Ulster Rugby 2017-2018 Part 2

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Part 2

What the actual Fu*k is up with our lineout? Do we not do any in training?

I do love Speight. He loves hitting stuff. Defence. Attack he just likes a good smash

That’s some power in Dragons pack. Literally smashed their way over the line but called back.

Hibbard is enjoying himself.

Where has Jackman been hiding this Dragons team all season?  Lovely try.

Are we gonna Fu*k this up?

Well thank Christ for that. Great pace from Treadwell

You feel like Treadwell suddenly realised he had underperformed this season and maybe the Ireland squad announcement reminded him of his ambitions. He’s been great tonight.

Redman wrote:Treadwell has had a good 3 weeks or so.  He's still only 22 and has 52 appearances.  That's Gilroy levels of caps to age.  

I'd point out that I said that before the break and McCloskey's try.

Be interesting to see what his tackle stats are. Planet Rugby pointing out that Addison's defence might be a concern at international level. I won't comment. He's missed tackles, but as much because he's just over eager in at least 2 occasions.

Ahhhhhh Warwick!!!! Poor guy.... I’ll forgive him, props get cut a little slack!

There are major major issues, particularly the set piece and the backrow massively underperforming.

There are many positives though. We have some depth at half back now with both Shanahan and McPhillips playing well behind Cooney and Burns. It also seems clear that McFarland has been given leverage to play young player like Balacoune. I think he has probably been told he won't be crucified if he does it and it doesn't go to plan. Which in all honesty is the only sensible option for this season. We have to build depth and bring through prospects.

I don't know what is going on with the backrow, but Coetzee, Murphy and Reidy were less than average tonight.

Speight man of the match?

In whose universe?

Great game. Well done Ulster. Commiserations Dragons you deserved something from that.

*** Clarification : Addison's defence at 13. ***

Pot Hale wrote:Sleight man of the match?

In whose universe?

Ferris's

Redman wrote:

Pot Hale wrote:Sleight man of the match?

In whose universe?

Ferris's

Mustapha Bin Payid

I think we can see why Lowry has been moved to 15. McPhilips is (still) grand at 10.

But yea, so many great moments, some team based, some individual. But unfortunately mixed in with some woeful stuff in the most basic of areas...

Hard to know how to feel...

clivemcl wrote:I think we can see why Lowry has been moved to 15. McPhilips is (still) grand at 10.

But yea, so many great moments, some team based, some individual. But unfortunately mixed in with some woeful stuff in the most basic of areas...

Hard to know how to feel...

Agree with that Clive. On one side you say we blooded a bunch of youngsters, they looked good and we took 5 points. Flashes from some players and when it clicked it looked good.

On the downside you say Dragons were putting us under all sorts of pressure till 65 mins and only with a bit of luck dragged us out of it. They were away, decimated by Welsh call ups and are utterly terrible in terms of skillsets ......... and still pushed us fairly hard.

The same could be said last week at Racing. Racing aren't exactly pull up tress in the Super 14 and while we played well they still pumped us in 3rd gear at best. Imagine if we'd had a bad game.
But you point to chances we created. How close we were, how we were in it till we tired, etc

Flip a coin, and take a view.

Ultimately I worry about coaching around the set piece and if we play a top teams away, I can see us suffering a few heavy losses.

Some of the younger lads are stepping up and some of the older heads are letting the side down. For me the lineout works better with McBurney or Andrew at hooker, that's a strange phenomenon, a bit like having a dedicated scrum coach and your scrum gets worse.

Guys like O'Toole, Jones and Stewart helped stem the Dragons tide when they came on and put themselves about.

McPhillips really helped give some variety in the attack that Burns doesn't give at the minute.

Was glad to hear Ferris call out Coetzees defence on commentary, it really is a weakness that is being exploited by teams.

The worrying thing is the number of mistakes from players, there are still too many and the numbers don't seem to be coming down. After this period of time you'd think some of the inaccuracies would be ironed out but sadly not

I'd happily have mcphillips start the next couple of games.

Beating a depleted Dragons relying on call-ups from the Welsh Prem, does not make Ulster a good team. Jackman hinted that they were targeting the set piece and much stronger teams will continue to do so for the rest of the season.

Still good to see the tyros get some experience.

Dan McFarland has said they are looking at the market for second row options, the focus being on IQ.

Should we begin speculation on those who are available and anyone got Dan Tuohys number?

marty2086 wrote:Dan McFarland has said they are looking at the market for second row options, the focus being on IQ.

Should we begin speculation on those who are available and anyone got Dan Tuohys number?

Any possibles at the other provinces/academies who might need game-time/development for remainder of season?

Lein: Kearney, Molony, Nagle - don’t think anyone in academy
Conn: Cannon, Thornbury
Munster: Wycherley, O’Shea, and poss Sean O’Connor in academy
Exiles: Mark Flanagan (Bedford)?

Redman wrote:

Redman wrote:Treadwell has had a good 3 weeks or so.  He's still only 22 and has 52 appearances.  That's Gilroy levels of caps to age.  

I'd point out that I said that before the break and McCloskey's try.  

Be interesting to see what his tackle stats are.  Planet Rugby pointing out that Addison's defence might be a concern at international level.  I won't comment.  He's missed tackles, but as much because he's just over eager in at least 2 occasions.  

Great to see Treadwell find a bit of form. I do think he and Henderson are lacking in the tight though and we really need a Quinn Ruoux type to help sort out our set piece.

Addison just oozes class with the ball in hand, whatever about his defense he juts has defenders eating out of his hands. He could be the missing link for Ireland out wide.

McPhillips for me still offers a lot more than Burns.

I know he says Ulster are looking for an IQ lock "ideally", but given Deysel was NIQ, surely a case can be made for an NIQ replacement. There are few good locks on that IQ list. I see zero reason to play Nagle ahead of any of our young lads.

We only have van der Merwe and Coetzee as an NIQ a the moment don't we?  Well within reason to get an NIQ lock, wouldn't mind an NIQ loosehead to boot.

EDIT, forgot about Speight but he'll be gone in a month or so.

Is it time Rory was put out to pasture?

I know he's Ulster to his core and hasn't had much game time due to injury but his line out throwing at the moment is appalling, some of the balls coming out of his hand were spinning horizontally and flopping well short of their targets. I realise he adds a lot more in other parts of his game but the line out is starting to be a huge headache. Set piece aside however, Ulster are looking more threatening behind at least than they have done for years.

rodders wrote:

Redman wrote:

Redman wrote:Treadwell has had a good 3 weeks or so.  He's still only 22 and has 52 appearances.  That's Gilroy levels of caps to age.  

I'd point out that I said that before the break and McCloskey's try.  

Be interesting to see what his tackle stats are.  Planet Rugby pointing out that Addison's defence might be a concern at international level.  I won't comment.  He's missed tackles, but as much because he's just over eager in at least 2 occasions.  

Great to see Treadwell find a bit of form. I do think he and Henderson are lacking in the tight though and we really need a Quinn Ruoux type to help sort out our set piece.

Addison just oozes class with the ball in hand, whatever about his defense he juts has defenders eating out of his hands. He could be the missing link for Ireland out wide.

McPhillips for me still offers a lot more than Burns.

The scrum as a whole doesn't seem to be working as a unit, that's as much a problem as anything

I'd agree re McPhillips, he's a lot harder for defences to read than Burns and that gives guys like Addison more time and space to work with and the big ball carriers don't have defenders in their face when they get the ball so they can gain an extra yard or two

stevetynant wrote:Is it time Rory was put out to pasture?

I know he's Ulster to his core and hasn't had much game time due to injury but his line out throwing at the moment is appalling, some of the balls coming out of his hand were spinning horizontally and flopping well short of their targets. I realise he adds a lot more in other parts of his game but the line out is starting to be a huge headache. Set piece aside however, Ulster are looking more threatening behind at least than they have done for years.

Have you ever watched much of Rory? He goes through periods like this, seems to happen when he's been injured or when the lineout as a whole is malfunctioning. He seems to over complicate things and maybe try to give his side an edge, it cost him going into the 2013 Lions tour

marty2086 wrote:

stevetynant wrote:Is it time Rory was put out to pasture?

I know he's Ulster to his core and hasn't had much game time due to injury but his line out throwing at the moment is appalling, some of the balls coming out of his hand were spinning horizontally and flopping well short of their targets. I realise he adds a lot more in other parts of his game but the line out is starting to be a huge headache. Set piece aside however, Ulster are looking more threatening behind at least than they have done for years.

Have you ever watched much of Rory? He goes through periods like this, seems to happen when he's been injured or when the lineout as a whole is malfunctioning. He seems to over complicate things and maybe try to give his side an edge, it cost him going into the 2013 Lions tour

I think Rory is playing pretty well, albeit seems like his legs only last 55-60 min now, although the IRFU will be restricting his minutes to keep him fresh for the internationals.

The lineout looks a complete mess, and Rory's throwing is definitely a contributory factor but seems to go beyond that. Henderson and Treadwell aren't lineout specialists and we don't have any real options at the back.

I think there are genuine questions over the forward coaching as the set piece really has been a weak link this season.

I said a few days ago that it was strange that with a scrum coach and forwards coach our set piece has went backwards

Henderson has been calling the lineout for Ulster and Ireland for a few years now, there isn't a problem with Ireland though when you just call it to Toner it makes life easy

Maybe playing less with Ulster is a problem as the lineout does work better with the two junior hookers in McBurney and Andrew playing

Don Alfonso wrote:I know he says Ulster are looking for an IQ lock "ideally", but given Deysel was NIQ, surely a case can be made for an NIQ replacement. There are few good locks on that IQ list. I see zero reason to play Nagle ahead of any of our young lads.

The answer is simple - ask Robbie. Diack was 'let go' because they couldn't afford him rather than because he wasn't any good. With Deysel's contract money Ulster could hardly do better than him as a 5/6/8 who is an expert lineout man and knows the players around him.

Is Diack still living in Belfast? Or did he sign somewhere else?
And if he's still here, is he still playing at least?
You can't just jump back into pro rugby from a standing start.

clivemcl wrote:Is Diack still living in Belfast? Or did he sign somewhere else?
And if he's still here, is he still playing at least?
You can't just jump back into pro rugby from a standing start.

He went back to SA, a few of his old teammates have went over to visit from what I've seen on social media

Ulster Rugby and the IRFU are pleased to announce that Jonny Petrie has been appointed to the position of Ulster Rugby CEO and will take up the role by the beginning of 2019.

Jonny will join Ulster from Edinburgh Rugby, where he has held the position of Managing Director since July 2015.

The 42-year-old former Glasgow and Scotland captain retired from rugby in 2007 before joining SSE in a Learning & Development role. He was subsequently appointed as Head of Sponsorship for SSE in 2009, then joined the Scottish Rugby Union as Senior Corporate Affairs & Commercial Operations Manager in 2014.

Upon accepting the position, Jonny commented:

“I am enormously privileged to have been offered this role with Ulster Rugby and am looking forward to joining the club at such an interesting and exciting time for rugby at all levels across the Province.”

Paul Terrington, Chair of Ulster Rugby’s Management Committee, welcomed the appointment:

“We are delighted with the appointment of Jonny, who emerged as the top candidate in a thorough and competitive recruitment process. His experience and skill set will be a great asset to Ulster Rugby and we look forward to him taking the lead on our ambitious plans for the professional and domestic game.”

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne, added:

“We are pleased to welcome Jonny into the Irish Rugby family. With the recent appointment of a new Head Coach and now CEO, it is an exciting time for an ambitious Province like Ulster, so we look forward to working with Jonny in the months and years ahead.”

Line ups for this weekends game.
Benetton: Hayward; Tavuyara, Brex, Sgarbi, Benvenuti; Allan, Duvenage; Appiah, Faiva, Ferrari, Herbst, Zanni, Budd, Lamaro, Barbini.

Replacements: Baravalle, De Marchi, Riccioni, Cannone, Pettinelli, Gori, Rizzi, Esposito.

Ulster: Nelson; Baloucoune, Hume, McCloskey, Speight; Burns, Shanahan; O'Sullivan, Herring, Moore; O'Connor (capt), Treadwell; Coetzee, Reidy, Timoney.

Replacements: Andrew, Warwick, O'Toole, Ross, Jones, Stewart, McPhillips, Kernohan

Strong enough line up from Benetton in a fixture that Ulster usually struggle with.

Thinking the same. Annoyed that mcphillips has been dropped for burns. He's looked the better player imo.

We always struggle with Benetton because they relentlessly target us at the breakdown. We either get slow ball or suffer turnovers.

And yes on McPhillips. It appears whoever signed Burns in the structure has decided he has to play.

Suddenly it becomes clear. According to Premier Sports Jono Gibbs is still our head coach ....

Awful box kick and no kick chase and we’re under all sorts of pressure.

Our kicking is a disgrace. We have no idea what the objective of the kick is supposed to be. Kicking too long/short from the box. Setting up a exit kick from the 22 and then we miss touch ..... it’s basic game management.

Thats a joke of a decision, he clearly had contact with the ball as it was grounded

marty2086 wrote:Thats a joke of a decision, he clearly had contact with the ball as it was grounded

Agreed Marty but it backfired for Benetton. We went back for penalty advantage. Kicked the corner and they picked up a yellow and we scored within 2 mins. Just the way it worked out.

Well we won.
Not sure there's much else that can be said.

Overall you could argue the better team lost.

Benetton just not clinical. They made all of the running in the 1st half, and decent parts of the 2nd. But couldn't score ..... and not because of our defence, just Benetton's inability to put us away.

From an Ulster perspective there was almost no positives other than the result. You could argue the odd player did ok, but most had games to forget.

Benetton may not be clinical but they were cynical. The reason the kick chase looked so bad was that the chaser was consistently blocked by lazy runners - one time Speight crossed into touch to avoid the block and the Italian went as well.
When did the laws change that now allow entering the ruck from the side and diving over it?
How was the knee to Balacoune's head not a card?

Ulster will struggle until they get some sort of set piece security, but there were some positives. Moore had his best game so far, Burns apart from missing a penalty touch kicked well, Hume put himself about in defence as did Nelson who had his best game in a while. McCloskey again probably the pick.

Redman wrote:

marty2086 wrote:Thats a joke of a decision, he clearly had contact with the ball as it was grounded

Agreed Marty but it backfired for Benetton.  We went back for penalty advantage.  Kicked the corner and they picked up a yellow and we scored within 2 mins.  Just the way it worked out.  

I'm just holding out for those on here used to complain about Irish officials complaining about the Italian TMO

Just a shame for McCloskey, was a nice try and deserved reward for his performance

O'Sullivan seemed to hold up well in the scrum under pressure, looked to be some notable improvement there from him

Anyone think that Conney looked sharper for Ireland than he has for Ulster this season? And looked to have an extra gear in his support running too

Chris Henry to retire with immediate effect, another one bites the dust and the need for some reinforcements is growing

Fantastic servant and a genuine international quality player at his peak.

He probably never 100% recovered from his heart issue and has to look after his long term health but did incredibly well to last so long in such a tough position.