ULSTER RUGBY 2022/2023 - SEASON RUN IN

First topic message reminder :

Christ on a bike you lot are downbeat for a side that are currently in the top 4 of the league!!

As I said, we were like a chicken, very little on the wings

Sexton is not a rugby player, when there's space made for him he has all the pace in the world but can only run straight. Other wingers with less pace would have finished those chances.

That aside it was a nice surprise to start saturday off. I did think we were going to blow it again but the game management saved the day. I thought Flannery was very good and looks like a player that would really make a difference if he had a bit of game time. Sheridan looks to be the real deal and McCann was very good when he came on. Imagine if a certain other player was taken off the naughty step instead of playing in the AIL.

Happy days though, it just needs followed up with a win in Cardiff and the season is back on course.

Great result for Ulster. Totally can scratch what I said about my earlier predictions. Given the league standing that Bulls game is not as pressured now. They can afford to lose that and still make the top 4.

Think they will now secure a top 4 spot now.

I will say having watched the game Ulster did really depend on that driving lineout. Sharks were really poor I thought in a lot of areas. Ulster will need to be better in other areas if they are going to make a real charge for the URC title. That said you this win may be the kick start to the final run in they needed.

Pete330v2 wrote:As I said, we were like a chicken, very little on the wings

Sexton is not a rugby player, when there's space made for him he has all the pace in the world but can only run straight. Other wingers with less pace would have finished those chances.

That aside it was a nice surprise to start saturday off. I did think we were going to blow it again but the game management saved the day. I thought Flannery was very good and looks like a player that would really make a difference if he had a bit of game time. Sheridan looks to be the real deal and McCann was very good when he came on. Imagine if a certain other player was taken off the naughty step instead of playing in the AIL.

Happy days though, it just needs followed up with a win in Cardiff and the season is back on course.

Why is he on the naughty step?

Maine man wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:As I said, we were like a chicken, very little on the wings

Sexton is not a rugby player, when there's space made for him he has all the pace in the world but can only run straight. Other wingers with less pace would have finished those chances.

That aside it was a nice surprise to start saturday off. I did think we were going to blow it again but the game management saved the day. I thought Flannery was very good and looks like a player that would really make a difference if he had a bit of game time. Sheridan looks to be the real deal and McCann was very good when he came on. Imagine if a certain other player was taken off the naughty step instead of playing in the AIL.

Happy days though, it just needs followed up with a win in Cardiff and the season is back on course.

Why is he on the naughty step?

I'll just quote Geoff on this one:

Marcus Rea and McIlroy were put on the naughty step big time because of their woeful tackling at the end of the Connacht match
McCann also needs to up his game tackle wise, that is why Sheridan is playing and not him.
Sheridan looks the real deal
Izzy also on the naughty step because of a casual attitude to training

Looks like Izzy and Mcilroy are off the naughty tep, hopefully Rea is soon as well.

I did think we could beat that Sharks side , but the wings made me doubt it.

Anyway onward and upward, and the good news is the weak area of ToTs game, scrummaging looks like it has become very good in Ireland camp. JTA will have a job retaining the shirt when ToT returns. Great to have 3 high level THs.

It is a worry that outside the maul we dont seam to jave much else. Though the maul was going so well against a makeshift sharks team its understandeable why they kept going to it. But it recent games teams have known its coming and trained to nullify it and it hasn't been as effective.

Ireland did a nice move where it looked like they were setting up a maul onky to play the ball out quick, we'd get a lot from moves like that as teams expect us to maul. Need more from attack though

I have to agree Kingshu, our attack has been very dependent on the maul for some time. It seems like a bit of a security blanket. Play for the penalty to get the 5m line out, and maul it over. It almost feels like they don't have the confidence to score from more open play. If this doesn't change I do fear for our chances. What happened to all the exciting backs? I accept the wings don't look too good at the moment through injury/form/talent, but Marshall, Moore, Hume and Lowry aren't without some talent and ability, and that's leaving out Big Stu due to his involvement elsewhere.

Cardiff have 3 players released back to them for this game, all up front so quite significant. Those are Carre, Lewis, and Teddy Williams.

The good thing about the Sharks win was tjat we held a number of players back (so not travel fatigued) and have some released by Ireland that didnt travel I'd guess start team is below, * are players that went to SA
1. EOS
2. Herring
3.JTA*
4. Carter
5. Threadwell
6.Timony*
7. M.Rea
8.DV* (was already in SA on leave so only had to travel back and was well rested)
9. Doak
10. Burns
11. Stockdale
12. Moore*
13. Hume
14. Lyttle
15. Lowry*

So 10 changes from last game, a strong team V Cardiff and win away at sharks actually shows some good depth. Weakest area is TH (which if everyone was available is prob our strongest position) as JTA is having to play a lot with Moore injured and TOT tearing up trees with Ireland.

On the mauls durning the Sharks game I think it was said about 40 of Ulsters 60ish tries came from the maul. I could believe that. Teams with all their players available like La Rochelle, Glasgow, Benetton have done their homework and know if they can stop that, Ulster are a bit toothless. Think it was La Rochelle were able to rip the first 3 players out of the maul preventing it setting up and others will have similar tactics. Against Sharks it went well as they were missing a lot of first choice players and weren't as good as defending as a unit, so it looked really effective, Cardiff it may be the same depending on how many they are missing from the forwards, but after the 6 nations when its first team squads, it will be blunted again. Need to have a decent attacking plan without the maul in place before the Leinster game for Bulls preferably.

Just seeing that Mike Blair is stepping down as head coach of Edinburgh. They went well last season and start of this one. Hes said that he expects to revert to being an attack coach in the immediate future.

Ulster could do with an attack coach, and Blair and DMcF would have worked together at Glasgow as well as with Scotland? Or is that being too hopeful.

mikey_dragon wrote:Cardiff have 3 players released back to them for this game, all up front so quite significant. Those are Carre, Lewis, and Teddy Williams.

I don’t get Carre or Lewis really. They’re bench players minimum at the mo. I get Brown for Dragons, as he’s probably third choice. I get Roberts for Dragons as well, as he’s likely to become third choice again. It’s not like Gatland to release bench players, other than those he has to.

I was surprised too, but I think all those released could do with more game time at their Regions, seeing as they currently play better for them than they do Wales.

1. O'Sullivan / Reid
2. Herring
3. Toomaga-Allen
4. Carter
5. Treadwell
6. Rea
7. Rea
8. Timoney
9. Doak
10. Burns
11. Stockdale
12. Moore
13. Hume
14. Lyttle
15. Lowry

This is not my thought's but the KOTH from t'other forum who usually gets things pretty accurate.
He is also saying that he's looking forward to seeing a new superstar on saturday. Not sure who he's on about, could be Postlethwaite. Colour me intrigued.

Anyway, that would be a strong starting XV and it has to be, Cardiff are going to be a tough nut to crack I reckon.

Who's the new face, the new superstar ? Surely it has to be Postlethwaite.

Its Postlethwaite

geoff999rugby wrote:Its Postlethwaite

Cheers Geoff. Hold on, are you sure you're not KOTH ?

Pete330v2 wrote:1. O'Sullivan / Reid
2. Herring
3. Toomaga-Allen
4. Carter
5. Treadwell
6. Rea
7. Rea
8. Timoney
9. Doak
10. Burns
11. Stockdale
12. Moore
13. Hume
14. Lyttle
15. Lowry

This is not my thought's but the KOTH from t'other forum who usually gets things pretty accurate.
He is also saying that he's looking forward to seeing a new superstar on saturday. Not sure who he's on about, could be Postlethwaite. Colour me intrigued.

Anyway, that would be a strong starting XV and it has to be, Cardiff are going to be a tough nut to crack I reckon.

Who's the new face, the new superstar ? Surely it has to be Postlethwaite.

Think it is Postlethwaite as hes very highly rated, would he play instead of Moore? Hume and himself mostly played outside center which would move over?

Also think DV will start he was is SA already so wont be effected so much by travel as had few weeks rest and only had to travel back.

KOTH is making comparison with BOD in terms of Postlewaite

Wow no pressure then

He does look very good but that is a hell of a claim.

Mind you signing a game in the Academy for 4 years is something we have never done, not even close

The nearest I can think of is Doak who when on a development contract got a 3 year contract.

Is Postlethwaite expected to come the bench? Exciting times, he looked good at 7s.

From what I've seen of JP, which isn't much, he looks to be the real deal which can hopefully translate to the senior squad.
On another note I see Munster has released Chris Farrell from his contract to pursue other playing opportunities.

I think the IRFU have been taking the moral high ground a lot and it will come back on them when they are forced to exile a big name player.

Jackson and Olding has been do to death.

Sevu Reece Conacht said if convicted it would end contact, so female judge handed him a discharge without conviction, as though it was sufficent and for the best for his family. But the IRFU tdisagreed with the Judge.

Farrel not convicted, dont know if he is Innocent or guilty, but IRFU end his Ireland and Munster career, what ever happened of being innocent untill proven guilty.

The IRFU have set themselves a very high standard.

Still happy to take Kingspans money though

This moral high ground that the IRFU, amongst others is on has become more and more shaky as people become sick to death of the fake moral keyboard warriors. For a young, very talented lad who was only a witness to an allegation to be cast aside is just disgusting. There has been screaming and wailing about toxic masculinity (not all well founded) whilst all along and extremely toxic and foul counter-culture has emerged. Thankfully it's dying off as quickly as it sprung to life but it still exists.

Anyway, onwards to the weekend and some exciting rugby for us Ulster fans but for me, tonight it's all about the return of the Viking for Munster. I'm dying to see RG in action after so waiting so long to see what he'll offer Munster.

100%, it's insufferable. Rugby needs to start gatekeeping, we can't this tiny but loud minority ruin this great sport.

Morality at the IRFU = hypocrisy.
Nothing to do with moral standing EVERYTHING to do with how it looks.
There was, in my view, a far worse incident in another province involving two prominent players,
where no action was taken.
The reason was they managed to keep it quiet.
All the IRFU care about is looking good, and suppressing adverse publicity if they can.
Morality has nothing to do with it,

I will give them a, temporary, pass on Kingspan because the contract runs till the summer of 2024.
To break the contract would bankrupt the Ulster branch.
However I will be appalled if they renew.

As I have mentioned before for the first time in over 20 years I will not be renewing my Season Ticket.
Two reasons:

It is cheaper to buy individual tickets on a match by match basis that to buy a Season Ticket - at least in the seats in
the old main stand.
What is the point having a season ticket - there are no perks worth bothering about.
We no longer get sell outs so tickets always available.

Secondly Munster and Leinster apart none of the opposition coming to Ravenhill for a URC game have been any good.
We have been poor and still beat them all comfortably
The only team who should have given us a game were the Stormers but they send a 23 of 2nd XV and squad fillers.

The terrible situation Welsh rugby is in that will only get worse next season.
The entertainment value isnt good enough

I'll go to some games but it will only be when two competitive teams take the field

The team we can put out with players who are contracted next year.

Kitshoff, Herring, Moore
O'Connor, Treadwell
Ewers,Timoney, Marcus Rea,
Doak, Burns
Hume, McCloskey,
McIlroy, Baloucoune
Lowry

Bench: (no LH), Stewart, O'Toole, Izuchukwu, Matthew Rea, (no 9), Moore, Postlewaite
That is it !

We have never been this light with nailed on contract for next season this late

Perhaps waiting to scoop up some cheap deals?

Sadly Geoff you're 100% right.

I'll never stop supporting Ulster with a passion but future prospects and entertainment value look a little dim right now.

(15-9): Mike Lowry, Ben Moxham, James Hume, Stewart Moore, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, Nathan Doak;

(1-8): Rory Sutherland, Rob Herring (Captain), Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Kieran Treadwell, Sam Carter, Dave McCann, Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney.

Replacements: Tom Stewart, Callum Reid, Gareth Milasinovich, Alan O’Connor, Harry Sheridan, John Cooney, Jude Postlethwaite, Ethan McIlroy.

A strong side and finally including McCann and Rea, lots of turnovers coming our way.


Cardiff Side:

Ben Thomas; Owen Lane, Rey Lee-Lo, Max Llewellyn, Jason Harries; Jarrod Evans, Lloyd Williams; Rhys Carré, Kristian Dacey, Dillon Lewis, Lopeti Timani, Seb Davies, Josh Turnbull (capt.), Ellis Jenkins, James Ratti

Replacements: Liam Belcher, Corey Domachowski, Keiron Assiratti, Teddy Williams, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Ellis Bevan, Aled Summerhill, Matthew Morgan

2 strong teams, not too much between them on paper, but fancy Ulster to take it.

the-goon2 wrote:2 strong teams, not too much between them on paper, but fancy Ulster to take it.

#

I'm not so sure but I'll be praying for an "I told you so" from you

Isn't picking Carter at 5 playing with 14. He's dire.

Welshmushroom wrote:Isn't picking Carter at 5 playing with 14.  He's dire.

He is much better this year - arguably our best lock this season in terms of performance quality x performance numbers

Yeah Caryer really seams to pick up on contract renewal seasons

Great win by Ulster, managed to rotate squad so only 5 players who jetted to and from SA started this, but still picked up TBP wins away in SA and Cardiff. Keeps the pressure for 2nd spot firmly on Stormers. Stomers have a 5 point cushion but have to travel to the RDS, and have Munster at home (who will likely be sending down a very strong team as need points to secure home quarterfinal for themselves) whereas Ulster have 3 home games remaining, Bulls Dragons and Edinburgh. Any slipups from Stormers and 2nd spot could go down to the wire.

McCann and Sheridan are starting to look like very good players.
And I didn't realise how big Postlethwaite is. Hope he gets a few more games this season

Very surprised and delighted by the win, especially the tries scored off open play. See we do have some decent backs and they can do the scoring thing, not just Tom Stewart .

The defence was still poor out wide (Stockade had a couple of shockers that kind of negated his improvement in attack among other things) and some of Cardiff's tackling made us look better than we really are.

But overall glad to have called it wrong, it was a pretty entertaining game.

Pete330v2 wrote:

the-goon2 wrote:2 strong teams, not too much between them on paper, but fancy Ulster to take it.

#

I'm not so sure but I'll be praying for an "I told you so" from you

I told you so

the-goon2 wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:

the-goon2 wrote:2 strong teams, not too much between them on paper, but fancy Ulster to take it.

#

I'm not so sure but I'll be praying for an "I told you so" from you

I told you so

I'm so glad you did

Posthlewaite went well enough, and was very eager to show his ability - no lack of confidence anyway. He took three good carries in less than a minute at one point, throwing good offloads off two of those carries.
Very soon after that though, we conceded to Glasgow on the wind. To be fair, Moxham I think it was, came in to make the hit, not trusting Posthlewaite, and left his winger a clear run in on the outside.
I do feel though there was a hint of lack of effort from him chasing back. Is it just me?

Either way these guys get some grace due to their age.
Stockdale on the other hand should be embarrassed by how he was so easily shrugged off in the tackle that led to Cardiff's first try.

On the whole though, a pleasantly surprising win yet again.

Being an Ulster fan is a wild - even when results and table position look decent, we just can't accept the possibility we are any good. We fans have been disappointed far too often we almost refuse to have any optimism at this stage. It's just not worth the hurt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nanqswzvp7U

Whilst not mathematical certain a Win at home to Bulls will mean a home QF
Remember Glasgow and Munster have to play each other

Then it comes down to getting bonus point wins and hoping our fellow Irish provinces do us a
favour against Stormers to get a possible home SF

It feels like it's been an age since I enjoyed an Ulster game as much. How much of that being down to the opposition you can never tell but as we're always told 'you can only play what's in front of you'. I had sat down expecting what has become standard fare from Ulster. The two sides selected look particularly strong and I fully expected our dismal form to continue but I made sure a bottle of wine was at hand to dull the pain.
How surprised was I when Ulster played some really lovely rugby and controlled the game without me having to chew fingernails to the quick and pull my hair out. I was actually rubbing my eyes in disbelief, how could this same group of players suddenly look so sharp? It was an absolute joy, we were even treated to a very Stockdale try from Stockdale. I do hope we're through the doldrums and kick on just at the right time of the season to do so.

It was good to see the Stockdale try but that needs to be offset by the two he defended badly

geoff999rugby wrote:It was good to see the Stockdale try but that needs to be offset by the two he defended badly

He looked to have hit Halaholo well enough to drop him but Halaholo just bounced him and Hume and got the offload (forward) for the score. A big lad like Jacob should be able to tackle large powerful players, perhaps he should do some tackle training with Mikey Lowry
You'd have thought it would have been something he'd have worked on but he still seems conflicted as to whether he's defending or attacking, like the second try he was culpable for. Shooting out of the line is fine but he needs to choose his moments a little better. It's really frustrating but great to see something of the old Stockdale returning.

Halaholo didn't play, he's injured. Perhaps it was Rey Lee-Lo. And Halaholo looks set to be unemployed for the forseeable, quite sad actually, he's a good player and he is loyal.

That was a good win from Ulster. I was unaware Sutherland and JTA would be playing, both showed up well.

mikey_dragon wrote:Halaholo didn't play, he's injured. Perhaps it was Rey Lee-Lo. And Halaholo looks set to be unemployed for the forseeable, quite sad actually, he's a good player and he is loyal.

That was a good win from Ulster. I was unaware Sutherland and JTA would be playing, both showed up well.

Sorry of course it was Lee-Lo, my mind's stuck on Halaholo after reading his twitter messages. Absolutely heartbreaking stuff and unfortunately not an isolated case.

geoff999rugby wrote:It was good to see the Stockdale try but that needs to be offset by the two he defended badly

I think becuase its known that Stockdales defense isn't great, he gets highlighted more and more blamed tries conceded blamed on him.

For the first try , he shot out of line but there were two covering defenders, so prob ok call. But made a poor tackle and fell off, Hume tackled staright after and also fell off, and Lowry basically stood in his way more blocking and he was able to get offload away.

After all you here is Stockdale at fault for first try, but for me Hume was equally as at fault (but since doesn't have that poor defense rep, its not highlighted. Lowry also at fault.

For me, all 3 failed which lead to the try, but with Stockdales reputation, its Stockdale that people blame.

Hume missed a tackle which he should have made by being handed off, Lowry was in a no win position as he has a guy bearing down on him at speed and a man on the outside in a 2 on 1 he's also half the size of the guy.

Stockdale however was very much the one who caused it, he shot up out of the defensive structure leaving gaps which would not have otherwise been there. He then missed the tackle on a guy receiving the ball who was essentially prone. If you shoot up you must make the tackle, it's that simple.

Stockdale may suffer from a reputation but his defence this season has been rubbish, it was rubbish for that try and likely will continue to be rubbish for the rest of the season.

Any word on Henderson?
Have we lost him yet again to his adventures in the green shirt?

Apparently arm was in a cast when leaving Edinburgh. Not confirmed though.

How close is Tom Stewart to an Irish call up? Not heard the injury news on the Irish hookers from yesterday.

Very annoying on Henderson if true.