Ulster Rugby 2018-19

by **LondonTiger** Mon 04 Mar 2019, 9:49 am

First topic message reminder :

https://www.606v2.com/t68145-ulster-rugby-2017-2018-part-2

Last thread was at risk of self combusting, so started a new one for you.

Bye.

by marty2086 Wed 03 Apr 2019, 10:02 am

Was just listening to him this morning on the RugbyPod, they were joking about him signing for LI. Found that strange considering his history with Kiss

Said he always thought he was capable of that level just didn't get the opportunities in recent years in the big games. Had to get injections to play on Saturday though

Probably best to go out on his own terms knowing he still has it rather than hanging on and limping out especially when he has plenty going on outside the game

by eirebilly Wed 03 Apr 2019, 10:34 am

marty2086 wrote:Cave has announced he will retire at the end of the season

This is very sad news for Ulster. Great player but unfortunately injury very much hampered his career. Very young to retire though, what age is he 29-30?

by marty2086 Wed 03 Apr 2019, 10:54 am

eirebilly wrote:
marty2086 wrote:Cave has announced he will retire at the end of the season

This is very sad news for Ulster. Great player but unfortunately injury very much hampered his career. Very young to retire though, what age is he 29-30?

Turns 32 this week

by Redman Wed 03 Apr 2019, 12:48 pm

Yeah top player for us. Crazy amount of caps when you consider that he always had niggly injuries.

I remember, though don't know if I agree with, the body of opinion a good few years ago that he was our best 13 even when we had Payne in his prime, but regardless Cave was a classy operator and great defensive coordinator.

One of the finest rugby brains in the game, but his body's capabilities held him back from archiving higher honours. A little bit more pace and he'd had 40+ caps even in the BOD/D'archy era.

He's been a decent speaker when he's done pundry work. Crowded field though with ex Ulster players and the retirements we've had recently. Hopefully see him around the game in some guise in the future.

by clivemcl Wed 03 Apr 2019, 1:03 pm

I wonder what changes we might see for Friday? I think we will see a start for Marshall. Stockdale probably needs to be thrown straight back in with the message, just get back to doing what you do.

Where can we rotate and rest without giving up too much in quality?

O'Connor and Nagle? Reidy to start? Lyttle?

by **rodders** Wed 03 Apr 2019, 1:07 pm

Anyone know what is up with Marcel? He went off pretty early against Leinster.

by The Great Aukster Wed 03 Apr 2019, 1:26 pm

He supposedly went into the game carrying an injury, don't know what though.

by Standulstermen Wed 03 Apr 2019, 4:18 pm

Team for Glasgow imo should be

O'Sullivan
Herring
Moore
Henderson
Treadwell or AoC (I dont mind)
Reidy
Murphy
Coetzee
Cooney
Burns
Balacoune
McCloskey
Marshall
Stockdale
Lowry

THe only players I feel bad about selecting (in terms of gametime) are Moore and McCloskey. None of Hendo, Murphy, Cooney, Coetzee
have played much rugby over the last two months while O'Sullivan had 4 weeks between the Leinster game and his previous outing.

by The Great Aukster Wed 03 Apr 2019, 5:37 pm

StandU - McFarland will rotate players because he will want your team for Edinburgh.
He won't risk Coetzee making his injury worse with the short turnaround and will be tempted to rest Moore.
Expect Warwick to start, maybe Nagle and O'Connor at lock if Henderson is still rehabbing.
Cooney might be consigned to the bench and won't be on unless Shanahan has a mare. Nelson will probably be the utility cover for 10, 12 & 15.
With the new midfield pairing, the outside backs won't be further disrupted.

Warwich, Herring, Herbst
O'Connor, Nagle
Rea, Murphy, Reidy
Shanahan, Burns
McCloskey, Marshall
Stockdale, Lowry, Balacoune

Andrew, O'Sullivan, Kane/O'Toole, Treadwell, Henderson, Cooney, Nelson, Lyttle

by Standulstermen Wed 03 Apr 2019, 7:33 pm

Im not so sure. I know Glasgow still have top spot to play for but they are in the playoffs already arent they. If Coetzee is indeed injured then absolutely I agree. Not as convinced about Hendo though. Rea is a good shout though.

by geoff999rugby Thu 04 Apr 2019, 9:52 am

Ulster must not fall between two stools

Either picked a full team or rest all players who need to be.
Will come down, I reckon, on what the metrics test on individual player show with respect how much the weekend took out of them
My guess is a full set of backs and about half the forwards swapped

Reports Nagle will be with us next year

by clivemcl Thu 04 Apr 2019, 10:29 am

I’m glad to see that despite the use of young players this year, we are still making signings. This years game time has really established players like O’Sullivan, Lowry, Ballacoune and to a lesser extent Hume. But we’ve always known squad depth is where we struggle.
The return of Marshall, the potential signing of Faddes, the re-signing of Nagle plus the addition Carter, the signing of McGrath on top of the emergence Of O’Sullivan are all excellent news.
Perhaps next season or B team can be relied upon to get results.

by geoff999rugby Thu 04 Apr 2019, 11:16 am

The 'A' team won 4 of their 6 Celtic Cup games this year

by Standulstermen Thu 04 Apr 2019, 12:36 pm

Strong Ulster team. Hendo being saved but the others all in. Balacoune maybe has a knock. Bad news is Munster are going strong against Cardiff so will probably bend over away to treviso

by geoff999rugby Thu 04 Apr 2019, 12:47 pm

So we are going for it

I get the sense the players cant wait to go out there and put in another top performance

by The Great Aukster Thu 04 Apr 2019, 1:27 pm

McFarland obviously feels the team has momentum and wants to try to get points in the bank. Rumours of Coetzee and Cave being out were either unfounded or have been injected away.
If Ulster win this, they might have Glasgow away again in the playoffs so that's a consideration.
Also Munster would be thinking seriously about going strong away in Treviso to try to secure top spot in Conference A and a game less in their crowded end of season.

by Standulstermen Thu 04 Apr 2019, 9:32 pm

The Great Aukster wrote:McFarland obviously feels the team has momentum and wants to try to get points in the bank. Rumours of Coetzee and Cave being out were either unfounded or have been injected away.
If Ulster win this, they might have Glasgow away again in the playoffs so that's a consideration.
Also Munster would be thinking seriously about going strong away in Treviso to try to secure top spot in Conference A and a game less in their crowded end of season.

Thats a fair point Aukster but will Van Graan go strong 4 weeks on the trot? Im not sure. I certainly hope you're right though

by marty2086 Fri 05 Apr 2019, 4:05 pm

As part of Ulster Rugby’s ongoing community engagement strategy, CEO Jonny Petrie will host roadshows at three venues over the next few weeks.

Jonny will be joined at the events by Ulster Rugby staff, including members of the senior coaching team and rugby development department.

The Roadshows are open to everyone. Capacity is capped at 150 for Ballymena Academy, 150 at City of Armagh RFC and 100 at Letterkenny RFC. Access will be granted on a first come, first served basis, although it is not expected that demand will exceed capacity.

The format of the events will be relaxed and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about any aspect of rugby in Ulster.

UR ROADSHOW DETAILS

Ballymena Academy 6th Form Centre
Wednesday 10th April, 7.00-8.30pm
Jonny Petrie, Dwayne Peel and Barry Willis

City of Armagh RFC
Wednesday 24th April, 7.00-8.30pm
Jonny Petrie, Jared Payne and Darren McGuigan

Letterkenny RFC
Date and time TBC
Jonny Petrie, Dan Soper and Ricky Huey

Commenting ahead of the UR Roadshow events, Jonny said:

“The public will have seen how regularly our development staff and pro players are out and about at clubs and schools across the Province and it’s something we’re keen to do more and more of. As CEO of Ulster Rugby, it is important that I am also accessible across all levels of rugby in Ulster.

“While we hold regular briefings for Season Ticket holders at Kingspan Stadium, these Roadshows are another good opportunity for us to reach out and engage with stakeholders and discuss a range of issues across domestic and professional rugby.

“Grassroots rugby is critical to us and we want to understand the challenges that clubs and schools are facing by spending time with them and listening to what’s going on. It’s also a chance for us to talk about our plans for the professional team and answer any questions supporters may have in relation to that.

“Hopefully we’ll see a big turnout at all three venues.”

It's great to see this from Ulster

by clivemcl Fri 05 Apr 2019, 9:39 pm

Supporting Ulster is really not fun at times!
To go from feeling we deserve a playoff spot to questioning if we do in one week is quite something!

by The Great Aukster Sat 06 Apr 2019, 9:34 am

Ulster don't deserve a playoff spot anymore than Benetton, Edinburgh or Scarlets - they have to earn it.
The past two games were never going to be two wins with the 6 day turnaround and the shallowness of Ulster's squad. Ulster chose to target the Cup game and nearly pulled it off but were never going to reach that intensity last night.
It over to the other contenders now to see how much they want to earn their playoff place, and they will undoubtedly be buoyed by Ulster's ineptitude last night.

by clivemcl Sat 06 Apr 2019, 9:47 am

Is it your opinion that Glasgow by comparison did not target their Europe game? Or just that because they didn’t show up, they had more in the tank than Ulster last night?

by The Great Aukster Sat 06 Apr 2019, 11:01 am

Glasgow have much more experience and depth than Ulster - they didn't lose a team of experienced players in the close season. The Warriors have a depth that Ulster need to get to and they will by giving the Academy guys experience, but this season they simply are not at that level.

Neither were Glasgow playing a derby nor trying to impress national selectors in a RWC year last week, so when they went behind against Saracens they took a pragmatic approach to get out of that game with as little damage as possible.

The outcome of the two European quarters should have determined the selection for last nights game and as mentioned above I would have rested/benched O'Sullivan, Moore, Treadwell, Coetzee and Cooney for this game. As it is they will again be needed for Edinburgh but will also be totally cream crackered.

by Standulstermen Sat 06 Apr 2019, 1:03 pm

We had more than enough of the game to come away with at least one point there. Just idiotic mistakes cost us. Marshall over the tryline. If Rob Lyttle dives a split second later he grazes the line (in fairness that’s unlucky). McCloskey kick dead. His offload To Glasgow in the first half from where they kicked long and got the pen for their first score. Any one of a number of handling errors. Any good will herring built up last weekend in Schmidt’s eyes will I suspect have been erased by that shambles at line out. There were potentially 2 points on offer there and we blew it massively.

That’s 4 tries in the last month we have bombed in the backs. Balacoune against the dragons, lyttle last night (both went to the air early but were under pressure from a tackler), Stockdale and Marshall. We can support the players individually but privately McFarland and Peel should be critical of our finishing

by marty2086 Sat 06 Apr 2019, 1:08 pm

Marshalls try should have stood, it was knocked out by Seymour and Marshall grounded it, Lyttles was a close call he was brought to ground rather than going to ground though was he not?

Ulster seemed to carry the momentum from last week into the start of the game and after a few errors from them and the ref they just seemed to lose steam and never really got going again.

Cooney I thought was poor last night, too many passes going over the head and too many errors at the base of the ruck. Forwards seemed asleep at times in the first half when it came to protecting the ball at the ruck too

by Standulstermen Sat 06 Apr 2019, 4:35 pm

Think you are clutching there Marty. That was never going to be given. Lyttle I thought dived but either way I wouldn’t lambast him for it. Marshall’s was much more egregious. Holding the ball in the wrong arm as well I believe.

by clivemcl Sat 06 Apr 2019, 8:56 pm

Did anyone see the score by Cardiff. A player did what I believe Stockdale would always do given the opportunity. Some say he should have dived for the line last week. The Cardiff player in question once over the line in the corner with ball in one hand considered grounding it before deciding to beat the last defender in the in-goal area for the easier kick.

It’s funny how players are only judged on this high risk stuff when it doesn’t work out. I really doubt any coaches are telling that Cardiff player off for not ‘just getting it down’.

The tryline isn’t the finish line for a player of Stockdale’s ability and self belief. And I don’t know if I want to see Jacob reign anything in to be honest.

by Standulstermen Sat 06 Apr 2019, 10:23 pm

Decent results for us albeit treviso maybe somewhat fortunate to the the second point. Scarlets all but done now it seems

by The Great Aukster Sun 07 Apr 2019, 9:08 am

The Great Aukster wrote:
SCARLETS
ROUND 16: Scarlets (5) v Toyota Cheetahs ACTUAL 5
ROUND 17: Scarlets (4) v Munster - Munster will be missing their 6N guys and won't risk any doubtfuls as they still have R18 before Europe ACTUAL 4
ROUND 18: Cardiff Blues v Scarlets (1) - Tight game with both scrapping for respective playoffs ACTUAL 0
ROUND 19: Scarlets (4) v Edinburgh - The Scots either elated from Europe and rest players or deflated and lose focus by licking wounds ACTUAL 0
ROUND 20: Scarlets (5) v Zebre
ROUND 21: Dragons v Scarlets (4) - Dragons will have nothing to play for and will be looking towards the summer hols
Current 36 plus 23 = 59 - four games in current 45 plus 9 = 54

BENETTON
ROUND 16: Benetton (5) v Dragons - woeful Dragons away form ACTUAL 5
ROUND 17: Benetton (4) v Edinburgh - The Italians will have more first teamers back from 6N camp than the Scots ACTUAL 4
ROUND 18: Connacht v Benetton (1) - Connacht may rest some players for Europe, while Benetton only have the league to go for ACTUAL 0
ROUND 19: Leinster v Benetton (0) ACTUAL 2
ROUND 20: Benetton (2) v Munster - Munster probably secure in their playoff spot and may still be in Europe, home advantage but Munster will scrap
ROUND 21: Zebre v Benetton (5) - Zebre nothing to play for
Current 41 plus 17 = 58 - four games in current 52 plus 7 = 59

EDINBURGH
ROUND 16: Edinburgh (4) v Cardiff Blues - home advantage and form ACTUAL 1
ROUND 17: Benetton v Edinburgh (1) - LBP as more depleted by 6N and away from home ACTUAL 0
ROUND 18: Edinburgh (4) v Leinster - The Irish missing more players and Edinburgh looking for a hard run in to their HEC tie. ACTUAL 5
ROUND 19: Scarlets v Edinburgh (0) - can't see Edinburgh getting up for this game whether they win or lose in Europe the previous weekend ACTUAL 4
ROUND 20: Edinburgh (4) v Ulster - home win
ROUND 21: Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh (4) - Edinburgh have the wood over Glasgow and may need the win more
Current 41 plus 17 = 58 - four games in current 51 plus 8 = 59

ULSTER
ROUND 16: Ulster (4) v Zebre - Ulster don't have the fire power to get a TBP while missing Stockdale and Addison ACTUAL 5
ROUND 17: Dragons v Ulster (4) - Very tough away fixture, but if Ulster can beat the Ospreys maybe they can do the same at Dave. ACTUAL 5
ROUND 18: Ulster (5) v Southern Kings - Hopefully some Test returnees against the worst team in the league ACTUAL 5
ROUND 19: Glasgow Warriors v Ulster (0) - Glasgow are likely to be out of Europe but will be fired up to get home playoff and will be playing a game Ulster struggle to contain. ACTUAL 0
ROUND 20: Edinburgh v Ulster (1) - Ulster haven't a great record in this fixture and will do well to get anything
ROUND 21: Ulster (4) v Leinster - a backs to the wall performance against freewheeling Dubliners who will be probably still in Europe
Current 39 plus 18 = 57 - four games in current 54 plus 5 = 59

Didn't see Benetton's draw nor Edinburgh's away win at Scarlets - updated the numbers and now finishing with Benetton, Edinburgh and Ulster all finishing on 59 points!

by clivemcl Mon 08 Apr 2019, 6:14 pm

So here’s the Cardiff try I previously mentioned. Hindsight makes everyone seem wise doesn’t it.

In the same way, Stockdale was ‘unforgivable’ and ‘should have just dived’ - do we get fans and pundits saying the same thing when it doesn’t go wrong.

Any lessons Jacob has to learn, would surely apply also to this player. But I wonder is any coach having a word with him about the risk he took for an easier kick? chin

Try at 0:50mins

by The Great Aukster Mon 08 Apr 2019, 8:21 pm

Struggling to see any comparison Clive. Summerhill is unopposed and goes towards the posts to make the kick easier.
Stockdale was opposed and tried to fend when he could have dived. 7 points are better than 5, but 5 is better than 0 (especially with a high class kicker in the team).

by clivemcl Mon 08 Apr 2019, 8:45 pm

Really? Both are wingers breaks, beating defenders while skirting the touch line. Both are single handed grounding attempts, both beyond the try line.

Your argument on it being very different is that there was nobody to fend. You imply that both Stockdale and Summerhill are 100% aware of any cover defenders. For me, at that pace, having just beated defenders, you can't claim either player knows whether or not they are about to be under pressure from a cover tackle.

In fact, when watching the try, you can see that Summerhill only looks to see if he is clear once he is at the tryline. In other words, he has already chosen not to go for the early dive and score before he actually looks to see if there is any pressure.

The arguments of 'just get the try scored' and 'dive on the ball' and 'no one handed groundings' all apply equally to this player as they did to Stockdale.

Thank goodness Jacob didn't lose the ball whilst doing a dummy first single hand grounding and trying to sneak another few metres.

by SecretFly Mon 08 Apr 2019, 9:00 pm

Two rugby players having a violent fight on a snooker table? Disgraceful behaviour and will bring the game into disrepute if it is just brushed under the carpet.

by The Great Aukster Tue 09 Apr 2019, 6:17 am

The main difference between the two instances is that Stockdale will remember and be reminded of his for the rest of his life.

by EWT Spoons Tue 09 Apr 2019, 9:13 am

If you folks fancy discussing our game this fri

https://www.606v2.com/t68645-edinburgh-vs-ulster-fri-12th-april#3797334

by clivemcl Tue 09 Apr 2019, 1:46 pm

Addison out for rest of season. furious

by geoff999rugby Fri 12 Apr 2019, 9:41 pm

Told you we would make the play offs Very Happy

Beauty of it is we are guaranteed a home QF regardless of the Leinster game

Any player with the slightest niggle will be rested that week so a full 3 weeks rest if necessary Very Happy

by Standulstermen Fri 12 Apr 2019, 9:58 pm

Yeah without suggesting we rest on our laurels I think we have to view this season as a success now. Two QFs, one of which is at home. We should be confident and we should expect to beat whoever we play but either way considering where we were and the personnel we have used to get to where we are now is very impressive and testament the coaches and the squad. A word for Burns as well who was much better tonight (despite not passing to stockdale)

by geoff999rugby Sat 13 Apr 2019, 9:40 am

Burns was very good

My big plus was Kane - didn't take a step back against the much vaunted Edinburgh pack

I'll also declare it now - player of year has to be Eric O'Sullivan.
What a season from an Academy player

The thinking in the camp seems to be we have made 2 years progress in 1 year
Following on from Bryns logic that means they believe we will be competitive for trophys next year - I reckon they are right

by Standulstermen Sat 13 Apr 2019, 10:32 am

I hope so. The important thing is that they keep developing and striving to be better. There’s still 20 odd points difference to Leinster to make up after all

by carpet baboon Sat 13 Apr 2019, 10:46 am

Have to say I'm impressed with baloucoune. Dropped a couple of high balls, but for a tall lad he gets low in the tackle and puts his man down. If he can add a few extra KG over the summer but keep his pace he will be a serious threat.
And Rob lyttle can stay fit our back 3 next season will be deadly whoever starts

by geoff999rugby Sat 13 Apr 2019, 11:16 am

The great think about our backthree next year is we could be picking from
Addison, Ludik, Stockdale, Faddes, Gilroy, Baloucoune and Lyttle

by marty2086 Sat 13 Apr 2019, 11:45 am

geoff999rugby wrote:The great think about our backthree next year is we could be picking from
Addison, Ludik, Stockdale, Faddes, Gilroy, Baloucoune and Lyttle

You forgot Kernohan and Lowry too

by Standulstermen Sat 13 Apr 2019, 12:02 pm

Given Addisons injury troubles I do think Faddes could be an inspired signing if it goes through

by geoff999rugby Sat 13 Apr 2019, 12:03 pm

Didn't forget but my belief is Kernohan, like Nelson, will be well down the pecking order but useful nonetheless squad players.
I also think Kernohan did well last night

Lowry I think we will see more as a 10 than a 15 next year

by Pete330v2 Mon 15 Apr 2019, 9:23 am

Standulstermen wrote:Given Addisons injury troubles I do think Faddes could be an inspired signing if it goes through

My worry and it is my only worry is that both are perpetual sick notes. Addison had a bad enough injury record when he arrived here and that's not entirely changed. From what I heard about Faddes he has knee issues, yes knee issues, the Ulster curse. I hope that information is wrong, I mean players do recover with the right medical team behind them and look at Coetzee this season. Fingers crossed because both are exceptional talents.

Apart from that gloom, how odd does it feel to have a final game before play-off time that's utterly meaningless bar giving players a bit of game time. This time last year we were crossing all appendages just to get into a play-off place to remain in Europe this season. This year we're already in Europe after narrowly missing out on a SF spot and have secured a home QF for the Pro14. Not a position anyone thought we'd be in after everything that's happened. It'll give my fingernails and hair a chance of recovery.

by geoff999rugby Mon 15 Apr 2019, 9:29 am

I don't know but your post gives me food for thought
Is they delay in announcing Faddes down to medical concerns Headscratch

by **rodders** Mon 15 Apr 2019, 10:43 am

carpet baboon wrote:Have to say I'm impressed with baloucoune. Dropped a couple of high balls, but for a tall lad he gets low in the tackle and puts his man down. If he can add a few extra KG over the summer but keep his pace he will be a serious threat.
And Rob lyttle can stay fit our back 3 next season will be deadly whoever starts

Me too, that finish was top class and he's really improving with each game. Lyttle is a real talent as well.

I thought Stockdale was superb at 15, he looks to be adding an offload game to his already impressive skill set and might give Joe some food for thought regarding the RWC.

Fantastic performance on Friday, Henderson is in superb form and Jordi Murphy wasn't far off motm.

by carpet baboon Mon 15 Apr 2019, 10:48 am

What sort of team will we field against Leinster?
It's a home game so we want to win, but I really think we need to rest a few players.
O'Sullivan, Marcel, Murphy, could do with a week off (any news on Marty's injury?)
In the backs do we have enough centres and back 3 to give stu and Stockdale the rest?
Maybe give the younger Curtis 20 mins at 9?
Is that sexton lad available?

by marty2086 Mon 15 Apr 2019, 11:00 am

carpet baboon wrote:
Is that sexton lad available?

Has Sexton played any rugby in recent months after his concussion?

Outside of that the lad is preparing for his A Levels so can't see him being at training never mind playing, can't see Ulster distracting him from school

Maybe give the younger Curtis 20 mins at 9?

How is he rated at Ulster? What I've seen of him in the flesh he seems slow to get to rucks and his pass is erratic, from the clips of the Cara Cup he did seem to have improved though

by **rodders** Mon 15 Apr 2019, 11:03 am

I'd like to see Cave get a run out in probably his final game, McCloskey certainly is due a break but Marshall could do with the gametime.

It makes sense to rest a few of the big guns here.

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