Ulster Discussion Thread

[Kingshu]

First topic message reminder :

In a backrow of Izzy,Timoney and McCann and any Ulster fan will tell you its McCann whos played the best this season. But the other two are the ones called up. It appears that for Ulster players for national selection you are soley judged on the games V Leinster and Munster, the rest of the season the selectors arnt watching. Izzy and Timoney both had great games V them and had some great highlights, McCann was good but no real showreel moments in those games.

[geoff999rugby]

Addison has just scored for Sale. I wish he was still at Ulster. But I understand why he left. Just a shame and an absolute top bloke into the bargain.

Re Addison totally agree about him as a person.
Of all the players I came into contact with he and Chris Henry were a couple of the most genuine people you could ever hope to meet

[geoff999rugby]

Just an idol thought my assessment of 4 to 8 going forward

I reckon this season our first choice is:
Henderson, Sheridan, Izzy, Timoney, McCann
Bench: McNabney or Reffell

Without Henderson Izzy moves to the 2nd row and one of the bench lads starts depending on the game plan and the opposition.
Reffell , at 25, would be the second oldest.
Timoney at 29 would be the old man.
That really should have us well set for the next 5/6 years
Especially as we have other decent prospects coming through

However only IF we can shore up the prop positions
Wilson is a prospect at least

[carpet baboon]

Great to see how physical the whole team were yesterday, no one gave an inch.
I thought McIlroy was great yesterday, some brilliant tackles and was a very calm figure at the back, fullback is definitely more his position than wing (also think he could do a good job at 13).

Jude was having a brilliant game up untill his injury. Hope it's not serious. Stockdale looked like he was out to prove a point up against Hansen.
Kok was just a massive ball of energy and his ruck work puts some back rows to shame. And it was never a yellow.
McCann again showed why he should be away with Ireland in a few weeks.
Stu Moore showed he's maturing and had a very good outing with some great work rate in defence.
Not good to see Hendo go off injured, how the TMO didn't even look at it I find amazing.

Need to stop getting marched back another ten meters at penalties, is that 4 times in two games? Not good enough at this level.
We also need to have an actual 10 on the bench. Doak really isn't the answer. Hopefully young Murphy will be given some decent cameo's as well as Mini Humph.

Also Ben Carson has surprised the hell out of me. The few times I had seen him last season he looked average at best. Now I'm not saying he is world class but he is quickly proving to be more than capable at URC level. Didn't look out of place up against Bundi at all.

Anyway if I'm wrong on any of this it's because only caught bits of the first half as was helping my 13yo daughter and her friend make apple crumble. It was very good too, but the less said about the attempt at custard the better.

[geoff999rugby]

I agree with all of that (well maybe not how good the apple crumble was - I cant vouch for that )

McCann was my man of the match.
I would add to your list that Cooney and Timoney also played well.
Agreed re Carson has indeed been a revelation.
Reid looked good when he came on, fingers crossed he can stay clear of injury.

However there were disappointing performance for me
O'Toole lacked any spark, and Morgan wasn't great.
He cant tackle, like a long line of 10s but I thought he threw some ropey passes as well - he just didn't inspire.

Treadwell, O'Connor and Reffell look like, at best, squad players they are definitely not starters.
Reffell has lots of honest endeavour but lacks true class for me - a 7 who never looks like performing a turn over isn't great.

There was one great piece of play by Doak, helped by Kok, on our own line to saved a 5m scrum to Connacht which could have cost us the match.
However the next few minutes I say two poor bits of play by Doak - such a frustrating player.

As for Brace what a joke.
Heffernan should have got a card for the clash with Henderson, probably a red, and it wasn't even looked at.
Hansen was a total prat and should have got a yellow.
Kok's yellow was a joke - he got his hands on the ball trying to knock it back.
Buckley drops the lifted player and its Kok's fault

The try he gave ,which thankfully the TMO overalled, was also a joke - no way he could have even seen the ball grounded
The majority of 5m line outs we had Connacht were driving before the catcher was back on the ground.
He allowed Connacht to clean out beyond the ruck all match and didn't ping it until Postlewaite got a stinger.

A totally unacceptable referring performance.

[Redman]

I agree with all of that (well maybe not how good the apple crumble was - I cant vouch for that )

McCann was my man of the match.
I would add to your list that Cooney and Timoney also played well.
Agreed re Carson has indeed been a revelation.
Reid looked good when he came on, fingers crossed he can stay clear of injury.

However there were disappointing performance for me
O'Toole lacked any spark, and Morgan wasn't great.
He cant tackle, like a long line of 10s but I thought he threw some ropey passes as well - he just didn't inspire.

Treadwell, O'Connor and Reffell look like, at best, squad players they are definitely not starters.
Reffell has lots of honest endeavour but lacks true class for me - a 7 who never looks like performing a turn over isn't great.

There was one great piece of play by Doak, helped by Kok, on our own line to saved a 5m scrum to Connacht which could have cost us the match.
However the next few minutes I say two poor bits of play by Doak - such a frustrating player.

As for Brace what a joke.
Heffernan should have got a card for the clash with Henderson, probably a red, and it wasn't even looked at.
Hansen was a total prat and should have got a yellow.
Kok's yellow was a joke - he got his hands on the ball trying to knock it back.
Buckley drops the lifted player and its Kok's fault

The try he gave ,which thankfully the TMO overalled, was also a joke - no way he could have even seen the ball grounded
The majority of 5m line outs we had Connacht were driving before the catcher was back on the ground.
He allowed Connacht to clean out beyond the ruck all match and didn't ping it until Postlewaite got a stinger.

A totally unacceptable referring performance.

It was not one of Brace's better performances.  

Mistakes happen but it's been a long time since I've seen a TMO overrule a ref.  And the TMO really saved him because there'd have been hell to pay for Connacht's eventually disallowed try.  It was made worse by his explanation that "oh there was a player in the way so I just gave it".  That's the literal opposite of the protocol which he's then admitted to on the ref mic.  

He missed a huge amount as well, including the red which was right in front of him.  He gave a pen so he saw it.  Saw that it was a head injury but played on.  I'd have thought he's obligated to blow immediately.  Again the TMO had to jump in with the "check, check".  

I didn't see the Kok yellow but Henderson will be out of the Ospreys game.  He was clearly unconscious on the ground.  

[Pete330v2]

Brace must have friends in high places to continue getting the gigs he does. Granted there aren't as lot of really good refs but as officials go, Brace is scraping the barrel IMO.

Still, a decent enough win, not perfect by any means (conditions surely played a part) but a lot of promising green shoots.

Kok is a superb signing, rucking, winging, rucking, tackling with energy levels that just don't deplete. The duracell bunny of players with an enthusiasm that seems to rub off on those around him. Stockers is playing some nice rugby again thankfully and McElroy looks so comfortable at 15. I'd liked to have seen Lowry coming on a little earlier, his energy is what's needed to add his traditional fizz.

The biggest thing was the physicality and urgency in defence. Yes there were errors but I've not seen that kind of effort in a long, long time, it's been a long time coming and tastes all the sweeter.

The last mention of excellence for me has to go to that kit, I love it.

[Redman]

Pete,

I'm probably a bit less optimistic but you're right in that Murphy and the team have been able to instil a clear change in mindset. General behaviours, every player competing the breakdown, physicality, desire to scramble in defence they've all been transformed. There's a grit there that's been missing in recent seasons, particularly from players who haven't been known for it.

Yes it's an interpro but the melee after the Hansen incident speaks to that.

Where we've been terrible is in structured coaching. The attack was cr*p, the organised defence was cr*p. The lineout, the scrum, maul defence, the kick offs. If they can coach some structure into them without losing the abrasiveness and determination then they'll be on an upward trajectory.

[Pete330v2]

I think that'll all come. Yes the attack & defence structures aren't quite there but we can only hope there's a transition going on with them and they are a work in progress. The scrum wasn't as awful but there's a lot of work to do there, O'Toole was never the greatest scrummager and Herring missing certainly weakens the front row. Maul defence is a complete mystery to me so the less said the better there, it all looks very chaotic.

On another note I think that was Morgan's worst showing yet. There was a glimpse or two but mainly anonymous, not something you want you outhalf to be.

Discipline needs sorting obviously, 4 marches back in 2 games is woeful but at least it shows there's passion there. It needs controlled when it comes to ref communications.

[Redman]

It was not one of Brace's better performances.  

Mistakes happen but it's been a long time since I've seen a TMO overrule a ref.  And the TMO really saved him because there'd have been hell to pay for Connacht's eventually disallowed try.  It was made worse by his explanation that "oh there was a player in the way so I just gave it".  That's the literal opposite of the protocol which he's then admitted to on the ref mic.  

He missed a huge amount as well, including the red which was right in front of him.  He gave a pen so he saw it.  Saw that it was a head injury but played on.  I'd have thought he's obligated to blow immediately.  Again the TMO had to jump in with the "check, check".  

I didn't see the Kok yellow but Henderson will be out of the Ospreys game.  He was clearly unconscious on the ground.  

Henderson to miss Ospreys game following concussion

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/c70zg1lgrz8o

I should have been a (rugby) doctor.

[carpet baboon]

So looking at injuries we may only have McCloskey and Carson as our only fit centers. Could we see De Klerk making the match day squad?
And with a Mcllroy a doubt we are a bit light in the back 3 too.
Could be an interesting back line this weekend

[Pete330v2]

I hadn't thought of De Klerk but of course, this could well be his introduction. I didn't know McIlroy was a doubt so would have have him at 15, Lowry at 14 and Kok at 13. If De Klerk is an option and McIlroy isn't fit then Lowry at 15 and Kok at 14 obviously. Sexton and Moxham on the bench.
The Emerging Ireland lads should be available surely, I mean Leinster got to access their EI players during the tour so you'd think the IRFU would grant us access to Izzy, Sheridan, McNabney and Wilson which would add some grunt to the pack. If that was the case then Ward could come into the conversation with Stockdale getting a rest.

[Kingshu]

Ulster v Ospreys, Friday 18th October, BKT United Rugby Championship, Round 5, Kingspan Stadium, 7.35pm. (Live on Premier Sports, URC.tv and BBC Sounds)

(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, James McCormick, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor (C), Harry Sheridan, Cormac Izuchukwu, Marcus Rea, David McCann;
(15-9) Mike Lowry, Werner Kok, Ben Carson, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Aidan Morgan, John Cooney.

Replacements: Tadgh McElroy, Callum Reid, Scott Wilson, Kieran Treadwell, Matty Rea, Nathan Doak, James Humphreys, Jude Postlethwaite.

Ospreys 23

15. Jack Walsh, 14. Dan Kasende, 13. Evardi Boshoff, 12. Owen Williams, 11. Keelan Giles, 10. Dan Edwards, 9. Kieran Hardy, 1. Gareth Thomas, 2. Sam Parry, 3. Ben Warren, 4. Will Greatbanks, 5. Lewis Jones, 6. Lewis Lloyd, 7. Justin Tipuric, 8. Morgan Morris

16. Ethan Lewis, 17. Garyn Phillips, 18. Math Iowerth-Scott, 19. Rhys Thomas*, 20. Dan Gemine*, 21. Reuben Morgan-Williams, 22. Tom Florence, 23. Max Nagy

*Ospreys Debut

[Redman]

Again clearly managed rotation and by Ulster standards a lot of above average carrying potential with O'Toole, Sheridan, Izzy, McCann, McCloskey, Carson, Kok and even Stockdale all able to break the gain line more often than not.

Worries for this week = lineout, with 2 very inexperienced hookers.

[Pete330v2]

More than happy with that selection for Ulster, obviously I can't comment on the O's as most of those names are new to me.

It's arguably the best pack selection that we've seen this season, yes Hendo isn't there but I think Sheridan more than brings the tools needed to fill that gap. Izzy at 6 goes without saying and McCann has been a force of nature. Hopefully they can provide quality possession.
The backline is interesting and could be electric. Stu, Stockdale, Lowry and Kok can cause any defence headaches and young Carson looks excellent. If the pack can provide it'll be interesting to see what Cooney and moreover Morgan can do with it. I was disappointed with Morgan last week but it's early doors for him and he has looked very, very good at times.

[carpet baboon]

Both Rea's in the match day 23, first time in a while.
Is Mcnabey injured or just having his minutes managed?

If we get quick ball I think the backs will punch some holes

[Unclear]

As solid a team as I could hope for. The front row is a concern as it will be all season, but the rest of the team looks pretty good given the injuries. The Ospreys seem definitely "less than" so far this season for whatever reason or reasons (the injuries can't be helping) so hopefully the intensity seen against Connacht will give us a decent result, and perhaps even a bonus point.

I'll have jinxed it now

[Pete330v2]

Someone had mentioned that we're as full strength as we'll see this season. I disagree, for example, if injuries had been more favourable obviously tonight we could be fielding an updated 1stXV of:

(1-8) O’Sullivan, HERRING, O’Toole, Sheridan, HENDO, Izuchukwu, McCann, Timoney
(15-9) Lowry, BALOUCOUNE, HUME, McCloskey, Stockdale, Morgan, Cooney

With the likes of Warwick, a TH (whoever ends up performing best) McNabney, Crothers, Doak, Kok etc to take bench places we could, with a few returnees field a very strong 23 for future games. Obviously injuries probably won't go our way as usual but that 1st XV would be more than acceptable at in Europe let alone URC.

[Maine man]

24-7 at halftime. Annoyed at conceding a try on halftime. Sheridan has given away a few penalties. Stockdale and Izzy are the standouts.
And how tight are Craig Gilroy's jeans? He needs a word with himself.

[Unclear]

Decent win, but can't take too much given the injuries the Ospreys have. Sheridan gave away a few penalties and hard to argue with the yellow card ( I felt there was no recognition of the (insufficient) bend in the hips, but still a yellow). However he gives the pack an edge that has been lacking for too long. He just needs to learn when to wind it back a little in my view. Izzy was excellent and would have been my player of the match.

The Stockdale dis-allowed try should have been allowed to stand just for the shear audacity and the O'Sullivan run and offload (just forget that it went forward). So nearly try of the season material. That move gives me hope for the future.

[Pete330v2]

The win left me feeling a little bit Meh.
Perhaps I'm expecting too much but when a team is there for the taking then take them! The O's turned up though and didn't make things easy so I'm perhaps being overly harsh. However, if the Stockdale disallowed try had stood I might currently feel a little less pessimistic and that goes to show how fickle I'm being. There were impressive patches that were riveting stuff but we need those patches to last more than 35 mins when tougher opponents come along.

Seeing 2 Ulstermen on the Planet Rugby team of the week adds a little positive spin on things with Stockdale and McCormick being named. Stockdale in particular had a load of praise heaped upon him but McCormick's inclusion shows how good the young lad has been with such big boots to fill. Look out Tom Stewart!

The trip to Cardiff at the weekend poses a tougher threat so hopefully the squad can push on and raise the bar a little.

[carpet baboon]

McCormick's lineouts already seem more reliable than Stewart's

[carpet baboon]

Here is my wild prediction for tomorrow's Ireland squad announcement. McCormick will be called up as one of the 2 or 3 "development/apprentice" players and will end up in the match day 23 by the end of the autumn internationals.

Not quite as outlandish but either one of McCann or Izzy will end the November internationals as a nailed on Ireland 23 for the 6 Nations.

And Sheridan will be involved in some capacity

[clivemcl]

As a Ballymoney man, I loved hearing McCormick's accent in the post-match chit chat. What struck me, not that it should have was his confidence. I felt he must have had plenty of confidence taking the penalty tap ongoing for the line himself. Commentary suggested ospreys weren't ready - they definitely were - just poor defence.

But yes, strange that we have had no issue producing hookers, and yet they are all stuck behind a South African who was brought in at a time we must have felt we had no suitable backup to Rory.

I would not disparage Herring at all - he has been a fantastic servant, but I do wonder who will become the new owner of the 2 shirt as his days are surely numbered.

Far too early days to make such a silly call - but in hearing McCormick speak and observing his demeanour, I do feel I seen a bit of a Rory Best about him.

[Pete330v2]

As a Ballymoney man, I loved hearing McCormick's accent in the post-match chit chat. What struck me, not that it should have was his confidence. I felt he must have had plenty of confidence taking the penalty tap ongoing for the line himself. Commentary suggested ospreys weren't ready - they definitely were - just poor defence.

But yes, strange that we have had no issue producing hookers, and yet they are all stuck behind a South African who was brought in at a time we must have felt we had no suitable backup to Rory.

I would not disparage Herring at all - he has been a fantastic servant, but I do wonder who will become the new owner of the 2 shirt as his days are surely numbered.

Far too early days to make such a silly call - but in hearing McCormick speak and observing his demeanour, I do feel I seen a bit of a Rory Best about him.

Is he a farmer Clive, that's the deciding point IMO. If he's from good farming stock he'll have what it takes in the front row. I don't mean to say townies can't hack it, they can but not like a farmer

[Redman]

On the Ireland selections it's an unpleasant holdover from the Schmitt years. Indeed it goes as far back as O'Sullivan - better the devil you know.

While McCann and Sheridan can feel themselves hard done by the same is true for Ahern and Coombes. Planet Rugby also called out Blade (laughable when you consider Cooney's continued omission), Larmour, Haley and Loughman. The theme though is clear. Once you're in you have to work extremely hard to work your way out. Conversely if you're out you need to be head and shoulders to displace an incumbent.

One thing I will say is that Timoney's inclusion perplexes me. Yes he's a wonderful servant. An excellent club player. He's solid in everything he does. But he's not world class in any particular area and at 29 he's not going to kick on to be significantly better than he is currently - which is an international squad player.

Would it not have made more sense to take Sheridan when he's at least got the potential to continue to improve? The same too for McCann who can basically do everything Timoney does and is still on an upward trajectory.

I guess O'Mahony's inclusion comes with it a risk he breaks down and you want someone with experience to be able to step into the matchday 23, but still .....

[geoff999rugby]

On the Ireland selections it's an unpleasant holdover from the Schmitt years.  Indeed it goes as far back as O'Sullivan - better the devil you know.  

 

Agreed seems horribly like Farrell playing it safe - someone else has the problem during the 6 Nations

While McCann and Sheridan can feel themselves hard done by the same is true for Ahern and Coombes.  Planet Rugby also called out Blade (laughable when you consider Cooney's continued omission), Larmour, Haley and Loughman.  The theme though is clear.  Once you're in you have to work extremely hard to work your way out.  Conversely if you're out you need to be head and shoulders to displace an incumbent.   

Agree re Ahern but not Coombes - he is just a legend in the eyes of people in red. Short of true international class for me
Same for Timoney as you say
For me McCann should be in for POM and one of Ahern and Sheridan for Timoney or Prendergast
Baird isn't playing particularly well either (but he is at Leinster so gets a pass)

Larmour is not as good as those selected.
Also who gets dropped for Haley ?
Loughman is injured
Blade is no youngster but a hell of a lot than Munsters second string scrum half !

I guess O'Mahony's inclusion comes with it a risk he breaks down and you want someone with experience to be able to step into the matchday 23, but still .....  

Three reasons he shouldn't be there:
Now he is a inferior player to McCann
He is retiring at the end of the season
He is not fit and wont be playing against the All Blacks

[Pete330v2]

I can only imagine POM has been selected for his experience within the camp, other than that I cannot see the benefit of selecting him if indeed that is of any benefit anyway. If he's along for the ride that's simply not good enough. If he's there for sentimental reasons then once again that's not good enough. It really is a head scratcher. Added to that the players called up that are injured is just an echo of where Schmidt screwed the pooch. What's the use if they too are going to be passengers?

[Pete330v2]

Squad's up for Cardiff

(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, James McCormick, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson (C), Kieran Treadwell, Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney, David McCann;

(15-9) Ethan McIlroy, Werner Kok, Jude Postlethwaite, Stuart McCloskey, Mike Lowry, Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak.

Replacements: John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Marcus Rea, John Cooney, Ben Carson, Ben Moxham.

Strong side again but the performance level needs to be turned up to 10 as opposed to the 5 from last week. We even have quite some impact from the bench.

[Pete330v2]

Cardiff squad:

Cam Winnett; Mason Grady, Rey Lee-Lo, Ben Thomas, Iwan Stephens, Callum Sheedy, Aled Davies; Ed Byrne, Evan Lloyd, Keiron Assiratti, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams, Ben Donnell, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence.

Replacement: Daf Hughes, Corey Domachowski, Rhys Litterick, Rory Thornon, James Botham, Thomas Young, Johan Mulder, Rory Jennings.

[geoff999rugby]

Decent team

(1-8) Eric O’Sullivan, James McCormick, Tom O’Toole, Iain Henderson (C), Kieran Treadwell, Cormac Izuchukwu, Nick Timoney, David McCann;

(15-9) Ethan McIlroy, Werner Kok, Jude Postlethwaite, Stuart McCloskey, Mike Lowry, Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak.

Replacements: John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Marcus Rea, John Cooney, Ben Carson, Ben Moxham

[Pete330v2]

Gutted
Disgusted
F-ing emotionally shredded.

Yup, I felt all those emotions after that fiasco. 19-0 at half time against that Cardiff side would be a win to any other team in the league but once again Ulster fail to close out the opposition by capitulating AGAIN.
No on field leadership, dreadful tactical kicking, the reduction in linespeed and physicality. Aaaaaagh

I am still hurting and will be for some time. We could / should have been sitting on 3rd place place for the break but no, why would we want to way up there on the table, why make things easy.

[clivemcl]

Doak was so close to having a game that would have really upped his stock. I would have to watch again to fully pick apart who was at fault.
Potentially even Doak got a little too high on his own supply. Did they do a bit too fast and loose instead of focusing on closing the game out sensibly.

Doak, to be fair wasn’t too far off that kick and could have come out of that game a hero.
Still though, especially once subs were made, it all began to look a mess.

Did Murphy assume we had it wrapped up? Should we have flogged a few of those players the full 80 to seal the result?

I’m sure the players and coaches themselves are annoyed, but as with pro sport, all that will be expressed behind closed doors. Which only infuriates the fans more.

I didn’t even watch any post match interviews. Was there any sense of anger from players/coaches?

[Pete330v2]

I didn't watch anything post match apart from the wine label on my second bottle of wine that I angrily opened to drown my sorrows. Some sorrows are clearly good swimmers.
I just think game management is something players like Doak still haven't mastered and should have by now. Morgan is impressing less and less as well although I've noticed that he and Doak aren't a match made in heaven with Doak taking command and ignoring the little fella. The problem there was that in the 2nd half Doak's kicking was equally as aimless as Morgan's.

There needs to be some kind of an intense training sessions for game management when there are no leaders on the pitch. Hendo was a big loss in that respect but there are still 15 heads on the pitch that should manage to close out a game with a 19 point lead.
The set piece has gone backwards and I think Duffy has a massive job to get that sorted but the attack under Soper hasn't improved from last season and the only person we can point fingers at is Soper. Skills coach was his ceiling IMO.

Leinster up next.............

[Kingshu]

Im with Pete that was 4 points lost, and we should be 3rd in the table. As to whos at fault, I mostly blame the inexperience of the management team.

Ulster scored zero points after Henderson went off, looked to just switch into cruise controll. We had noone up to the task of driving the team on. Needed a AoC, or Herring on the pitch, none of Threadwell, Timoney, SMcC or Kok stepped up to drive the team on as they should have.

Then 2nd half Cardiff are getting the acendesy and on 47 mins make 5 subs to change the FR and 2 players in the BR, Ulster didnt react, and fR was changed on 52, 59 and 78 mins, which was very long to have McCormick playing. While Sheridan had to come on earlier Rea didn't come on to the 70th min.

Think game management by the coaches showed inexperience as much as the players.

Cooney was maybe the leader on the bench but didnt come on the the 70th min, and when Cardiff made the 5 changes we didnt counter it.

Need stronger leaders to drive the team on disappointing that a number of senior players didnt step up for this, need someone on the bench for this and not be afraid to bring them on.
Also need to be adaptive with subs, looks like they stuck to about prearranged sub timings, and didnt reacht to the 5 subs which after the 1st try entirely shifted the momentum to Cardiff, and with Ulster making changes singles, didnt snatch that momentum back. Need to change sub plans to react to teams making big changes.

[Welshmushroom]

From where I was sat one thing became clear. Doak is a scrum half not a fly half. Stop putting him there. My issue with Aiden was he has a running game but playing 10 is also about knowing when to play territory. He is still very young so likely to be a project moving forward. But Burns would have done a much better job closing a game out like that.

Next 3 rounds are all inter pro games for Ulster. Now Leinster will be missing players for that first one due to Australia but Leinster are on a mission. Historically speaking Leinster have used this fixture in the past as a second team run out and often dont win it. But those 3 rounds of interpros probably will make or break Ulsters season. I only see them getting 4 wins in the last 8 rounds so if they did lose all of the next 3 they wont make the top 8.

Granted I dont see them losing all 3 and probably should be aiming for 2 wins at least. But I dont think they are looking that confident at the moment. But this next 3 fixtures will be critical for their URC season.

I dont see less than 9 wins being enough to make the top 8 this season.

[Unclear]

Somebody's mother apparently said that if you can't say something positive, don't say anything all. I'm not good at taking advice from strangers, even if they are somebody's mother.

The second half on Saturday was truly dreadful. It felt to me that they came out of the dressing room thinking they just had to hang on to the lead. Nothing about being able to get a full 5 points with another try, nothing about Cardiff coming out fired up and unlikely to make as many mistakes in their attack.

The intensity seemed to have gone, the desire seemed to have gone. Between McCloskey, O'Sullivan, O'Toole, Treadwell and Lowery there was enough experience to see what was happening and call people to account. I'm not convinced by Morgan, but it is still early days. Doak made some good breaks in the first half but his kicking was off all game for me.

The closest I can come to positivity is that we all know it is a long road back to being serious contenders, and this is still the beginning of the project. Murphy will have learnt more about his players from this debacle and we have learnt some more about him and his coaching staff. Hopefully everyone will use this as one of those cliched learning opportunities.

[Redman]

Welcome to Ulster Juarno Augustus.

I'm sure he'll be a great addition but I posted a while back saying Ulster's recruitment policy appeared to be constantly chasing players that they used to need rather than addressing gaps they have now or will have in the future and I'm really struggling to reconcile us being cash strapped and signing (what I fully expect to be an explosive player) in a position of now relative strength.

Timoney, McCann and McNabery with others in the academy to follow. It just seems an odd signing.

Would we not be better stabilising our financial situation?

I wonder if it played out like how McFarland described the Vermeulen signing. Where, according to McFarland, Cunningham stuck his head round the door one day and said "if we could sign Duane Vermeulen would that work?". McFarland said yeah sure. And that was that. When it comes to recruitment do we prioritise available marquee signings and lack impulse control and strategy? Who knows. I've generally been supportive of Cunningham and our recruitment - and completely understand there may be more signings to come plugging more obvious gaps - but without greater context this is a real head scratcher.

Maybe I'm missing a few pieces of the puzzle here. Maybe our financial situation has stabilised. Maybe this guy is too good to be true and we couldn't miss the opportunity. I don't know as I haven't watched much Gallagher Premiership in the last few years. But surely we should be looking at getting in quality IQ props. Paying whatever premium that would involve.

The timing is also strange, though may have been driven by Northampton and Ulster are reacting. I would have thought it's a signing that would have been best if done as a final announcement rather than one of the first out of the blocks. With all of our other concerns it's just going to drive confusion and worry .... at least until the rest of the squad is finalised.

Anyway, hope it works out for Juarno and for us. Welcome to the Province.

[clivemcl]

Yea I must agree. Hard not to get excited when you see a big strong carrier and a tasty highlight reel.
But seems less than necessary.

Perhaps it’s a sign that in the next three years Ulster expect some of our back rowers to be more involved with international duty?

And also worth remembering Timoney is older than most of us tend to remember. He will be 30 when this new lad arrives.

I’m sure I’ll not complain when I see him storming about the pitch at Kingspan. And who knows, maybe this will be just the first of a few unexpected signings.

Damn, there I go getting all hopeful and optimistic again. When will we ever learn!

[Welshmushroom]

Good player when fit.  They probably need to juggle him in to potentially start covering McCann & Timoney.  They do have McNabney coming through so it does seem a bit odd.  That said having 4 6&8 options is probably wise over the coarse of a season.

There's obvious issue in their front 5.   Herring can't keep going for ever and there are questions on both Andrew and Stewart who neither probably are good enough at this moment in time.  Not convinced by many of their props either.  

But the real problem seems to be at halfback.  Cooney must be on the last legs at this point.  Doak has had a serious dip in form not helped by them shifting him around all the time.  Morgan seems fine running the plays but his kicking and tactical game needs a lot of work.  Honestly they probably need a backup 9 & 10 though to keep pressure on Doak/Morgan.

Guessing Augustus wasnt cheap either.  Given they dont have more money to spend I wonder which players will have to leave to bridge his wages.

[formerly known as Sam]

Timoney, McCann and McNabery with others in the academy to follow.  It just seems an odd signing.
 

Does this allow Ulster to move Cormac Izuchukwu to play more at lock but keep four good backrow players rotating round.

[geoff999rugby]

I would not be so negative.

We do have a lot of good backrowers coming through but
Izzy, Sheridan are 4/6 type players.
McCann is more a 6/7 type player
Reffell who for all his hard work comes up short for me and is no No8
McNabney - its still early doors,
McLoughlin its even earlier doors
The Rea's are not good enough
Crothers is an out and out 7
Timoney is a very smart player but not a big ball carrier
With Henderson in decline we need a big ball carrier

We are fine at hooker - you forgot McCormick who for me will be better than Stewart.
Also way to early to write Stewart off.
A fine prospect who need a big more muscle and a correction of his throwing technique and he will be fine.
Second row we have decent potential in Hopes and Irvine

As to prop - we are barred from signing NIQ.
I'm sure Cunningham and Murphy would appreciate a call if you know of any top quality IQ props going
Ditto half back.

Financially I think we are ok.
We have a coherent strategy to get back into profit.
We shave £1 million of the wage bill, compared to 23/24, and since then Moore is off the payroll.

[geoff999rugby]

Timoney, McCann and McNabery with others in the academy to follow.  It just seems an odd signing.
 

Does this allow Ulster to move Cormac Izuchukwu to play more at lock but keep four good backrow players rotating round.

I suspect it more likely Sheridan will be spending nearly all his time in the second row.
If Farrell sees Izzy as his long term 6 replacement for POM I cant see him playing much at lock for Ulster
From now to the end of the season I suspect Ulster's first choice 4 to 8 will be
Henderson, Sheridan, Izzy, Timoney, McCann.

With Augustus on board Timoney switches to flanker when Izzy isn't there.
If he is there Timoney moves to the bench.
In practise injuries and rotation will take care of the selection 9 times out of 10.

[Pete330v2]

If there were any high quality IQ props floating about I'm sure they'd be prioritised but there isn't so this is the next best thing I guess. A really good ball carrier is something we really need and we'll be in a great position with the players mentioned previously that can shift around positions.
We could have an Ulster back row bomb squad!

[mikey_dragon]

Hopefully it's a better signing than Dave Ewers!

[Don Alfonso]

Yeah, there's a bit of silliness, honestly, in these reactions.

There are no great IQ props ready to be just hoovered up. We've cut our cloth to suit with bringing in the likes of Barrett. t's the best we can do given the ban on NIQ front rows. Scott Wilson is excellent.

Herring will go for another couple of years, Andrew is a capable journeyman, Tom Stewart has been capped at 22 and if he improves his throwing a bit is a fine prospect, and McCormick looks great. (Walker as well.)

Second row isn't brilliant but there may be another signing. Equally, there's Hopes and Irvine to come through. If they weren't likely to kick on, no-one would have a clearer sense of that than Murphy.

I'm hoping Doak can get back to where he was pre-McFarlandification. I'd be quite confident he can.

Again, if anyone has a brilliant IQ 10 that has just been kept secret by everyone and is willing to come to Belfast, just point them out.

People love bandying about truisms that packs win games and then, when we reinforce the forwards, people are bemused. I'd assume Izzy will be in and around the squad from now on, Timoney will be involved periodically, and I'd imagine McCann will start to feature. If two of those three are gone, we need experienced heavy hitters.

[Kingshu]

For an IQ 10 we have Jack Murphy, remember he outplayed Prendergast in his camo in the EI tour, and should have gotten more gametime expect they were prepping Prendergast for international duty. Think Jack and Morgan will turnnout very good, if could convince Ben Murphy to join his father and brother, we would be sorted at 9 and 10 for a long time.

Think for prop, there could be English/Aus/NZ props that have been capped, but not recently sohave completed the standdown and have Irish parent/grandparent that are now available is what we need, think that since the change in rules was recent IRFU may not have a database of them, but think its only way Ulster will get an international (or close to it) IQ prop.

[Maine man]

Sexton of to try his hand at NFL. Good look to him.

[carpet baboon]

Sexton of to try his hand at NFL. Good look to him.

Fair play to him. He's got some serious pace, but just lacked a bit of rugby brain.

[geoff999rugby]

Good luck to him I wish him well.

Having said that I seriously have to question anyone who thought that he could ever make the grade.
Never in a million years.

[Maine man]

Team up for Leinster game.
(15-9) Stewart Moore, Werner Kok, Ben Carson, Jude Postlethwaite, Michael Lowry, Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak;

(1-8) Eric O'Sullivan, James McCormick, Scott Wilson, Alan O'Connor (C), Kieran Treadwell, James McNabney, Nick Timoney, David McCann.

Replacements:

16 Tom Stewart, 17 Andrew Warwick, 18 Corrie Barrett, 19 Harry Sheridan, 20 Marcus Rea, 21 John Cooney, 22 James Humphreys, 23 Ben Moxham.

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