So what does Ulster’s Quarter Final win mean? Really!! To me!

First topic message reminder :

This isn’t an article about how many or how few Ulster players get International recognition, nor is it a pop at Munster about who might be the current second best provincial team. It’s not even an “I told you so” to all those good friends who have had to endure countless hours of me telling them how good this Ulster team was and what could ultimately be achieved.

Lat year when the HC draw was made I cringed, as I’m sure many other Ulstermen did. Clermont and Leicester, two heavyweights of European rugby, stood in the way of at least equalling last years Quarter Final achievement. Me, I always though we were good enough. Never bragged though! At least not when I was sober . Like last years team, maybe I was thankful for small mercies. Getting to a QF after 12 years trying was, after all, a marvellous achievement.
Many thought Ulster overachieved last year. Would they settle for another Magners League/Rabo top four place? Would this be seen as progress? Not if you were a true Ulster supporter, we had tasted soup at the top table and liked it. We wanted more. But wait!! After a reasonable start we dipped in the league. Our better players were at the World Cup or injured. We were “a team in crisis”. Could our season be turned around? Clermont came to Ravenhill and the question was answered. The rest, including an amazing night against Leicester, is history.
We needed results to go our way and thankfully they did. Who will ever forget the wet Friday night in Galway when Connacht turned over the mighty Quins?
So an away win in a Quarter Final at Fortress Thomond Park. Not possible they said. Only done once in the HC. This Munster team were unbeaten in this years competition. Even I had my doubts. (See my prediction on Sport Guru!!).
Yesterday’s result was a wake up to anyone who doubted this Ulster team. The desire to win has never been illustrated so well. Players who were prepared to put their bodies in places where most of us mortals wouldn’t even contemplate came through the test. Victory in the “Lions den” achieved, even though there were those who though it wasn’t possible. There were those who predicted an Ulster win but did they really believe it? Am I happy we didn’t beat Clermont in the South of France? Maybe a little bit. It was maybe better to meet Munster in Thomond than in the Aviva!
I went to Milton Keynes last year and stood watching a team that maybe felt they had reached their goal. It was an admirable performance. Sure we might have won but it was great achievement to get to the knock-out stages after 12 years of trying. That and a semi-final in the league was more that we could have wished for. Sure given the success of Leinster and Munster this was more than could be expected. We had closed the gap hadn’t we? But there were those including me who thought we could and should have done better. Especially in Dublin against a Leinster team with an eye on the HC Final.
I was at the HC final last year. Sang my heart out for Leinster (and make no excuses) and came away wishing it was Ulster. In 1999 I don’t think people really realised what Ulster achieved. For many years we have had to endure taunts that the competition was without the English teams. We beat what was put in front of us that year. The best the French (Welsh, Scots and Irish) could put forward!
We now stand in a place where many thought it wasn’t possible. Win against Edinburgh at “home” and a game against Leinster or Clermont awaits us. If we can get past Edinburgh, and I won’t be taking anything for granted, I will sit beside my friends in Twickenham supporting my own team. How good will that be?
Stand Up For The Ulstermen!!

It probably means big John Afoa will be cited for a tip tackle and will miss the Edinburgh game. Ooh, nerves are jangling about that,

I hear he has been cited.

He has yes.

"We havn't achieved anything yet!" - Dan Tuouy
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/10374.php

Love the ambition and the self belief!

Also, I thought the citing is harsh, there has to be a difference between a player being tipped over the tacklers shoulder than a tip as a result of driving the tackler backwards. Player momentum has to be a factor. Theres a clear difference in the amount of intent required to achieve the two different tackles I've mentioned.

I think any tackle like this that is missed by the ref should go to the citing team.

The citing team may decide that it wasn't a tip/spear tackle, but it should at least be refered to them if at all suspicous

I agree Kingshu.

Intent shouldn't come into whether or not it is cited. The likelihood of causing injury is not affected by intent.

Would I be right in assuming that Afoa has a clean record?

red_stag wrote:

clivemcl wrote:Just bought my tickets! Whoop whoop!

At least the semi was at Aviva and there was an allocation big enough for the bandwagoners

Beep beep tickets bought 2 more for the Ulster bandwagon!

Whereabouts are you going to be in the ground Rodders?

It's a shame they're not using Lansdowne. I think the Ulster/Edinburgh game is well capable of filling it. Shame on the organisers for picking Aviva instead

SecretFly wrote:It's a shame they're not using Lansdowne. I think the Ulster/Edinburgh game is well capable of filling it. Shame on the organisers for picking Aviva instead

They're playing a Heineken Cup semi final in the English Premiership?
I'm confused Ted.

The AP boys demanded it, I'm afraid. They said the'y regard the semis as devalued if they weren't tied into the Premiership structure.

MrsP wrote:Whereabouts are you going to be in the ground Rodders?

Lower tier MrsP block 107 I think.

Cheers JeniferMcLadyboy, sorry booked tickets before I read your post .

We'll wave across to you Rodders!

roddersm wrote:

MrsP wrote:Whereabouts are you going to be in the ground Rodders?

Lower tier MrsP block 107 I think.

Cheers JeniferMcLadyboy, sorry booked tickets before I read your post .

The lower the number the better the seat in 107.
Also the lowest 6 rows are muck. Row Q and above are grand.

Personally I think the view is better from behind the goal than a side on view near the goal line. You may differ.

We are on a corner on the first shelf.

Hope that's good Jenny?

MrsP wrote:We are on a corner on the first shelf.

Hope that's good Jenny?

Not a fan of corners but as long as you are not too low you will be grand. All the Cardiff fans were in the corner between the South and East stand.

roddersm wrote:
Lower tier MrsP block 107 I think.

Oh the block with the trapdoor seats, leading into chutes that take the victims to the dastardly poisonous underground pool of toxic waste and the starving crocadiles with their up-to-date poison antidote shots!

63.4 minutes, Rodders........... try to remember not to be sitting in block 107 at 63.4 minutes into the game.

Whole load more tickets appeared.

Block 113 ain't bad. If you want the lower tier. Go for a high seat number and Row Q or above.

MrsP wrote:We'll wave across to you Rodders!

Are you's staying down in Dublin after the game? I'm guessing we will so if any 606ers want to meet for a before or after then let me know .

Thanks Jen, as long as Ulster win I don't care what the view is like!

http://www.irishrugby.ie/aviva/map.php


Click on a section and you will get your view,make your own judgement!

SecretFly wrote:

roddersm wrote:
Lower tier MrsP block 107 I think.

Oh the block with the trapdoor seats, leading into chutes that take the victims to the dastardly poisonous underground pool of toxic waste and the starving crocadiles with their up-to-date poison antidote shots!

63.4 minutes, Rodders........... try to remember not to be sitting in block 107 at 63.4 minutes into the game.

Jeebus modern stadiums eh! Beats standing behind that tall bloke with the afro in the promenade in Ravenhill anyways!

Thomond wrote:http://www.irishrugby.ie/aviva/map.php


Click on a section and you will get your view,make your own judgement!

typical! wish I'd seen that earlier! Can't see either tryline from our block so hopefully it will be a placekicking duel!

I'm on the top shelf behind the goals. A bit higher than I was for the Wales game but a great view. I actually enjoy watching a game from the end.

Going to be heading home after the game so no

We will probably head home straight after too since we will have all the little Ps and will already have done a lot before we even leave for Dublin!

We might be looking a good spot to park the car if anyone has any suggestions.

red_stag wrote:

clivemcl wrote:Just bought my tickets! Whoop whoop!

Bandwagoners and the non-rich who dont have a spare £150 each season!

+1

Bought my tickets this morning after booking the hotel on Sunday. Cannot wait

Will probably run a bus down from the pub for those with tickets. Got sorted for block 508 right at the front. Looks a reasonable view

I'm in a corner - 521. was in a top corner before which i was actually quite happy with despite the 'restricted view' which to me was non-existant!

A mate has also just offered my group a space on their bus from North Coast! Going to be epic!

MrsP wrote:We will probably head home straight after too since we will have all the little Ps and will already have done a lot before we even leave for Dublin!

We might be looking a good spot to park the car if anyone has any suggestions.

The car parks in Belvo rugby club or the cricket club (both on Anglesea rd - mins walk from AVIVA) are the ones that the lads use.

According to the Ulster rugby FB site there are 35k Ulster supporters going so far.

How much is the bus stand? What time does it leave/return?

In 508 you can't see either scorboard/big screen. 521 you can.

roddersm wrote:According to the Ulster rugby FB site there are 35k Ulster supporters going so far.

How much is the bus stand? What time does it leave/return?

Rodders as its easter tuesday i cant get a quote to do a price which would include beers, a fry etc.

To be honest i was thinking be at the bar for 11/11.30 for breakfast and a pint, leave so that we are in Dublin at the latest 2.30/3pm and it would come back straight after the game (obviously allowing time for people tofile out of the stadium). It will be as cheap as i can make it as i have never done a bus this far before i am in total limbo as to what price it will be. Should know more tomorrow.

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:In 508 you can't see either scorboard/big screen. 521 you can.

as long as i can see the pitch im fine. i was across from 508 for the wales game and i could barely see the big screen anyway.

Nice one stand. I'm not sure what we'll do but may stay overnight in Belfast if Dublin works out too expensive.

Want to watch the Leinster game on Sunday too, which means hanging around Dublin and not drinking ( ) or heading home early. Watching it in Belfast would be handier. Are you showing it?

roddersm wrote:Nice one stand. I'm not sure what we'll do but may stay overnight in Belfast if Dublin works out too expensive.

Want to watch the Leinster game on Sunday too, which means hanging around Dublin and not drinking ( ) or heading home early. Watching it in Belfast would be handier. Are you showing it?

Where is this famous bar and should I go there on Friday week? Normally go to the Crown in Town. (And Robinsons next door after, if I get too drunk to have any judgement )

roddersm wrote:Nice one stand. I'm not sure what we'll do but may stay overnight in Belfast if Dublin works out too expensive.

Want to watch the Leinster game on Sunday too, which means hanging around Dublin and not drinking ( ) or heading home early. Watching it in Belfast would be handier. Are you showing it?

Rodders, rodders, rodders.

Of course!

Stand

The taphouse Jen, just off Botanic avenue.

Worth poping into for a if you're up that way in my book, especially if theres rugby on .

Looks decent. And straight up the Ormeau rd from Ravenhill.

Remind me to tell you te story about the tanning salon on the Ormeau rd if you bump into me.

Can't wait to hear it Jen !

MIssed your post Jen. Yeah we will be running a bus to the Leinster game so should be a good few Ulster fans back after the game and live music on as well. Its not a bad shout for a friday night in belfast.

Jasus! Does nobody walk up there?
Looks like it's not much more than a mile from the ground.

1.7 miles!

Something amazing when you think we are 160 minutes from dreaming the impossible dream........

MrsP wrote:1.7 miles!

Nerd!

Just trying to make you feel better!

Allthis chat of where people are sitting is breaking my wee heart, I'm away on family holiday which has been planned for 2 years and travelling back on Saturday during game. Have looked at different routes back via Dublin but doesnt look at all feasible. To make matters worse I'm away for final too! If we get there I think I'm going to bail on that and visit my bro in London instead, just need to pass it with the wife...

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:

MrsP wrote:1.7 miles!

Nerd!

2735 meters.

roddersm wrote:Nice one stand. I'm not sure what we'll do but may stay overnight in Belfast if Dublin works out too expensive.

Want to watch the Leinster game on Sunday too, which means hanging around Dublin and not drinking ( ) or heading home early. Watching it in Belfast would be handier. Are you showing it?

Rodders

Bus is sorted for those who have tickets already. £15 gets you bus there and back a fry and 2 beers. Need to let me know soon enough as nearly half the space are gone.

Pickup is 12.30pm from the Taphouse and come back at 8.30/9pm. Fry served at 11am ish.

Thats the plan

Thanks stand will pm you later if we interested. No sweat if theres no spaces left. Cheers

Ulsters ERC ranking points for the last 4 years make for interesting reading confirming that they have steadily improved each year. 1,2,3,4 and 6 points so far this year. If Ulster went on to win the tournament would this be kinda embarrassing for Ulster top brass given that they have already replaced the existing coach? Also is it true that the change is a result if the SA contingent and their influence over the team?