_dragon wrote:Thought both teams who are usually very lively and skilful weren’t that good, each making uncharacteristic errors which mostly made it a frustrating game to watch. Scarlets made a lot more errors though which is one of the reasons why they lost. The recent run from them are games they would have won last season. Hopefully things get better next year with a fresh approach and less injuries.
I don’t know much about Ulster’s coaching team but it seems that they’ve added to it in recent times and they look better for it this season- I still think the team underperforms to an extent given the players available but I would expect them to get better as the season goes on.

Ulster are still finding their feet. Head coach in two weeks before the season started, and defence coach was a player last season.

Scarlets simply aren't the same team as last season, without Beirne, Barclay and Williams. Also, that was a pivotal, tough Euro match, one that most (including me) would have expected to be a Scarlets win - one that they could have kicked on from. As much as the likes of PhilBB (this is absolutely not aimed at you, Mikey) carps on about refs, last night's "crowd" is an illustration of the real problem with the Welsh regions and the Pro14. The support is atrocious.

I don’t think Williams was there last season either, was he? But I take you point. Also, Shingler has been out all season, Samson Lee for large parts, Jake Ball for a lot too, Steff Evans too, Halfpenny now missing. Everyone has injuries, obviously, but those players named by you and I were the core to their success last season. Big boots to fill.

by marty2086 Sat Dec 08, 2018 1:58 pm

carpet baboon wrote:It was a weird performance from them. Some great individual skills but some basic failings as a team.
Can I also point out O'Sullivan played the full 80 and at the end was still leading the line in defence. Machine

Henderson and Treadwell too, you have to hope that they are good to go next week again. Ulster are into a huge run of games now and while a CC run is all well and good, the bread and butter of the league though need a lot of effort and focus too.

There was a marked improvement with Ulster in terms of aggression and mentally they seemed sharper than they have for a while, they seemed to win a lot more contacts than they have for a while. Hopefully it's McFarlands message starting to take hold rather than the occasion focusing the mind.

It's the kind of performance and result though that can galvanise the supporters too, hopefully it'll make for an occasion for this Friday night

This week though, is it time for McBurney or Andrew to come on to the bench? Herring seems really inconsistent this season and with his shaky lineouts it feels like an opportunity for one of the younger guys

by Don Alfonso Sat Dec 08, 2018 11:26 pm

The Great Aukster wrote:
Pot Hale wrote:Like the cut of that fella Hume - looks lively. And McPhillips is coming along nicely.

Yes and no. Guys like Hume and McPhillips show they have ability but 'coming along nicely' - don't think so.

Comparing them to the Leinster youngsters, Ulster look like a bunch of individuals who are giving it a lash. There is maybe not that big a gulf in the quality of player but there is a canyon of difference in the quality of the team. Every one drools over the amazing depth at Leinster (and now Ireland), but in reality it's far more to do with the coaching than the players. If James Hume and Johnny McPhillips were at Leinster would they be turning in the performances that Conor O'Brien and Ross Byrne did last night?

Seeing how Leinster make yards by hitting the line at speed with accurately times passes is a testament to their coaching as was Paddy Patterson on debut having the freedom to float a pass to O'Brien for a score. It's great that Ulster are getting players from Leinster now but it would be even better if messrs McFarland, Peel and Soper got a bit of their philospohy as well.

I note that the Munster and Ireland U19s lost to the touring Australian youth team, but a very young Ulster u19s team beat them.

by clivemcl Sat Dec 08, 2018 11:29 pm

Kinda think Herring is still decent in the loose. But hasn’t Best’s throws been off too? Whatever decline is evident in Herring I felt the same was evident in Rory. At least pre All Blacks anyway.

by The Great Aukster Sun Dec 09, 2018 8:43 am

Ulster haven't had a top class lineout jumper, since Franco Van der Merwe left and that was made worse by letting Diack go. That said the lineout stats are usually on a par with the opposition's.

by Don Alfonso Sun Dec 09, 2018 10:20 am

Leinster bungled multiple lineouts and had at least one stolen, and that's with God of the Safe Lineout Toner playing. Maybe, when you've two teams competing, it happens?

by The Great Aukster Sun Dec 09, 2018 10:32 am

Leinster also have Cronin who was so awry he missed both lines!

by Don Alfonso Sun Dec 09, 2018 1:57 pm

And Niall Scannell is currently playing himself down the pecking order.

by **rodders** Mon Dec 10, 2018 10:07 am

carpet baboon wrote:Considering we only won by a point Scarlets never looked like causing us to much trouble. More to do with there individual skill at putting away the few changes they got, rather than us not defending well.
Coetzee had his best defensive game I have seen him have for us.
Best was colossal.
Henderson and Treadwell were everywhere.
Cooney ran the show.
Burns had his best game for us.
Addison was brilliant in attack and defence.
Ludik organised
Our wingers were a handful and took there chances.
Stockdale what a try ( yes some poor tackles, but he still backed himself)
All in all one of our best performances this year

Agree with all that. I'd name check O'Sullivan and Moore as well. Overall it was as the best performance this season and looked a lot more organised in attack and defense.

Addison is nailed on for the RWC squad if he keeps up performances like that, a good shift from McCloskey as well.

by marty2086 Mon Dec 10, 2018 1:32 pm

clivemcl wrote:Kinda think Herring is still decent in the loose. But hasn’t Best’s throws been off too? Whatever decline is evident in Herring I felt the same was evident in Rory. At least pre All Blacks anyway.

Decent but not exactly spectacular, I think he started last season the same way but seems to be further off this season. Just feels like if they are saying young guys are going to get their chance, it seems the right time to include someone like McBurney and light a fire under Herring

by Pete330v2 Mon Dec 10, 2018 1:36 pm

marty2086 wrote:
clivemcl wrote:Kinda think Herring is still decent in the loose. But hasn’t Best’s throws been off too? Whatever decline is evident in Herring I felt the same was evident in Rory. At least pre All Blacks anyway.

Decent but not exactly spectacular, I think he started last season the same way but seems to be further off this season. Just feels like if they are saying young guys are going to get their chance, it seems the right time to include someone like McBurney and light a fire under Herring

We'd have to call him Kipper then.

by Cyril Tue Dec 11, 2018 12:10 am

Ha, i’ve Just seen the OP. I need to get that on a T-shirt. Fair play (Irish) mods Smile

by Pot Hale Tue Dec 11, 2018 1:45 am

Cyril wrote:Ha, i’ve Just seen the OP. I need to get that on a T-shirt. Fair play (Irish) mods

Think it was (English) mods having a laugh. Or maybe Scottish.

by Cyril Tue Dec 11, 2018 7:01 am

I don’t think there are any English moderators on here. It’s a PrO’14 cabal along with Biltong (who is now a NZ lackey trying to out-wum Guns).

by marty2086 Tue Dec 11, 2018 12:28 pm

Leigh Halfpenny (HIA), Rob Evans (ankle), James Davies (toe) & Kieron Fonotia (lower leg) all ruled out of Scarlets Champions Cup clash against Ulster in Belfast on Friday night. Late call to be made on Jake Ball

by The Great Aukster Tue Dec 11, 2018 12:59 pm

... Wonder if those injuries are related to the importance of the competition?

by Redman Tue Dec 11, 2018 11:14 pm

Speaking of injuries. O'Connor is out and Reidy is following return to play protocols.

Might need to blood a youngster in the backrow.

by mikey_dragon Wed Dec 12, 2018 12:07 am

marty2086 wrote:Leigh Halfpenny (HIA), Rob Evans (ankle), James Davies (toe) & Kieron Fonotia (lower leg) all ruled out of Scarlets Champions Cup clash against Ulster in Belfast on Friday night. Late call to be made on Jake Ball

Then I assume Ulster will win this one with a bit to spare. The injury front for the Scarlets just hasn’t been good all season. I think they’ve missed Shingler a lot, and also his replacement Thomson.

by marty2086 Wed Dec 12, 2018 9:58 am

mikey_dragon wrote:
marty2086 wrote:Leigh Halfpenny (HIA), Rob Evans (ankle), James Davies (toe) & Kieron Fonotia (lower leg) all ruled out of Scarlets Champions Cup clash against Ulster in Belfast on Friday night. Late call to be made on Jake Ball

Then I assume Ulster will win this one with a bit to spare. The injury front for the Scarlets just hasn’t been good all season. I think they’ve missed Shingler a lot, and also his replacement Thomson.

Ulster need to perform, two big back to back performances are rare these days and with Scarlets some big games coming up and players potentially out there will be some guys fighting for places. Plus Pivac talked about revenge this week, I think itll be a close game

by mikey_dragon Wed Dec 12, 2018 6:26 pm

Yeah it would be impressive if they did get revenge and turn Ulster over, but it can’t be done without players, who are dropping like flies for them. They should come up with a good team though, and probably pick up some more injuries censored

by The Great Aukster Wed Dec 12, 2018 8:56 pm

Scarlets aren't Dragons or Edinburgh. Pivac won't accept any excuse for a loss irrespective of how depleted his squad is.

by carpet baboon Thu Dec 13, 2018 12:13 pm

Same 23 as last week.
Will O'Sullivan do another full 80?

by the-goon Thu Dec 13, 2018 12:17 pm

Scarlets are fully loaded as well. This is a 50/50 for me.

by marty2086 Fri Dec 14, 2018 9:57 pm

Another fantastic performance and another 5 points, is it too much to hope for Leicester to get a result against Racing now? Fingers Crossed

by The Great Aukster Sat Dec 15, 2018 6:19 am

Surely Ulster's best chance of progress is for Racing to be through and Tigers to be out?

by The Great Aukster Sat Dec 15, 2018 8:19 am

Ulster's best performance of the season and against a good team. The discipline was phenomenal and the defence unpenetrable. The shaky set piece of early season has been gradually improved and now provides a platform to build on. Every player looks to be improving too, and it's a shame that Speight will be leaving soon. Burns finally shows that he can do more than pass before contact and hopefully his MOTM award will reinforce that strategy in his play. My MOTM Henderson also showed that he can impose himself in a Paul O'Connell type way and give a lead others will follow.

by Brendan Sat Dec 15, 2018 1:14 pm

Well done Ulster. The result v Leicester seems the key result.

Is anyone expecting a result v Racing. Ulster seem to be improving as the season is progresssing

by The Great Aukster Sat Dec 15, 2018 7:50 pm

If Racing think they can just rock up to the Pan and roll Ulster over they will lose. If they come prepared to play they will go away with a very big positive points difference.

by neilthom7 Sun Dec 16, 2018 10:39 am

A lot does depend on Racing's attitude to that game, off course we often see French teams not play well away from home so if that happens and Ulster can put in the shift then there is a chance there.

by Maine man Sun Dec 16, 2018 3:54 pm

Looking at the groups at this stage, ulster have a good chance of getting through as a runners up spot. If Newcastle beat Edinburgh with neither getting a bonus point would be a good result for ulster too.

by marty2086 Sun Dec 16, 2018 4:35 pm

Maine man wrote:Looking at the groups at this stage, ulster have a good chance of getting through as a runners up spot. If Newcastle beat Edinburgh with neither getting a bonus point would be a good result for ulster too.

Hard to call that pool, you'd expect a big finish from Montpellier who are getting 5 points today by the looks of it. It'll probably come down to Toulon and how they show up in the last two pool games as to how it finishes

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