Ulster v Zebre Match thread 17th November 2012

[neilthom7]

First topic message reminder :

With all the Internationals happening right now it is important to remember that this Sunday the 18th November at 2pm Ulster face off against Zebre in the Rabo Direct Pro 12. Ulster were off course due to take on Zebre earlier in the season but due to the tragic loss of Nevin Spence and his family this will be the first time the 2 sides play. Zebre are currently bottom of the Rabo having lost all 7 games so far scoring the least points of any side and conceding the 2nd most. They have picked up just 1 losing bonus point. Ulster of course are top of the table and so far remain unbeaten. Neither side has been named yet and I will update when this happens. Ulster will however be missing players to Ireland who face Fiji this weekend and who plays will depend on who Ireland choose to release. The biggest issue for Ulster looks to be in the second row with Muller and Stevenson both missing through injury. If neither Henderson or Tuohy are released from the Ireland squad then we will be down just one senior lock in McComb. So guys what are your predictions for the game and who do you think will play.

Ulster Team
R Andrew; M Allen, J Payne, P Wallace, C Cochrane; N O'Connor, M Heaney; C Black, N Brady (capt), J Afoa, R Diack, N McComb, N Williams, M McComish, R Wilson.

Replacements: R Herring, T Court, D Fitzpatrick, J Simpson, A Birch, B McIlroy, S Olding, P Nelson.

Zebre Team
15. David ODIETE
14. Leonardo SARTO
13. Matteo PRATICHETTI
12. Samuele PACE
11. Alessandro CASTAGNOLI
10. Daniel HALANGAHU
9. Tito TEBALDI

8. Andries VAN SCHALKWYK
7. Filippo CRISTIANO (cap)
6. Filippo FERRARINI
5. Filippo CAZZOLA
4. Josh SOLE
3. Luca REDOLFINI
2. Andrea MANICI
1. Matias AGUERO

Replacements
16. Andrea DE MARCHI
17. Salvatore PERUGINI
18. Flavio TRIPODI
19. Emiliano CAFFINI
20. Nicola BELARDO
21. Alberto CHILLON
22. Ross McCANN
23. Nicola CATTINA

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

is it on th' telleh?

[neilthom7]

is it on th' telleh?

BBC red button I think probably on the website too

[clivemcl]

So yea... Adam D'arcy just tweeted me. No biggie.

He's in full training, but doesn't know if he will be picked in the team. (Obviously he would hardly say even if he knew)

He's available though, and you'd think he would start. Unless Anscombe doesn't rate him at all. He's been out pretty much the whole time Anscombe has been here hasn't he?

Also, since its a Sunday game, will the team announcement not be made till Saturday?

[Rava]

Clive it certainly won't be announced until Anscombe has been told who is/isn't being released from the Ireland squad. He hasn't even announced a squad yet.
Would be great to see D'Arcy involved again.

[WillyGilly]

Ireland team announced at 12:45 so we'll know soon enough.

[Kingshu]

I think he's been injuried all season Clive, not that Anscombe doesn't rate him.

just had a really unlucky run of injuries when getting back from one picks up another, just before he'd have the chance to play.

I know he's played wing before, and if he can develop there a bit better, he will be a very imporant squad player, 4th choice wing and 2nd choice fullback, when internationals are away he could be first choice wing, and playing full back means panye can move to center.

Hope he gets some decent gametime over the next 2 games.

[clivemcl]

I think he's been injuried all season Clive, not that Anscombe doesn't rate him.

just had a really unlucky run of injuries when getting back from one picks up another, just before he'd have the chance to play.

I know he's played wing before, and if he can develop there a bit better, he will be a very imporant squad player, 4th choice wing and 2nd choice fullback, when internationals are away he could be first choice wing, and playing full back means panye can move to center.

Hope he gets some decent gametime over the next 2 games.

Yea King, I guess i was thinking he might be off Anscombes radar a little because hes not been at training much this season. I just wonder if Anscombe views Nelson/Cochrane/Allen ahead of him simply because he's been working with them and their development.

I imagine d'arcy probably loitered around at training saying stuff like "I could do that" when Anscombe was within earshot. Its what I would do...

[neilthom7]

Ireland team has been announced Dan Tuohy, Iain Henderson, Paddy Jackson, Craig Gilroy, Luke Marshall and Darren Cave start Paul Marshall and Chris Henry on the bench meaning we wont be getting them back

[Kingshu]

And mentioning, how he was fullback last time we played Saints in the H-cup q-final, and has played 50 games for Ulster and scored 6 tries.

[clivemcl]

So who will we get back? Wilson and Court?

[Kingshu]

Could get Court, Wilson, Trimble and Bowe back

[MrsP]

PROVISIONAL ULSTER SQUAD TO FACE ZEBRE, RABODIRECT PRO12, SUN 18th NOVEMBER, STADIO XXV APRILE (KO 2PM GMT):

FORWARDS (14)
Rob Herring, Niall Annett, Nigel Brady, Callum Black, Ricky Lutton, Adam Macklin, John Afoa, Neil McComb, James Simpson, Robbie Diack, Mike McComish, Ali Birch, Roger Wilson, Nick Williams.

BACKS (11)

Michael Heaney, Blane McIlroy, Niall O’Connor, Stuart Olding, Paddy Wallace, Jared Payne, Michael Allen, Chris Cochrane, Ricky Andrew, Peter Nelson, Adam D’Arcy.

[clivemcl]

Does one of Williams and Wilson fit in somewhere else? I'd like them both on the pitch please!

[Kingshu]

Its a PROVISIONAL ULSTER SQUAD
so Bowe, Trimble and Court can still be added.

1) Tom Court
2) Nigel Brady
3) John Afoa
4) Robbie Diack
5) Neil McComb
6) Roger Wilson
7) Mike McComish
8) Nick Williams
9) Michael Heaney
10) Niall O'Connor
11) Trimble
12) Paddy Wallace
13) Jared Payne
14) Bowe
15) D'arcy

That a very good teams still, (lock a weakness). Even Wallace at 10 and a youngster at 12?

[neilthom7]

I'm thinking Wilson will probably play 6 Clive although Mark could be thinking different

[MrsP]

I would think they will both play.

We are so short of locks that Diack will cover there leaving only 4 back row.

We have only 25 players named and need 23 on match day.

Probably only one hooker and one outside back will miss out.

[neilthom7]

I think Court might come back but I have a suspicion that with Argentina only next week and being so important that we wont get Bowe or Trimble back

[clivemcl]

Trimble/Bowe not been released King, not in the squad.

How about?

1) Tom Court
2) Nigel Brady
3) John Afoa
4) Robbie Diack
5) Neil McComb
6) Roger Wilson
7) Mike McComish
8) Nick Williams
9) Michael Heaney
10) Paddy Wallace
11) D'Arcy
12) Michael Allen
13) Jared Payne
14) Cochrane
15) Nelson

Truth be told, the forwards are actually very strong all things considered.

[Kingshu]

aye clive but its a Provisional Ulster Squad, not the set Ulster squad.

Court isn't listed in the Provisional squad either.

Don't know who we'll get back yet?

Could be all or none of Trimble, Bowe and Court.

I'd say Court and Trimble (as DK will prob not have them in his plans for Argentina game).

[Notch]

King, do not expect to see Bowe or Trimble under any circumstances. Nor Court. I would take it as read that no-one who is not in that squad will be starting the match. Court has an outside chance of maybe making the bench, anything else would be a massive surprise. All are likely to be involved in the 25/26 man squad for Argentina even if not in the matchday 23.

I would say Niall Annett and Ricky Andrew will miss out.

[Notch]

Joyous news! Tom Court and Declan Fitzpatrick join the Ulster squad!

That helps a lot, even if they are only on the bench.

[Artful_Dodger]

Just seen that on FB Notch its a big boost as if one of Black or Afoa go off we have nothing but Macklin to bring on.

[neilthom7]

With that squad and the news of Court and Fitzpatrick I think I would go with
1 Tom Court
2. Nigel Brady
3. John Afoa
4. Neil McComb
5. Robbie Diack
6. Roger Wilson
7. Mike McComish
8. Nick Williams
9. Michael Heaney
10.Paddy Wallace
11. Chris Cochraine
12. Michael Allen
13. Jared Payne
14. Adam D'Arcy
15 Peter Nelson
Subs
16 Calum Black 17. Rob Herring 18. Declan Fitzpatrick 19. James Simpson 20. Ali Birch 21. Blaine McIlroy 22. Niall O'Connor 23 Ricky Andrew

[Notch]

Really, really good news;

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/mullers-ulster-return-ahead-of-schedule-3295452.html

[rodders]

Can't read that Notch..when is he due back?Would be good to have the great man back ..

[clivemcl]

(15-9): R Andrew; M Allen, J Payne, P Wallace, C Cochrane; N O’Connor, M Heaney;

(1-8): C Black, N Brady (capt), J Afoa, R Diack, N McComb, N Williams, M McComish, R Wilson;

Replacements (16-23): R Herring, T Court, D Fitzpatrick, J Simpson, A Birch, B McIlroy, S Olding, P Nelson.

Well there you go, persisting with Andrew over Nelson, and no place in the squad for D'Arcy. Court and Fitz will get most of second half I'd say.

[rodders]

Thats pretty much the same side as last time out, minus Pienaar/Marshall/Gilroy/Stevenson, is that right?

There's pleny of consistancy in Anscombes selection so you can't say fairer than that really. He's not afraid to put his faith in the young guys which is great.

Wallace and Payne is a very good combination I think. Half backs will be key here...

[Notch]

Can't read that Notch..when is he due back?Would be good to have the great man back ..

He is targeting the Scarlets match on the 2nd of December for his comeback. The point is, he's now considered likely to be fit for both Saints games.

As for the team- not sure what Mark sees in Ricky Andrew, but hopefully he takes his chance. It is much as expected. Basically- who is left?

[rodders]

Flip that would be fantastic to have him back for the Saints games.... those games will define our season I think... along with the two xmas interpros.

Massive boost.

[clivemcl]

You know what, that pack could go toe to toe with 90% of the Rabo. And Tom on the bench too!

Pretty good considering we are missing Best Muller Stevenson Tuohy Ferris Henderson and Henry.

I expect us to dominate up front especially with power of Wilson and Williams in the loose, and Diacks athleticism. I imagine Diack will be on Williams shoulder every time he breaks.

[rodders]

I don't think that backrow is very balanced though but it should do the job here.

McComish will have to work his socks of on the deck because that's not Williams forte....essentially we have 3 no8's on the field, which gives us good attacking options but what you gain on the swings you loose on the roundabouts.... someone will have to commit to the rucks and get to the breakdown as McComish will need help.

[neilthom7]

Well if we do need more work on the deck then Birch is a proper 7 and will do a lot of that so we can bring him on. confident of the 4 here at least that team should still get the 5.

[Notch]

I do think we will see Diack hit a lot more rucks than if he was playing backrow. He relished that in pre-season and earlier in the season before he got injured.

The big concern for me is a lack of options in the lineout.

[rodders]

Good spot Notch... I pity the bloke who's lifting Williams.....

[Notch]

Wilson will be our third jumper. Williams doesn't tend to be used as a jumper! As much because it means he can't carry in the next phase as anything else.

[rodders]

On a related note....apparantly Stephen Ferris ate two Boojum Burritos the other day....have you seen the size of those man...thats outragious....

[Don Alfonso]

I felt sick after half of one.

Although I still finished it.

[rodders]

They're awesome...not as good as build a burger... but close... go easy on the guacamole though....

In fact either would be good sponsors for the new Ravenhill..... build-a-burger stadium...that has a good ring to it...

[neilthom7]

Now there would be game how many Ulster supporters does it take to eat more Pizza than Ferris and Williams

[MrsP]

They're awesome...not as good as build a burger... but close... go easy on the guacamole though....

In fact either would be good sponsors for the new Ravenhill..... build-a-berger stadium...that has a good ring to it...

We get enough abuse about our SA contingent already without advertising it thank you!!!!

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

I felt sick after half of one.

Although I still finished it.

Betcha Nick Williams could do 3!

Was wondering why someone had Williams at 8 with Wilson at 6. Makes more sense the other way around.

Be funny if the Zebras gave yiz a scare. Like Aironi gave Munster last year. The only unbeaten team in Europe v possibly the only pro team that has never won a game in History.

[clivemcl]

Yea I like Boojum, but its more the idea of it I like, and its easy for eating. By the time I'm finished I'm usually fed up though. Rodders, your right on build-a-burger. I LOVE it there. You had any gummy bears in your burger yet? Its a weird one!

[Kingshu]

sorry 2 boojum's doesn't impress me, I could do it. Williams though I bet the all you can eat buffetts live in fear that he might turn up.

When he walks down the street you can see them closing the shutters untill hes gone past.

[neilthom7]

sorry 2 boojum's doesn't impress me, I could do it. Williams though I bet the all you can eat buffetts live in fear that he might turn up.

When he walks down the street you can see them closing the shutters untill hes gone past.

Heard he put 2 out of business the other day just eating breakfast

[Notch]

ZEBRE TEAM TO PLAY ULSTER:

15. David ODIETE
14. Leonardo SARTO
13. Matteo PRATICHETTI
12. Samuele PACE
11. Alessandro CASTAGNOLI
10. Daniel HALANGAHU
9. Tito TEBALDI

8. Andries VAN SCHALKWYK
7. Filippo CRISTIANO (cap)
6. Filippo FERRARINI
5. Filippo CAZZOLA
4. Josh SOLE
3. Luca REDOLFINI
2. Andrea MANICI
1. Matias AGUERO

Replacements
16. Andrea DE MARCHI
17. Salvatore PERUGINI
18. Flavio TRIPODI
19. Emiliano CAFFINI
20. Nicola BELARDO
21. Alberto CHILLON
22. Ross McCANN
23. Nicola CATTINA

[LeinsterFan4life]

Only players to watch out for is Halangahu and Andries VAN SCHALKWYK

[Rory_Gallagher]

Is there any coverage for the game?

[neilthom7]

BBC Red button and on the BBC website Rory

[Rory_Gallagher]

Thanks mate!

[neilthom7]

No bother mate, c'mon ULSTER

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