Connacht v Ulster

Connacht Rugby v Ulster Rugby

Friday 7th October 2016, 19:35 Kick Off
Sportsground, Galway
Live on TG4 and BBC NI

Team News
Connacht
(15-9): Tiernan O’Halloran, Niyi Adeolokun, Bundee Aki, Craig Ronaldson, Cian Kelleher, Jack Carty, Caolin Blade
(1-8): Finlay Bealham, Dave Heffernan, Conor Carey, Ultan Dillane, Andrew Browne, Eoin McKeon, Jake Heenan, John Muldoon (captain)
Replacements:

(16-23): Shane Delahunt, Ronan Loughney, JP Cooney, Lewis Stevenson, James Connolly, Stephen Kerins, Stacey Ili

Ulster
(15-9): J Payne (C); T Bowe, L Ludik, D Cave, C Gilroy; P Jackson, P Marshall;
(1-8): C Black, R Best, R Ah You, R Diack, P Browne, I Henderson, C Ross, R Wilson;

Replacements (16-23): R Herring, A Warwick, R Kane, K Treadwell, S Reidy, D Shanahan, B Herron, R Lyttle

So it's a big Irish derby this weekend with plenty of significance for both teams even if it's early in the season.  Both teams will want to launch in their respective European campaigns with a win here.  Ulster arrive unbeaten league leaders and coming off the back of a hard fought win v Ospreys and will look to remain top going into the European matches. Connacht on the other hand endured a torrid start to the season with 3 losses in a row punctuated only by a postponed match, however they finally got some traction with a win over Edinburgh in round 5 and will look to build on that with this home interpro.

Thanks, neil.

A win against Connacht would be the perfect start for Ulster, with 6 from 6, and we really should win this one.

Connacht did show a marked improvement against Edinburgh, and I believe they will continue to progress as the season moves forward. I do think this match comes too early for them to get a result though, and the casualties added to their injury list from Fridays game will make it very difficult for them. McCartney, Healy and Buckley all out of the game.

Hoping that we get some of our injured back for this game. There's a chance L Marshall might be recovered, and holding a little hope for Olding. Regardless of them returning or not, Payne must return to fullback with Piatau returning to the wing. Also hoping Henderson will be fit to return, otherwise we travel to France light in the backrow.

So, Ulster to win, and now that I have put the mockers on, we will probably lose by 20

Always a tough, tough game in Galway I would be tempted to leave Marshall at home 1 more week even if he is fit, with his history might be best to be cautious.

This is the first of Big Weekends coming up with in-country derbies across the board and the supposed Scot-Italo ones.

It'll be interesting to see how the attendances look after the weekend in comparison to last year.

neilthom7 wrote:Always a tough, tough game in Galway I would be tempted to leave Marshall at home 1 more week even if he is fit, with his history might be best to be cautious.  

And it might prove to be tough this time round. It's just that Connacht have only shown signs of finding their feet this season, and now they have to contend with injuries to key players. If we were to meet a few weeks from now I would be much less confident. That confidence may come back to bite me!

I take head injuries very seriously, having been on the receiving end of some serious bangs to the noggin, but trust Luke's medical staff to do the right thing by him. If he plays at the weekend I take that as a good sign for his health. I do agree with you on being cautious.

Come on Craggy Islanders - give the Nutella Crepe Eaters one in the nuts.

Very tired of Ulster winning. It's completely unsporting.

It's not, how you say, cricket.

George Carlin wrote:Come on Craggy Islanders - give the Nutella Crepe Eaters one in the nuts.

Very tired of Ulster winning. It's completely unsporting.

It's not, how you say, cricket.

Ulster look like they'll grind up Connacht and use the dust to season their after-game burgers.

But this might be the start of a few behind the scenes revelations finally coming clean at Connacht - as in "we weren't as bad as we were letting on"

With the following week being the first round of the Soupadoupa cup I'd be expecting Ulster to get a couple more players back in harness and our strongest available side fielded in preparation. That won't be great news to our Westie brothers who are having a bit of an injury crisis. It'll count for nothing if Ulster are as bland as last weekend but I can't see that happening 2 weeks running. Ruan back starting at 9, Jared at FB and Charles P and centre or wing.....seemples.

Munchkin wrote:Hoping that we get some of our injured back for this game. There's a chance L Marshall might be recovered, and holding a little hope for Olding. Regardless of them returning or not, Payne must return to fullback with Piatau returning to the wing. Also hoping Henderson will be fit to return, otherwise we travel to France light in the backrow.

At half time against Ospreys, Marshall said it would be 2 or 3 weeks before hes back so unlikely to see him in Galway

So we're down to hoping that Olding is fit for the Euro's. That's a bit grim. It has to be a combination of Cave, Ludik and Piutau in the centre, if Olding isn't ready to return. I will be very disappointed if Payne doesn't return to fullback.

Your such a pessimist Munchkin, I think the same 10-15 from Saturday can more than do the job for us in Galway and Bordeaux though would maybe prefer Bowe or Trimble on the wing in place of Gilroy for the trip to France

9. Pienaar
10. Jackson
11. Ludik
12. Cave
13. Piutau
14. Gilroy
15. Payne

That would do for me although Tommy and Andy may have something to say about it. Continuity is a bit thing though and those who've been performing need to remain on the 1st XV.

marty2086 wrote:Your such a pessimist Munchkin, I think the same 10-15 from Saturday can more than do the job for us in Galway and Bordeaux though would maybe prefer Bowe or Trimble on the wing in place of Gilroy for the trip to France

Without L Marshall, McCloskey and possibly Olding out, you should be pessimistic about the Euro's. What happens if we pick up another injury? We really needed McCloskey v Ospreys as we were without ball carriers. Ah you did ok, but Ospreys were over him like a rash.

I wouldn't mind the same XV so much, but not with Payne at 13. We need him at fullback, and with Ludik at centre.

P's. I would say 'realist' and not 'pessimist'

Pete330v2 wrote:9. Pienaar
10. Jackson
11. Ludik
12. Cave
13. Piutau
14. Gilroy
15. Payne

That would do for me although Tommy and Andy may have something to say about it. Continuity is a bit thing though and those who've been performing need to remain on the 1st XV.

Not sure about Piutau in the centre for the Euro games. Could be brilliant. Just don't know. Cave and Ludik would do a good job.

Oh, and Trimble over Bowe, for me, or the young bloods who have earned their corn.

Munchkin wrote:

marty2086 wrote:Your such a pessimist Munchkin, I think the same 10-15 from Saturday can more than do the job for us in Galway and Bordeaux though would maybe prefer Bowe or Trimble on the wing in place of Gilroy for the trip to France

Without L Marshall, McCloskey and possibly Olding out, you should be pessimistic about the Euro's. What happens if we pick up another injury? We really needed McCloskey v Ospreys as we were without ball carriers. Ah you did ok, but Ospreys were over him like a rash.

I wouldn't mind the same XV so much, but not with Payne at 13. We need him at fullback, and with Ludik at centre.

P's. I would say 'realist' and not 'pessimist'

Agreed, one injury could change things but with Marshall back by Exeter all is not lost

I think Bordeaux and Exeter will see different tactics so different positions for certain players, Payne at 13 for Bordeaux then 15 for Exeter

I can't see the value of playing Payne at 13. Not with Cave and Ludik available. Cave is much underrated as a 13, and Ludik is on fire right now. Payne is a world class fullback, not so hot at centre, in my opinion.

I understood you to mean Marshall would be out for 3 weeks, meaning he wouldn't make the Exeter game. If he does start, it would probably be from the bench.

Odds are we will see a bit of rotation over the next 3 weeks and things will be kept fresh, so Im going to trust in Les and make up an meme to go with it

Now how do I make a meme?

Paper and wallpaper paste

Sorted!

Word of advice, be careful Googling Les Kiss images

Munchkin wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:9. Pienaar
10. Jackson
11. Ludik
12. Cave
13. Piutau
14. Gilroy
15. Payne

That would do for me although Tommy and Andy may have something to say about it. Continuity is a bit thing though and those who've been performing need to remain on the 1st XV.

Not sure about Piutau in the centre for the Euro games. Could be brilliant. Just don't know. Cave and Ludik would do a good job.

His main strength is probably on the wing where the AB's selected him and they should know. However, he was utterly top class when playing at 13 for Wasps. He's a damn good option to have to move around our classy backline. Ludik likewise will do a stunning job wherever he's played at the moment.

marty2086 wrote:

Sorted!

Word of advice, we careful Googling Les Kiss images

I am ashamed of the fact that I never made that connection with his name. I'm usually the first to pipe up

marty2086 wrote:

Sorted!

Word of advice, be careful Googling Les Kiss images

Can't think what you mean?

Pete330v2 wrote:His main strength is probably on the wing where the AB's selected him and they should know. However, he was utterly top class when playing at 13 for Wasps. He's a damn good option to have to move around our classy backline. Ludik likewise will do a stunning job wherever he's played at the moment.

To be fair he had Dagg and Ben Smith ahead of him at 15 for the ABs but he seemed less effective at 13 for Wasps for me than 15 he seemed to burst through defences when attacking from 15 though looked better with his brother inside him

Pete330v2 wrote:

Munchkin wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:9. Pienaar
10. Jackson
11. Ludik
12. Cave
13. Piutau
14. Gilroy
15. Payne

That would do for me although Tommy and Andy may have something to say about it. Continuity is a bit thing though and those who've been performing need to remain on the 1st XV.

Not sure about Piutau in the centre for the Euro games. Could be brilliant. Just don't know. Cave and Ludik would do a good job.

His main strength is probably on the wing where the AB's selected him and they should know. However, he was utterly top class when playing at 13 for Wasps. He's a damn good option to have to move around our classy backline. Ludik likewise will do a stunning job wherever he's played at the moment.

I agree. Piutau is a sensation on the wing. He could excel at centre for us, but then that pushes a centre out. It makes more sense, to me, to have Ludik in there, with Piutua at his destructive best on the wing.

marty2086 wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:His main strength is probably on the wing where the AB's selected him and they should know. However, he was utterly top class when playing at 13 for Wasps. He's a damn good option to have to move around our classy backline. Ludik likewise will do a stunning job wherever he's played at the moment.

To be fair he had Dagg and Ben Smith ahead of him at 15 for the ABs but he seemed less effective at 13 for Wasps for me than 15 he seemed to burst through defences when attacking from 15 though looked better with his brother inside him

My main concern with him playing from fullback is that he probably needs a bit of practice with his passing and kicking. I know that seems an incredible thing to say when talking about Piutau, but I can only judge on what I've seen thus far.

Munchkin wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:His main strength is probably on the wing where the AB's selected him and they should know. However, he was utterly top class when playing at 13 for Wasps. He's a damn good option to have to move around our classy backline. Ludik likewise will do a stunning job wherever he's played at the moment.

To be fair he had Dagg and Ben Smith ahead of him at 15 for the ABs but he seemed less effective at 13 for Wasps for me than 15 he seemed to burst through defences when attacking from 15 though looked better with his brother inside him

My main concern with him playing from fullback is that he probably needs a bit of practice with his passing and kicking. I know that seems an incredible thing to say when talking about Piutau, but I can only judge on what I've seen thus far.

At the moment he's performed better on the wing for us than anywhere else but after Louis' performance last week I'd be dead set against moving him at all and he could always be moved to 13 or 15 later in the game. Whoever plays where I'm not fussed mind you, they will all do one hell of a job.

Munchkin wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Pete330v2 wrote:His main strength is probably on the wing where the AB's selected him and they should know. However, he was utterly top class when playing at 13 for Wasps. He's a damn good option to have to move around our classy backline. Ludik likewise will do a stunning job wherever he's played at the moment.

To be fair he had Dagg and Ben Smith ahead of him at 15 for the ABs but he seemed less effective at 13 for Wasps for me than 15 he seemed to burst through defences when attacking from 15 though looked better with his brother inside him

My main concern with him playing from fullback is that he probably needs a bit of practice with his passing and kicking. I know that seems an incredible thing to say when talking about Piutau, but I can only judge on what I've seen thus far.

His passing did seem off at the weekend, a few passes that were a bit off where they were meant to go and at crucial times too

He either throws a blind pass, or rifles them out a tad high. I don't doubt it's an easy problem to solve for him. I think he's probably a bit anxious to please.

I see Ulster are hoping to have Marshall on Friday, subject to the specialists report. Hopefully he's truly fit to play. I reckon he's our best 13, and one half of our best centre pairing with McCloskey.

How long until the Bangor Bulldozer returns by the way ?

Pete330v2 wrote:How long until the Bangor Bulldozer returns by the way ?

Another week or two at least, I think.

Ulster Rugby are saying Marshall and Olding should be fit for the first European game. From that I take it that Marshall is ready to go, but Ulster Rugby are erring on the side of caution. Right thing to do, and things looking brighter for our European games > Olding, Marshall&Trimble2Return

Munchkin wrote:Ulster Rugby are saying Marshall and Olding should be fit for the first European game. From that I take it that Marshall is ready to go, but Ulster Rugby are erring on the side of caution. Right thing to do, and things looking brighter for our European games > Olding, Marshall&Trimble2Return

Whats worrying about Marshall is that he and Ulster have said it wasn't a concussion but Les Kiss has said hes not right with the injury

marty2086 wrote:

Munchkin wrote:Ulster Rugby are saying Marshall and Olding should be fit for the first European game. From that I take it that Marshall is ready to go, but Ulster Rugby are erring on the side of caution. Right thing to do, and things looking brighter for our European games > Olding, Marshall&Trimble2Return

Whats worrying about Marshall is that he and Ulster have said it wasn't a concussion but Les Kiss has said hes not right with the injury

Didn't know that was said. I wouldn't really trust what a player says about his own health, but would have to think Ulster Rugby would be honest. Hard to know what Kiss means by 'not right' though. If there's a hint of a doubt, he shouldn't play, and hopefully they are being really cautious.

Marshall looked fine after the game. Not that that's the best indication, but is a pointer.

Lam says he has been targeting this game most of our first 10 league matches as Ulster are the only team Connacht haven't beaten during his reign. We have alot of injuries and while the win last week was great, if our defence continues to dog leg I don't see how we can keep that Ulster backline out for long.

Munchkin wrote:

marty2086 wrote:

Munchkin wrote:Ulster Rugby are saying Marshall and Olding should be fit for the first European game. From that I take it that Marshall is ready to go, but Ulster Rugby are erring on the side of caution. Right thing to do, and things looking brighter for our European games > Olding, Marshall&Trimble2Return

Whats worrying about Marshall is that he and Ulster have said it wasn't a concussion but Les Kiss has said hes not right with the injury

Didn't know that was said. I wouldn't really trust what a player says about his own health, but would have to think Ulster Rugby would be honest. Hard to know what Kiss means by 'not right' though. If there's a hint of a doubt, he shouldn't play, and hopefully they are being really cautious.

Marshall looked fine after the game. Not that that's the best indication, but is a pointer.

It was Niall Malone I think last week being interviewed in the build up to the Ospreys said there was no concussion then at half time Marshall said it was just a bang to the head and the rest was a precaution, not explicitly saying it wasn't a concussion but that was the indication

Marshall was knocked out though, wasn't he? Some can take a fair knock to the head without being knocked out or concussed, but if you're knocked out you would have to be concussed. Not that the concussion has to be severe, but still concussed.
I don't doubt that Ulster Rugby take concussion very seriously though (now), and trust them to make the right decision with regards to Marshall's health.

Is Olding going to be fit for this game?

I feel losing him from our centres was as big a deal against the Ospreys as losing Henderson from our back row.

Actually, what about Henderson?

On-one's fit for this game, apparently...

Franco van der Merwe suffered a ligament strain on his right ankle in the win over Ospreys at the weekend. He is expected to return to play in 2-3 weeks.

Charles Piutau sustained a delayed onset concussion after the Ospreys game and is not fit for selection this week.

Tommy Bowe came through the game against Ospreys well and is available for selection again this week.

Conor Joyce is recovering from a concussion and won't be available for selection this weekend.

Stuart McCloskey fractured a bone in his left foot in the game versus Glasgow and it is estimated that he will return to play in 6-8 weeks.

Stuart Olding has made a good recovery from a recent injury in the right adductor region and he is expected to play next weekend.

Anton Peikrishvili suffered a left calf strain in training and it is estimated he will return to action in 2-3 weeks.

Sam Windsor suffered a rib injury in a club game two weeks ago. He is likely to return to play within the next fortnight.

Luke Marshall made a rapid clinical recovery from his recent concussion, but given his history of previous concussions, the decision has been made to follow a more cautious return to play protocol. It is expected that he will return to play within the next 2-3 weeks.

Andrew Trimble is expected to be fit for selection next week following a recent toe injury.

Jonny Simpson suffered a high ankle sprain (right) in the pre-season game against Exeter and he will return to play this weekend.

Chris Henry is rehabbing well post shoulder surgery and it is expected that he will return to play in 3-4 weeks.

Ricky Lutton is still recovering from a right adductor groin injury and should return to play in 1-2 weeks.

Wiehahn Herbst is rehabbing well following groin surgery to repair an avulsed adductor tendon. His estimated return to play date is 4-5 weeks from now.

Johnny Murphy has recovered from a groin injury and he will return to play club rugby this weekend.

Dan Tuohy will make a welcome return to rugby this week for the Ulster A team, following his recovery from an ankle injury.

Peter Nelson continues to progress his rehab following a left mid foot injury and surgery (suffered December 2015 versus Edinburgh). No return to play date has been set.

Marcell Coetzee continues to rehab following knee surgery. He will arrive in the Province this week and he is expected to return to play in January 2017.

Iain Henderson has a right elbow infection and is on antibiotics. He will be available for Friday's game versus Connacht.

Alan O'Connor has an illness and will miss the trip to Connacht on Friday.

So vDM, O'Connor and Piutau all out

That's not good

And not a centre to be seen.

1) McCall
2) Best
3) Ah You
4) Browne
5) Treadwell
6) Henderson
7) Reidy
8) Wilson
9) Pienaar
10) Jackson
11) Gilroy
12) Cave
13) Ludik
14) Bowe
15) Payne

is what I'd go with, but I expect something different.

Bowe may have to play there at this rate

Remember when some suggested we should let a centre go to one of the other provinces because we had so many?

Don Alfonso wrote:1) McCall
2) Best
3) Ah You
4) Browne
5) Treadwell
6) Henderson
7) Reidy
8) Wilson
9) Pienaar
10) Jackson
11) Gilroy
12) Cave
13) Ludik
14) Bowe
15) Payne

is what I'd go with, but I expect something different.

I'd actually play Henderson in the second row ahead of Treadwell with Diack at 6 Don, not been overly impressed with Treadwell yet. Seems a bit timid at the minute

So, Looks like Bowe at 13 then? Cave at 12? Trimble and Gilroy, with Ludik at 15?
Or did I miss somebody?

EDIT: oops, Payne yes obviously.

Trimble on the bench then.

I expect a loss now, to be honest. As much because of all the chopping and changing as any lack of quality in our back-up players.

clivemcl wrote:So, Looks like Bowe at 13 then? Cave at 12? Trimble and Gilroy, with Ludik at 15?
Or did I miss somebody?

EDIT: oops, Payne yes obviously.

Trimble on the bench then.

Trimbles not back until next week unfortunately

marty2086 wrote:

Don Alfonso wrote:1) McCall
2) Best
3) Ah You
4) Browne
5) Treadwell
6) Henderson
7) Reidy
8) Wilson
9) Pienaar
10) Jackson
11) Gilroy
12) Cave
13) Ludik
14) Bowe
15) Payne

is what I'd go with, but I expect something different.

I'd actually play Henderson in the second row ahead of Treadwell with Diack at 6 Don, not been overly impressed with Treadwell yet. Seems a bit timid at the minute

Yeah, that might be the best option.

Maybe the Emperor of Turnovers, Clive Ross.