Ulster 2010/11

[Felipe-fan09]

Surprised a thread hasn't been started yet. With the new signings I see some big performances and big results this year.
From PR

Club name Ulster

- 2010/11 Season Preview -

Last season As is their wont, Ulster were either highly impressive or distinctly average during 2009/10. Highlights of the season came via an early away victory at the Ospreys and then Heineken Cup wins at home to Bath and Stade Francais. But from there, the wheels became wobbly. Star players for the men from Belfast were Timoci 'Jimmy' Nagusa, Chris Henry and Andrew Trimble while their front-row caused problems for many. They ultimately finished the Magners League in eighth position but it was their painfully narrow exit from Europe that seemed to hit them hardest.

This season There is real potential in this squad if they can all stay fit and the introduction of three Springboks should give them another rugged edge up front. That sturdiness was certainly a strong point last season and with Ruan Pienaar pulling the strings, could that be the missing piece of the jigsaw? Ulster have been handed a decent Heineken Cup draw alongside Biarritz, Bath and Aironi - although the English side's form in pre-season form might be a worry. Surely a Magners League play-off place is not beyond Brian McLaughlin's charges though with consistency key.

Coach: Time to deliver? Going into his second year at the helm, you get the feeling that Brian McLaughlin will need to provide Belfast with some knockout rugby to account for all the money spent during the off-season. The former school-teacher started well in 2009/10 but as mentioned, Ulster struggled slightly until the final fortnight. A big season awaits for the former Ireland Specialist Skills Coach.

Captain: Rory Best's season was almost written off before it got going last year when he had neck surgery. But the hooker got back much earlier than expected and soon found himself playing Six Nations rugby. He will be ably supported by Chris Henry while Johann Muller is also a capable leader.

One to watch: The introduction of Ruan Pienaar promises to steady the ship for Ulster but we almost went for a youngster at full-back. Jamie Smith has had almost a season to bed into what is required at this level and should subsequently be stronger in 2010/11. Smith is very much in the mould of Nick Abendanon. Also keep an eye on Johann Muller and Darren Cave.

In: Ruan Pienaar (Sharks), Johann Muller (Sharks), Pedrie Wannenburg (Bulls), Tim Barker (Glasgow Warriors), Paul Emerick (Short-term deal).

Out:Ed O'Donoghue (Leinster), Isaac Boss (Leinster), Timoci Nagusa (Montpellier), Clinton Schifcofske (Crusaders, Rugby League), Justin Fitzpatrick (Retired), Matt McCullough (Retired), Tamaiti Horua (Released).

Home ground: Ravenhill - capacity of 19,000

Travel connections: Belfast City Airport is only two miles from the city centre. There is a direct bus link (#600) from the airport to the Europa Bus Station that leaves every half hour from 6am and costs £2. A taxi from the airport should cost approximately £6 into the city centre.

[Danthefan]

I see some big performances and big results this year.

People say that every single season. Then they come in the bottom half of the league and don't get out of the HEC group.

[claire_m]

I know they were missing a few (quite a few I understand) first choice players when they came to Quins a couple of weeks ago, but I wasn't that impressed by them. They defended well, but if we were still playing now, I don't think they would have scored a try. All the Ulster fans I've met have been really lovely people, so I hope that they have something to cheer about this season, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

[Danthefan]

I know they were missing a few (quite a few I understand) first choice players when they came to Quins a couple of weeks ago, but I wasn't that impressed by them. They defended well, but if we were still playing now, I don't think they would have scored a try. All the Ulster fans I've met have been really lovely people, so I hope that they have something to cheer about this season, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

Was iHumph or NOC playing 10?

[claire_m]

From the Ulster site (as I couldn't remember. I know Humph came on at some point)

(15-9) David McIlwaine, Craig Gilroy, Darren Cave, Ian Whitten, Nevin Spence, Niall O'Connor, Ian Porter

(1-8) Bryan Young, Andi Kyriacou, Declan Fitzpatrick, Johann Muller, Ryan Caldwell, Pedrie Wannenburg, TJ Anderson, Robbie Diack

Replacements Nigel Brady, Paul Karrayannis, Adam Macklin, Tim Barker, Neil McComb, Michael Heaney, Ian Humphreys, Luke Marshall, Jonny Shiels, Mark McCrea

[Danthefan]

Fair enough, NOC at 10 would is definitely not going to create many tries is what I was thinking.

[LeRouxIsPHat]

For all their signings they still look very weak at ten and full back imo. I also have doubts about the coaching ticket, didn't impress last season. Having said that, I'd expect them to improve and the signings might make things easier for those positions that they're not strong in.

[ronk]

I know they were missing a few (quite a few I understand) first choice players when they came to Quins a couple of weeks ago, but I wasn't that impressed by them. They defended well, but if we were still playing now, I don't think they would have scored a try. All the Ulster fans I've met have been really lovely people, so I hope that they have something to cheer about this season, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

That was about 3 of the probably XV and they were just getting a run.

The one thing Ulster didn't have last year and still don't really have is good depth, but they've improved in that regard. They're exactly what they look like, a team that will coast through the ML (especially away) and is geared towards HC success relative to their resources. They pull off some big wins when they click.

It's hard to know if they have the balance of youth and experience right yet.

[mikerob]

On the Ulster player front, Matt D'Arcy the Australian who is over for a trial got a run out in the friendly against Leeds last Thursday and reportedly impressed with ball in hand. It hasn't been announced if he will get a contract or not.

The other rumour is that Paul Emerick, the US player, has been offered a 3 month contract as cover for Trimble & Danielli who will both miss the start of the season. Ulster's wings are dropping like flies at the moment as Craig Gilroy is also out for a couple of months after an injury in the Leeds game.

http://www.rugbymag.com/news/internatio ... eague.aspx

IMO Ulster's biggest issue is still at OH where iHump is consistently inconsistent and NOC never rises above the mediocre. Pienaar (and also D'Arcy) are established goalkickers so hopefully they will take over from NOC/iHump. I haven't seen last seasons kicking stats for iHump & NOC but I would be surprised if they got as high as 70s%. At least when iHump is on form, he plays entertaining rugby, unlike NOC. NOC's main trick of just hoofing the ball down the pitch is just not suited to the new interpretation of the tackle laws.

I think Ulster are stuck with NOC/iHump for this season but can see a NIQ OH being lined up for next year. I'm sure Ulster are also hoping one of the academy OHs (Jackson, McKinney) come good as well.

[jezzer]

Mikerob,

Might we see Pienaar at 10 occasionally, or would that be sacrilege in the eyes of the IRFU?

As far as their prospects go, I have only one word for Ulster. DEFENCE!

[hugonaut]

I know they were missing a few (quite a few I understand) first choice players when they came to Quins a couple of weeks ago, but I wasn't that impressed by them. They defended well, but if we were still playing now, I don't think they would have scored a try. All the Ulster fans I've met have been really lovely people, so I hope that they have something to cheer about this season, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

That was about 3 of the probably XV and they were just getting a run.

The one thing Ulster didn't have last year and still don't really have is good depth, but they've improved in that regard. They're exactly what they look like, a team that will coast through the ML (especially away) and is geared towards HC success relative to their resources. They pull off some big wins when they click.

It's hard to know if they have the balance of youth and experience right yet.

Good call ronk. A first string pack of 1. T. Court; 2. R. Best; 3. B.J. Botha; 4. J. Muller; 5. D. Tuohy; 6. S. Ferris; 7. W. Falloon; 8. C. Henry/R. Diack with four of Kyriacou,Young, Caldwell, Wannenberg and Pollock to call on off the bench looks very strong.

They're a little weak down the ranks in terms of props, but they've got decent cover in every other position in the pack - Kyriacou and Brady are both very capable at Magners level, ditto Caldwell and Pollock, and Wannenberg is going to see a lot of gametime with Ferris' absences on Irish duty [and injuries, if previous seasons are anything to go by].

Dan might be cynical about previous cries of wolf from Ulster-watchers expecting the world, but I am expecting their pack to be amongst the three or four best in the league.

[mikerob]

Mikerob,

Might we see Pienaar at 10 occasionally, or would that be sacrilege in the eyes of the IRFU?

As far as their prospects go, I have only one word for Ulster. DEFENCE!

Ulster's management has certainly positioned Pienaar as a SH and SH is meant to be Pienaar's preferred position so I'm guessing they sold the job to him on that basis. But who knows what may happen during the season. NOC or iHump could get injured or Pienaar could get so frustrated with a misfiring NOC or iHump outside him that he says - feck this - I could do a better job myself.

Ulster's defence certainly needs tightening to get into the top half of the table. Ulster used to have a defence coach up until a year and a half ago or so but didn't keep him on as the money wasn't there.

[tackle-bag]

Good call ronk. A first string pack of 1. T. Court; 2. R. Best; 3. B.J. Botha; 4. J. Muller; 5. D. Tuohy; 6. S. Ferris; 7. W. Falloon; 8. C. Henry/R. Diack with four of Kyriacou,Young, Caldwell, Wannenberg and Pollock to call on off the bench looks very strong.

They're a little weak down the ranks in terms of props, but they've got decent cover in every other position in the pack - Kyriacou and Brady are both very capable at Magners level, ditto Caldwell and Pollock, and Wannenberg is going to see a lot of gametime with Ferris' absences on Irish duty [and injuries, if previous seasons are anything to go by].

Dan might be cynical about previous cries of wolf from Ulster-watchers expecting the world, but I am expecting their pack to be amongst the three or four best in the league.

Spot on! I've been banging on about this for a while now. I really think that they could be in the running for a play-off spot in the ML: their front line pack is among the best in the league on paper; their younger backs are improving all the time; and they're not going to be forced to rest the same number of international players as many other teams.

Don't be surprised if you see them threatening to escape their HEC pool either. They beat Bath home and away last season, so they definitely have a psychological advantage there. Biarritz will be strong but, like any French side, may be more focussed during the HEC group stages on keeping in touch in the Top 14 (especially considering the poor start they've made in this year's competition). Aironi will be crushed at Ravenhill and will be out of the competition by the time the away leg is played, meaning that there is a distinct possibility of escaping the group as one of the two best runners-up.

P.S. Declan Fitzpatrick deserves a mention in terms of the solid substitute players mentioned above. He has held up very well at TH for Ulster, despite limited opportunities, over the past season or two.

[Danthefan]

Dan might be cynical about previous cries of wolf from Ulster-watchers expecting the world, but I am expecting their pack to be amongst the three or four best in the league.

I'd love to see them do well but I'll wait til just that, I actually see them doing well, before I get excited.

[Dexter]

Dan might be cynical about previous cries of wolf from Ulster-watchers expecting the world, but I am expecting their pack to be amongst the three or four best in the league.

I'd love to see them do well but I'll wait til just that, I actually see them doing well, before I get excited.

I hope they go well against Ospreys on Friday. The game is on the same time as ours but Setanta Ire are showing it at 2.30 on Sat afternoon. The Welsh are being vocal in talking up their teams this year, and talking down the Irish teams to a certain extent, so it will be interesting.

[Donny B.]

Ulster (v Ospreys): A D'Arcy; T Seymour, D Cave, I Whitten, D McIlwaine; N O'Connor, P Marshall; B Young, R Best (Capt), D Fitzpatrick, J Muller, T Barker, S Ferris, W Faloon, P Wannenburg. Replacements: N Brady, T Court, P McAllister, R Caldwell, R Diack, I Porter, P Wallace, J Shiels.

Very unfamiliar back three. Good pack though, especially the backrow.

[tackle-bag]

Ulster (v Ospreys): A D'Arcy; T Seymour, D Cave, I Whitten, D McIlwaine; N O'Connor, P Marshall; B Young, R Best (Capt), D Fitzpatrick, J Muller, T Barker, S Ferris, W Faloon, P Wannenburg. Replacements: N Brady, T Court, P McAllister, R Caldwell, R Diack, I Porter, P Wallace, J Shiels.

Very unfamiliar back three. Good pack though, especially the backrow.

Still missing a lot of front-liners. I don't think we'll be able to predict too much about Ulster's season from the result of this fixture. That being said, a win against the reigning champions could give them exactly the flying start they need to lift themselves out of the doldrums of recent years.

Looking forward to seeing this D'Arcy lad play. A lot of scepticism as to his potential was expressed on his eponymous thread on this forum, by myself and others. However, he has obviously been kept on by Ulster following his trial, and handed a competitive start at the first opportunity, which are both good signs.

[Windeos]

Ulster (v Ospreys): A D'Arcy; T Seymour, D Cave, I Whitten, D McIlwaine; N O'Connor, P Marshall; B Young, R Best (Capt), D Fitzpatrick, J Muller, T Barker, S Ferris, W Faloon, P Wannenburg. Replacements: N Brady, T Court, P McAllister, R Caldwell, R Diack, I Porter, P Wallace, J Shiels.

Very unfamiliar back three. Good pack though, especially the backrow.

Still missing a lot of front-liners. I don't think we'll be able to predict too much about Ulster's season from the result of this fixture. That being said, a win against the reigning champions could give them exactly the flying start they need to lift themselves out of the doldrums of recent years.

Looking forward to seeing this D'Arcy lad play. A lot of scepticism as to his potential was expressed on his eponymous thread on this forum, by myself and others. However, he has obviously been kept on by Ulster following his trial, and handed a competitive start at the first opportunity, which are both good signs.

Apparently the lad D'Arcy has been looking great in training and he also looked very good in the pre season game vs Leeds, not sure why he hasn't been signed to a contract as of yet but he could turn out to be a very good player. I'm nervous as hell about our backline, our back 3 don't have a competitive Ulster cap between them so it looks like we're going for a forwards based kick to the corners tonight.

I just have no clue how it will go tonight, I know our pack is fine but our backline worries me alot. With Wallace, Pienaar, Danilelli, Trimble to come back into the back I have no fears of the HC but until everyone is fit it's going to be sink or swim for the young lads. Surprised Spence isn't starting on the wing or even involved at all.

[tackle-bag]

Great win for Ulster last night. To beat the reigning champions (who effectively fielded their first team) while missing so many key players is an excellent result. They really looked like a team who were playing for each other and giving their all on the pitch. One of the many reasons why I think they will fare well this season is because they have experienced leaders all over the park. Best, Botha, Muller, Henry and Wallace are all seasoned competitiors with experience of captaining big teams.

Ferris was simply immense as usual; I was seriously worried when he went down hurt just before half time, but thankfully he seemed fine.

Scrum was solid and will be fortified to an even greater extent when Botha, Tuohy and Henry re-enter the fold.

The young back three performed well in general, a few small mistakes aside. All three looked willing to run the ball back and made a few excellent breaks. D'Arcy looks quick but a tad slight - he should have done a lot better for Biggar's try.

Marshall provides good service at scrum-half, but NOC continues to be fairly ordinary. I really think Ulster ought to play Pienaar at fly-half in the big games; he has a proven record in that position at the highest level.

[rooster]

D'Arcy is signed for a year and we have also signed USA Eagles player Paul Emerick for 3 months as cover for Trimble.