Champions Cup Pool 1: Oyonnax v Ulster Rugby, 14 November

by **George Carlin** Wed 04 Nov 2015, 6:21 am

Champions Cup Pool 1: Oyonnax v Ulster Rugby, 14 November Ulster10

Union Sportive Oyonnax Rugby v Ulster Rugby
Saturday 14 November 2015
KO 14:00
Stade Charles Mathon, Oyonnax

Live on beIN Sports / Sky Sports

Referee Luke Pearce (England)
Touch Judge 1 Darren Gamage (England)
Touch Judge 2 Robin Goodliffe (England)
Fourth Official Thomas Chereque (France)
TMO Trevor Fisher (England)
Citing Commissioner Ray Wilton (Wales)

A. Head to Head

#These teams are meeting for the first time.

B. Domestic Form

Oyonnax Rugby

Saturday 7 November
La Rochelle
[*]-
[*]Oyonnax

Saturday 31 October
Oyonnax 43 - 23 Pau

Saturday 24 October
Toulon 61 - 3 Oyonnax

Friday 16 October
Oyonnax 9 - 18 Racing 92

Ulster Rugby

Sunday 8 November
Newport Gwent Dragons
[*]-
[*]Ulster Rugby

Fri 30 October
Munster Rugby 32 - 28 Ulster Rugby

Fri 23 October
Ulster Rugby 24 - 17 Cardiff Blues

Fri 16 October
Edinburgh Rugby 16 - 10 Ulster Rugby

C. Teams

Oyonnax Rugby
Champions Cup Pool 1: Oyonnax v Ulster Rugby, 14 November Bereni11

Champions Cup Pool 1: Oyonnax v Ulster Rugby, 14 November Bereni11

[tbc]

Ulster Rugby
Champions Cup Pool 1: Oyonnax v Ulster Rugby, 14 November Christ10

[tbc]

by Pete330v2 Wed 04 Nov 2015, 10:06 am

As we've no history against Oyonnax I have no comment other than it'll be nice if Pedrie plays against us so we can have a wee look at the how the Ulsterman is doing Smile

This season Ulster have played 6, won 3, lost 3.
Oyonnax have played 7, won 2, lost 5.

We are both a little average Sad

by whocares Wed 04 Nov 2015, 10:40 am

Oyonnax lost their coach and key players to Castres (fly half half and tighthead) so their bad results are likely to continue and despite putting a brave fight at home they will probably get a pasting from an Ulster team packed with internationals.

by **Notch** Wed 04 Nov 2015, 12:24 pm

Given our away form, I'm rather nervous. Hopefully we can get our first away win of the season on Sunday to set us up for this one. There's no Henderson, Payne or Bowe so a lot less 'packed' than you might expect whocares. More like a few really international class players- Best, Van Der Merwe, Henry, Pienaar, Jackson and Trimble- mixed with some up and comers, good club players and mediocre journeymen.Also hoping the return of Henry and Best will help tidy up some of our breakdown work and Pienaar can add to the impact Jackson has already made in terms of attack and game management. But really we will still have to play Roger Wilson, who is now cruising. We will still be fielding rather pedestrian front rowers. Lewis Stevenson is still waiting to sabotage us with a brainless penalty or two.

by whocares Wed 04 Nov 2015, 12:56 pm

didnt realise Henderson was injured as well. certainly a big loss. Pienaar Vs Piri Weepu will be an interesting matchup!

by sensisball Thu 05 Nov 2015, 10:08 am

Oyonnax have installed a lovely synthetic pitch ( a bit mad when they won most of their home games in the sticky
mud last winter!).
They are therefore trying to play more expansive rugby, as the pitch dictates, and there are signs that things will
come together, although the results aren't there yet. If Ulster play an expansive game then it could be a cracker.

by toml Tue 10 Nov 2015, 8:23 am

Can we play rob herring in the back row. Hes been the top player so far this season

by **George Carlin** Thu 12 Nov 2015, 12:44 pm

Offical preview:

PREVIEW: Oyonnax to make European Rugby Champions Cup debut

Oyonnax will break new ground when they become the 62nd club to compete in the European Rugby Champions Cup.

The new-boys from the French Alps qualified for the first time after clinching sixth place last season, their best finish in the domestic championship.

Such has been their rapid rise that Oyonnax have only previously played two seasons of European competition, in the Challenge Cup.

But there will be plenty of top-flight know-how among the red and black jerseys.

Pedrie Wannenburg will be a familiar face for opponents Ulster, having helped the Belfast-based province reach the 2012 Heineken Cup Final.

Prop Stan Wright was twice a champion with Leinster (2009 & 2011), Tongan prop Soane Tanga'uiha reached the final with Northampton Saints (2011) and Welsh fly-half Nicky Robinson went to the semi-finals with Cardiff Blues (2009).

Added to that, George Robson won the Challenge Cup with Harlequins while former New Zealand scrum-half Piri Weepu is a World Cup winner.

While they are unbeaten at home in six European ties, they welcome one of the most experienced teams in European club rugby history at Stade Charles Mathon.

Ulster are one of only four teams to compete in all 20 seasons of the European Cup so far, along with Toulouse, Munster and Leinster, having famously lifted the trophy in 1999.

This will mark their 124th tie in the tournament and will be desperate to erase their last visit to France when they suffered their heaviest defeat in Europe, losing 60-22 at Toulon.

So it was a timely return to form on the road last weekend when they claimed their first away win since April. Paul Wallace scored the game's only try in a 19-12 success at Newport Gwent Dragons.

However they are set to be without key players Tommy Bowe, Iain Henderson and Jared Payne who were all injured during the World Cup with Ireland.

Skipper Rory Best said: "Injuries have had a big impact on us and we're missing some key players in Tommy, Jared and Hendo. They are a massive loss to any team but the boys who have stepped in from the start of the season have done a great job.

"That's why this season's tournament is going to be a bigger test of the strength of our squad than ever before."

Match Facts
•Oyonnax make their Champions Cup debut, becoming the 20th French team to participate in the competition.
•Ulster have won six of their last nine matches against French opponents, however they lost their last two (v Toulon) by a combined margin of 48pts.
•Ulster won only two of their six pool matches in the 2014/15 Champions Cup, their worst performance since 2008/09, although they also drew a game in that campaign.
•Ulster had the worst kick success rate in the competition last season, successfully slotting just 52% of their attempts at goal.

by Pete330v2 Thu 12 Nov 2015, 1:38 pm

When did Ulster sign Paul Wallace, he's a bit past it but hey if he scored a try last time out...... Smile

by Guest Thu 12 Nov 2015, 1:54 pm

We could do with a Paul Wallace.

by **Notch** Thu 12 Nov 2015, 2:08 pm

Hopefully the team is;

Black, Best, Herbst, Tuohy, Van Der Merwe, Diack, Henry, Williams, Pienaar, Jackson, Scholes, McCloskey, Cave, Gilroy, Nelson

I think Ludik and Trimble are both injured...

by **Notch** Thu 12 Nov 2015, 3:33 pm

Oyonnax have just sacked their Director of Rugby, Olivier Azam, with immediate effect and will go into the European Cup without him.

https://twitter.com/midi_olympique/status/664825198890369024

Will the players be disenchanted at this? Will they be demoralised? Will they be motivated to prove themselves? Will they do it for the boss who's been shafted or will they be secretly glad to see the back of him?

So many unknowns for me... the disruption is certainly quite major days out from a big game.

by whocares Thu 12 Nov 2015, 4:38 pm

Azam reputation has a coach is not good : failure as forward coach in Toulon and failure again in Lyon as head coach before this. he was rumoured to be late to trainings, not exactly leading by example!
Rumours is that Brunel will replace him.

by The Great Aukster Thu 12 Nov 2015, 5:06 pm

Well they may as well get rid of Azam now before they have to face the big guns.

by **Notch** Thu 12 Nov 2015, 5:33 pm

The Great Aukster wrote:Well they may as well get rid of Azam now before they have to face the big guns.

Is that what you call Nick Williams' arms Aukster?

by The Great Aukster Thu 12 Nov 2015, 5:45 pm

Notch wrote:
The Great Aukster wrote:Well they may as well get rid of Azam now before they have to face the big guns.

Is that what you call Nick Williams' arms Aukster?

well he certainly has a pair of bigguns!

by Pete330v2 Fri 13 Nov 2015, 11:05 am

Some mild hinting at from t'other forum that McCloskey is carrting a knock but will be available for next week. It's also being said that Warwick has a broken jaw but Black will be available.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 13 Nov 2015, 11:13 am

Pete330v2 wrote:Some mild hinting at from t'other forum that McCloskey is carrting a knock but will be available for next week. It's also being said that Warwick has a broken jaw but Black will be available.

Well that would be pretty terrible. Arnold at 12 and Cave at 13?

by **Notch** Fri 13 Nov 2015, 11:27 am

Arnold is really not ready fir a game this big... we can only hope Luke Marshall is available.

by marty2086 Fri 13 Nov 2015, 12:25 pm

Backs (15-9): P Nelson, A Trimble, D Cave, L Marshall, C Gilroy, P Jackson, R Pienaar

Forwards (1-8): K McCall, R Best (captain), R Lutton, D Tuohy, F van der Merwe, R Diack, C Henry, N Williams

Replacements (16-23): C Black, R Herring, W Herbst, L Stevenson, S Reidy, D Shanahan, I Humphreys, L Ludik

Great to see Lutton starting as Herbst has been poor this season

by Pete330v2 Fri 13 Nov 2015, 12:33 pm

Funnily enough I was about to add that it seemed we would be starting Luke Marshall as he was away with the rest of the squad while McCloskey took his place at a meet and greet.
It's nice to see McCall being rewarded for a good performance and what a front row to be able to bring on.
Hopes are high for this and hopefully there'll be a little more of the Kiss factor in the mix.

by marty2086 Fri 13 Nov 2015, 12:49 pm

Nelson being rewarded as well with Ludik on the bench, Kiss is already making some big calls that were absent before he arrived

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 13 Nov 2015, 12:51 pm

Notch wrote:Arnold is really not ready fir a game this big... we can only hope Luke Marshall is available.

Glad to see he is fit, I thought he was still injured.

by **Notch** Fri 13 Nov 2015, 12:56 pm

Lutton deserves his chance. Nelson also deserves to keep his spot. Very relieved to see that Trimble and Marshall are fit. Interesting to see Shanahan over Marshall on the bench...

by Guest Fri 13 Nov 2015, 1:10 pm

marty2086 wrote:Backs (15-9): P Nelson, A Trimble, D Cave, L Marshall, C Gilroy, P Jackson, R Pienaar

Forwards (1-8): K McCall, R Best (captain), R Lutton, D Tuohy, F van der Merwe, R Diack, C Henry, N Williams

Replacements (16-23): C Black, R Herring, W Herbst, L Stevenson, S Reidy, D Shanahan, I Humphreys, L Ludik

Great to see Lutton starting as Herbst has been poor this season

Some interesting calls in that squad. McCall, Lutton and Diack. Very happy to see them made though, and a great bench with Black, Herring, Herbst and Ludik to come on.

Wilson has only himself to blame for being dropped, and Diack has found a bit of dog from somewhere. With him, Henry and Williams, that's a decent backrow.
Herbst has been going backwards, and after Luttons performance last week, it's no surprise to see Herbst benched.
Ludik just back from injury so no surprise he doesn't start.

Thank goodness Marshall is fit. Just as well we have plenty of cover at centre....

Oh, and great to see Trimble Yahoo

P.s what's happened to P Marshall?

by Pete330v2 Fri 13 Nov 2015, 1:17 pm

Wee Paul has started every match this season hasn't he so perhaps he's simply being given a bit of R&R. Pienaar's good for 75 mins anyway Smile

by Guest Fri 13 Nov 2015, 1:23 pm

No doubt he needs a break, Pete. Just thought it's a strange game to give him that break, unless he's injured. Baby Face Shanahan should do fine though Very Happy

.....as long as Pienaar isn't injured in the first 75 minutes Erm

by **Notch** Fri 13 Nov 2015, 1:38 pm

So the first act of Kiss as DoR was to drop Wilson for two big away games. Going into this season he was stripped of the Captaincy when the internationals are away, with that responsibility going to Herring (a decision I would say Doak etc. got very right btw).Whats his position now? He's clearly being given a kick in the posterior, will he respond to it?

by Guest Fri 13 Nov 2015, 1:59 pm

We need him to. The fixture list is punishing with only one weeks break at the end of January, and that's for 6N's. Although it depends on how far we go in Europe as well. It will be a miracle if we don't lose a few more players to injury along the way and, as things stand, we can't afford to lose more than two or three games to ensure a top 6 finish. Henry will likely be missing during 6N's, as well as a few other key players, so we really need the likes of Wilson to be at the top of their game.

by **Notch** Fri 13 Nov 2015, 3:22 pm

Is he still interested? Does he want it? And if he doesn't, what do we do then?

by Guest Fri 13 Nov 2015, 4:10 pm

On his showings so far, no he isn't interested, but it would be in his interest to raise his present standard. He really doesn't want to exit Ulster in such poor form (if that is the end result), and without at least playing for the shirt.

There isn't a huge amount we can do if his poor form continues. Henderson coming back can relieve some pressure if he plays at 6, Ferris would be delighted, but that doesn't help during 6N's. Reidy seems to be improving. Ross seems to have fallen off the radar. Taggart looks the part, but that's where it starts and ends. Browne in the backrow? Who covers 8 for Williams? Diack?

Forgot about Mulholland.... If he can improve on his Dragons showing, and I'm sure he can, then that goes a long way to help solving a problem.

by Chunky Norwich Sat 14 Nov 2015, 12:12 pm

Postponed

by trustedwomble Sat 14 Nov 2015, 12:13 pm

Game has been cancelled, along with all other games in France.

I have no idea when they will be rescheduled for but the most important thing is everyone is safe and gets home OK.

by **Notch** Sat 14 Nov 2015, 12:18 pm

Yes, rugby seems rather trivial in light of recent events.

by neilthom7 Sat 14 Nov 2015, 12:37 pm

Absolutely right decision to cancel, thoughts are with everyone involved in paris

by Guest Sat 14 Nov 2015, 1:03 pm

Expected it would be cancelled after the evil acts committed in France. What a warped ideology.

by Pete330v2 Sat 14 Nov 2015, 1:37 pm

Absolutely the right move to postpone this, my thoughts are with the poor victims and their families and friends. What is this world coming to?

by marty2086 Mon 16 Nov 2015, 3:28 pm

It seems the only date that may be free for both teams to play the fixture is the first weekend in February when Ulster will be without their Irish internationals due to the 6N

by clivemcl Mon 16 Nov 2015, 3:36 pm

If that's to be when it is, it would be really nice if Ireland could just take the players they have even a notion of playing, and leave the rest at Ulster....

by Guest Mon 16 Nov 2015, 3:43 pm

marty2086 wrote:It seems the only date that may be free for both teams to play the fixture is the first weekend in February when Ulster will be without their Irish internationals due to the 6N

It is, unless we play a midweek game. Any midweek game will have an impact of two Pro12 games. Each on either side of the Oyo' game.

I don't think we should play a midweek game, but I don't know if the first weekend in February is free for Oyo'? We will be missing key players, but that's just something we will have to accept, and plan for.

by **Notch** Mon 16 Nov 2015, 3:45 pm

Munchkin wrote: but that's just something we will have to accept, and plan for.

Why not reschedule a Pro12 game to do ensure both sets of fans get value for money? We don't even need to involve the other nations in the Pro12, we can reschedule one of the Irish derbies from over Christmas to do it.

by marty2086 Mon 16 Nov 2015, 3:47 pm

Top 14 takes a break for the start of the 6N, if it is played that weekend it means Ulster playing every weekend up to QF weekend if they don't make it out of the group

Toulon and Bath will be trickier to rearrange

by Guest Mon 16 Nov 2015, 3:48 pm

Notch wrote:
Munchkin wrote: but that's just something we will have to accept, and plan for.

Why not reschedule a Pro12 game to do ensure both sets of fans get value for money? We don't even need to involve the other nations in the Pro12, we can reschedule one of the Irish derbies from over Christmas to do it.

When would we play them though? It would have to be before the Pro12 quarter finals.

Edit: Do you mean to play one of the Provinces first weekend in February?

by **Notch** Mon 16 Nov 2015, 3:49 pm

I've heard rumours Oyonnax were talking about moving one of their Top14 games to midweek. I've also heard talk of the game happening on the weekend of the 4th/5th December when we are meant to play Edinburgh at home on a Friday night. There's a game with nearly zero travelling fans to accommodate with the rescheduling. I'd be surpassed if there were 10 Edinburgh fans in the ground last time they visited. Surely better to move that game to the window in the Six Nations than this one?

by Guest Mon 16 Nov 2015, 3:56 pm

Notch wrote:I've heard rumours Oyonnax were talking about moving one of their Top14 games to midweek. I've also heard talk of the game happening on the weekend of the 4th/5th December when we are meant to play Edinburgh at home on a Friday night. There's a game with nearly zero travelling fans to accommodate with the rescheduling. I'd be surpassed if there were 10 Edinburgh fans in the ground last time they visited. Surely better to move that game to the window in the Six Nations than this one?

I think midweek is the worst option for both sides, but moving the Edinburgh game to the first weekend in February would be a fair option, if Edinburgh agreed. It would mean Edinburgh playing a weakened Ulster side. Something they might see as a positive.

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