Ulster Rugby 2018-19

by **LondonTiger** Mon 04 Mar 2019, 9:49 am

First topic message reminder :

https://www.606v2.com/t68145-ulster-rugby-2017-2018-part-2

Last thread was at risk of self combusting, so started a new one for you.

Bye.

by marty2086 Mon 15 Apr 2019, 11:06 am

rodders wrote:I'd like to see Cave get a run out in probably his final game, McCloskey certainly is due a break but Marshall could do with the gametime.

It makes sense to rest a few of the big guns here.

Cave will become Ulsters most capped player if Ulster can make it to the final and he plays every game, would be a deserved accolade for him

by Pete330v2 Mon 15 Apr 2019, 11:46 am

Is Stewart Moore ready for a game ?
Did he get any game time on the recent USA trip?

We simply must rest players, especially those who've been flogged of late. I know the desire will be to beat Leinster fortified by the fact that it's a home game but those kind of feelings need to be put on hold. Our core players must be rested but more importantly kept well away from injuries. We can still field a half decent side but the result is utterly meaningless on the grand scheme of things.

by geoff999rugby Mon 15 Apr 2019, 11:51 am

carpet baboon wrote: Is that sexton lad available?

Doubt it - clashes with his Maths A level Yahoo

by geoff999rugby Mon 15 Apr 2019, 11:53 am

We will rest loads of players - basically the front line team will be no where near the starting XV, well at least all the forwards
Id start Cave and Moore in the centre

by clivemcl Tue 16 Apr 2019, 6:53 pm

Was just thinking there about some of the big names that have departed the other provinces and realised Ulster by comparison have always done quite well to hold onto their own boys. Ignoring NIQs who were always going to be temporary, and squad players, what Ulster players have jumped ship in a way that left us gutted since Bowe in 2008?

Anyone I’m not thinking of?

In that topic, what contracts are expiring in the summer? Any we would hope to be tying up?

by Kingshu Tue 16 Apr 2019, 7:59 pm

When Pienaar left i was upset. But then so was he.

by clivemcl Tue 16 Apr 2019, 8:08 pm

I guess I'm not really counting him because although he was an adopted son, he wasn't one of our own stars if you know what I mean. Whilst many of us were hopeful, we always knew according to IRFU rules he was unlikely to be allowed to stay until retirement.
I think folks only started getting annoyed when it appeared that rules were being broken for other provinces, but not for us.

I'm talking about the likes of Henderson or McCloskey or Gilroy deciding to go get a paycheck in France - many of the other provinces have had to accept moves like that, but Ulster seem to have a bit more loyalty. They can't all be so 'honorable' as to turn down stupid money, not forever though.

I'd say we will lose somebody we love at some point, and it would be a bitter pill to swallow. Short earning careers and all that.

by marty2086 Tue 16 Apr 2019, 8:52 pm

clivemcl wrote: what contracts are expiring in the summer? Any we would hope to be tying up?

Kyle McCalls contracts up in the summer, would be a shame to lose him. Think if he can stay fit he could be a quality third choice loosehead

Here's an article from earlier in the season by the BelTel on the contracts they thought were up

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/ulster-rugby/which-ulster-players-should-be-kept-as-best-coetzee-and-more-approach-end-of-current-deals-37641972.html

by geoff999rugby Wed 17 Apr 2019, 3:00 pm

Here are the ones outstanding as far as I am aware.

Prediction to stay:
Warwick
Kyle McCall
Best (if he wants to)
Ross
McBurney
Timoney
Matty Rea
Jones
Hume
Nelson
Hall
Marcus Rea

To be cut:
Thompson *
Montgomery *
Owens
Busby

In the balance:
McPhillips
O'Hagan
Zack McCall

Pretty certain both these guys have already left

by marty2086 Wed 17 Apr 2019, 4:04 pm

Marty Moore suffered a season-ending ankle ligament injury in the fixture. He will see a specialist later this week.

Jacob Stockdale sustained a hamstring injury in the same game. His recovery will be monitored on an ongoing basis.

by carpet baboon Wed 17 Apr 2019, 4:07 pm

marty2086 wrote:
Marty Moore suffered a season-ending ankle ligament injury in the fixture. He will see a specialist later this week.

Jacob Stockdale sustained a hamstring injury in the same game. His recovery will be monitored on an ongoing basis.

That sucks for Marty

by Redman Wed 17 Apr 2019, 4:28 pm

carpet baboon wrote:
marty2086 wrote:
Marty Moore suffered a season-ending ankle ligament injury in the fixture. He will see a specialist later this week.

Jacob Stockdale sustained a hamstring injury in the same game. His recovery will be monitored on an ongoing basis.

That sucks for Marty

And us.

by marty2086 Wed 17 Apr 2019, 4:52 pm

Ross Kanes performance at the weekend should hopefully be a good sign, if he can replicate it against Connacht then Moores loss might not be as big as some would expect

by geoff999rugby Wed 17 Apr 2019, 5:33 pm

We are down to 2 fit LHs and 2 fit THs In the entire squad

O'Sullivan and Kane should be nowhere near the Leinster game

by carpet baboon Wed 17 Apr 2019, 5:51 pm

Do we have a couple of decent academy props who can bench for the Leinster game?

by geoff999rugby Wed 17 Apr 2019, 7:06 pm

We did there names were Eric O'Sullivan and Tom O'Toole - they are 2 of the 4 fit props on the books

Would have to be Peter Cooper (22) at TH and Callum Reid (20) at LH on the bench for Leinster.
Hell of an ask but, at least for Cooper, I'd go for it.

O'Hagan was added to the European squad that does suggest he may be fit
If so:
1 Andy Warwick
3 Tom O'Toole
17 Tommy O'Hagan
18 Peter Cooper

by marty2086 Thu 18 Apr 2019, 9:50 am

Rory's announced he'll retire after the RWC Sad

by clivemcl Thu 18 Apr 2019, 12:46 pm

Nobody can ever replace an icon like Rory. But I have to say, Herring has come on quite a bit this season. Next season post world cup, we may even have to consider he could be away with Ireland more often.

He has learned so much from teh master, and thankfully the fall in quality isn't just as big as you would expect it to be when a great such as Rory Best retires.

His leadership and presence will be missed, but there are signs of others taking on the roles - Hendy being one.

by **rodders** Thu 18 Apr 2019, 1:28 pm

marty2086 wrote:Rory's announced he'll retire after the RWC

In many way's it makes sense, but thought maybe he'd do one more season for Ulster. I wonder if he'd have been ruled out for the remaining pro 14 games would have carried on.

Anyway what a career he's had, hopefully he can go out on a high for Ulster and Ireland.

He's still incredibly underrated by many and up there with the best captains and forwards Ireland has ever produced.

The only things he's missing from his CV are some silverware with Ulster, a RWC win and a Lions test cap....maybe he can knock off a few of those before he finishes....

by marty2086 Thu 18 Apr 2019, 1:55 pm

clivemcl wrote:Nobody can ever replace an icon like Rory. But I have to say, Herring has come on quite a bit this season. Next season post world cup, we may even have to consider he could be away with Ireland more often.

He has learned so much from teh master, and thankfully the fall in quality isn't just as big as you would expect it to be when a great such as Rory Best retires.

His leadership and presence will be missed, but there are signs of others taking on the roles - Hendy being one.

Herring on his day is as good as Rory in the set piece etc, the problem is he doesn't sustain that level for too long and for me over the last two years there have been periods when Andrew and McBurney have been playing better but McBurney in particular looks like he could be a quality player

We're losing two leaders and characters though in the dressing room and on the training ground, think Bryn said it best

When Rory enters the room, everyone waits for his words. On the training pitch, he demands high standards at all times. During a match, players turn to Rory for leadership and direction. He has been our all-encompassing talismanic figure for more than a decade.

by geoff999rugby Thu 18 Apr 2019, 4:10 pm

Thanks for everything Rory you have been THE outstanding player for Ulster in the professional era in terms of your contribution.
Others were better players - Ferris and Pienaer but you have give more to the province than anybody.
Been a pleasure knowing you.
I said previously that Danielli and Henry were a couple of the nicest people you could meet in the game - Rory is right up there.

Also you write him off, with respect to this season, at your peril.
I believe there is every chance we will be seeing him one more time, at least.
If we make the SF he will make damn sure he is playing - like Henderson he has always been a quick healer

by neilthom7 Thu 18 Apr 2019, 7:42 pm

A fantastic player and Captain for both Ulster and Ireland for the last decade. Sad to see him go and hopefully we can send him out with a bang.

by Keesie_kee Tue 23 Apr 2019, 9:53 am

Any thoughts on whether 1/4 final tickets will see general release?
Took a punt and already booked my flights Ulster Rugby 2018-19 - Page 6 3933776953

Ulster Rugby 2018-19 - Page 6 3933776953

by geoff999rugby Wed 24 Apr 2019, 9:00 am

Go onto Ticketmaster.
If there are any tickets left that is where you will be able to buy them

by geoff999rugby Wed 24 Apr 2019, 9:02 am

The team on Saturday will be 2nd/3rd string.
A possible debut and others with only a handful of appearances.
Cave to captain

by geoff999rugby Wed 24 Apr 2019, 10:17 pm

Caleb Montgomery to Worcester Warriors confirmed

by geoff999rugby Fri 26 Apr 2019, 8:51 am

Dan hinting you could see up to 3 players you haven't seen so far this season - Marcus Rea and Busby seem like 2 of them.
Moore would be the other one that comes to mind
O'Hagan and McPhillips to start seem like other obvious possibilities

by marty2086 Fri 26 Apr 2019, 12:17 pm

The Ulster team and replacements to face Leinster (Guinness PRO14, Kingspan Stadium, Saturday 27th April, 5.15pm):
(15-9): Michael Lowry; David Busby, Darren Cave (captain), Peter Nelson, Angus Kernohan; Johnny McPhillips, Dave Shanahan;
(1-8): Andy Warwick, John Andrew, Ross Kane, Ian Nagle, Alan O’Connor, Matty Rea, Clive Ross, Sean Reidy;
Replacements (16-23): Adam McBurney, Tommy O’Hagan, Tom O’Toole, Nick Timoney, Marcus Rea, Jonny Stewart, Jack Owens, Rob Lyttle.

by marty2086 Fri 26 Apr 2019, 12:33 pm

Looking at the lineups 20 of 23 came through Ulsters academy and 22 from 23 for Leinster

by Redman Fri 26 Apr 2019, 3:11 pm

I'm guessing all our other centres are injured if we've got Nelson at 12.

Honestly that team will do well to keep the score down against Leinster's C Team.

Still this really doesn't matter, it's all about Connacht next week.

by geoff999rugby Sat 27 Apr 2019, 4:46 pm

Nelson is playing at 12 because Dan wanted to review all bench options in the event Stockdale doesn't make it.
He could have played Moore but he would only cover one position on the bench.

by geoff999rugby Sun 28 Apr 2019, 10:38 am

Great performance by the kids (Nagle and Cave apart) and a big step in confidence
Our reserves beat a team of far more experienced Leinster side.

For me a close call between Nagle and Marcus Rea for MOTM.
Rea was outstanding, not least in the line out.
Hope we can persuade Nagle to stay.
Very interested in the scrums.
One horrible scrum apart Kane did ok
McGrath is going to be a huge asset
In the second half I was amazed how well O'Toole coped against Dooley - who was poor for me.

I now am absolutely convinced O'Sullivan is in the top 4 of Irish LH - alongside Healy, McGrath and Kilcoyne.
Two of them will be at Ulster next year Smile

by marty2086 Sun 28 Apr 2019, 12:06 pm

Nagle off to Italy apparently which is a shame as he'd be a great asset next season especially is the likes of Dalton aren't going to be ready

Kane and O'Toole definitely have come on as scrummagers, thought Kane was unlucky to get a penalty given against him by Clancy for losing his bind when he allowed Leinster to reset for exactly the same thing right before it

Cave really could go on another year as he played well again as did McPhillips except for his kicking out of hand, would be a shame to see him go

by geoff999rugby Sun 28 Apr 2019, 12:58 pm

Dalton is going to play in Australia during the summer to develop his game.

Nagle has been offered a contract by Ulster but it could be one of the Italian teams
are offering him a starting spot - here he would be 5th choice

by **rodders** Mon 29 Apr 2019, 9:42 am

Tremendous result on Saturday, both teams were a long way from full strength but Leinster had a lot more experience than Ulster, especially in the backline.

Both teams deserve credit for such a competitive and high quality game, given the amount of change and nothing really at stake. Ulster look in a great place right now under Mcfarland.

Great to see McPhillips get a start, apart from a few slopply kicks from hand I thought he did quite well. He seems to combine well with Lowry. If I've one criticism of the coaches it is that they've over played Burns and underplayed the other 10s.

Pity to hear Nagle is off, I think with regular game time he could be international quality but McGrath will be a great asset if he can stay fit.

by Pete330v2 Wed 01 May 2019, 1:10 pm

T'other forum whisperers are saying that Dave O'Connor is on his way north from the Leinster academy.

by marty2086 Wed 01 May 2019, 1:25 pm

Jonathan Bradley reported it earlier in the week, probably go the same way as Alex Thompson though

by Pete330v2 Fri 03 May 2019, 12:12 pm

Ulster team to play Connacht, Guinness PRO14 quarter-final, Kingspan Stadium, Saturday 4th May 2019 (5.35pm):

(15-9): M Lowry; R Baloucoune, L Marshall, S McCloskey, R Lyttle; B Burns, J Cooney;

(1-8): E O’Sullivan, R Best (captain), R Kane, I Henderson, K Treadwell, N Timoney, J Murphy, M Coetzee;
Replacements: R Herring, A Warwick, T O’Toole, A O’Connor, S Reidy, D Shanahan, D Cave, A Kernohan.

That'll do well!!!

by Pete330v2 Fri 03 May 2019, 12:14 pm

CONNACHT STARTING XV & REPLACEMENTS VS ULSTER

(15-9) Tiernan O’Halloran, Stephen Fitzgerald, Tom Farrell, Bundee Aki, Matt Healy, Jack Carty, Kieran Marmion,

(1-8) Denis Buckley, Dave Heffernan, Finlay Bealham, Ultan Dillane, Gavin Thornbury, Eoin McKeon, Colby Fainga’a, Jarrad Butler (Capt).

Replacements : Shane Delahunt, Peter McCabe, Conor Carey, Eoghan Masterson, Paul Boyle, Caolin Blade, Tom Daly, Darragh Leader.

by marty2086 Fri 03 May 2019, 12:23 pm

No back up 10 for Connacht?

by neilthom7 Sat 04 May 2019, 7:01 pm

Connacht are all sorts of offside, also Aki has been a real tool during this match

by Don Alfonso Sun 05 May 2019, 12:57 pm

Cracking game. Really enjoyed that. Full voiced appreciation for Rory and Darren as well.

by carpet baboon Sun 05 May 2019, 5:08 pm

Have to say I think Dan Soper deserves a big pat on the back. Our skill set with the ball in hand is miles ahead of last year.
The entire team seem very comfortable on the ball.

by clivemcl Mon 06 May 2019, 8:37 am

Before we begin thinking too much about our semi-final chances, shall we take a moment just to reflect and try to understand just how far Ulster have come here.

A new CEO, an unproven new coach who initially we thought we weren't getting till half way through season, a coaching staff including an ex player with no previous coaching experience, and a coach from the AIL.

We lost (I'm sure I'll forget too many to name) a lot of key starting players - a lot!

We didn't sign anyone who was a stellar overseas marquee signing.

We didn't know if Marcel would ever last any amount of time injury free.

We thought Moore, Burns and Addison might be mere 'solid additions'.

We certainly thought that we were a very paper thin squad and that our depth would undoubtedly be the cause of us not doing well over the coming season.

In reality, we played most or at least large parts of the season without some of key players due to injury.

Squad players have stepped up (Shanahan etc)

Relative unknowns have become key figures at the business end of the season (O'Sullivan, ballacoune).

Squad players who we would have been ok to have seen leave have actually proved solid (C Ross).

And, some of the most exciting players (Addison/Stockdale) were absent when the squad still managed to progress to a league semi fin al.

I'm sure others could had to this, and feel free to do so. But seriously... damn fine progress at UR.

Whatever about opinions of the club last year, and the rights and wrongs of decisions made, I'm very happy with the current situation.
I'm starting to warm to Burns too. Still think he doesn't do enough to make himself really stand out for praise, but truth is, the team doesn't get this far without their out half being pretty decent, so I have to concede that he deserves credit.

by marty2086 Mon 06 May 2019, 11:21 am

I think Ross Kane deserves plenty of praise for his performance at the weekend, thought he had a penalty given against him that harsh in one of the early scrums but was pretty solid. Seeing the stats since the game he was better than I thought, Ulster joint top tackler with Marcell at 13 plus a pretty important turnover

Im with clive regarding Burns, I liked him as a player at Gloucester but Ive been saying all season about his taking the ball to the line or lack of it. He did it a few times on Saturday but too many times the Connacht defence were able to read his pass outside and it led to Akis try

by jimbopip Mon 06 May 2019, 11:56 am

marty2086 wrote:I think Ross Kane deserves plenty of praise for his performance at the weekend, . Seeing the stats since the game he was better than I thought, Ulster joint top tackler with Marcell at 13

13

Jonny Gray does that in the warm up.

13 Shocked

Rob Harley would commit ritual hara kiri from the shame if that was all he did.

by Collapse2005 Tue 07 May 2019, 10:55 am

So anyway Paddy Jackson has definitely signed for London Irish now. I hope he works his way back to Ulster and Ireland over the next few years. Good player.

by marty2086 Tue 07 May 2019, 11:02 am

Collapse2005 wrote:So anyway Paddy Jackson has definitely signed for London Irish now. I hope he works his way back to Ulster and Ireland over the next few years. Good player.

As much as Id love to see him back at Ulster, it won't and shouldn't happen.

by Collapse2005 Tue 07 May 2019, 11:03 am

Shouldn't? Why not?

I would definitely welcome him back for Ireland.

by marty2086 Tue 07 May 2019, 11:05 am

It would raise the whole thing again and wouldn't be good for Ulster or Jackson

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