Connacht v Ulster

[An Tarbh]

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The first interpro of the season sees Connacht hosting Ulster whose confidence should certainly be high following last week's victory over Cardiff Blues. Ulster will be looking to put their defeat to Edinburgh behind them, a match they really should have won, by getting a good victory in Galway.

Nagusa should be fit for Ulster after only suffering from cramp in the Edinburgh match while Paddy Wallace and Andrew Trimble look set for their first starts.

Connacht: TBC

Ulster: (forwards): N Brady, BJ Botha, B Young, E O'Donoghue, A Kyriacou, D Tuohy, R Diack, C Henry, S Ferris, W Faloon, T Anderson, N McComb , T Court, D Fitzpatrick
(Backs): T Nagusa, D Cave, A Trimble, S Danielli, I Whitten, P Marshall, I Boss, I Humphreys, P Wallace, C Schifcofske.

 

[An Tarbh]

Bradley has named his side for this one with Keatley back in fly half having not started last weekend.

CONNACHT

15 Gavin Duffy
14 Brian Tuohy
13 Troy Nathan
12 Keith Matthews
11 Fionn Carr
10 Ian Keatley
9 Frank Murphy

1 Brett Wilkinson
2 Sean Cronin
3 Jamie Hagan
4 Andrew Browne
5 Bernie Upton
6 John Muldoon ©
7 Ray Ofisa
8 Mike McComish

16 Adrian Flavin 17 Robbie Morris 18 Mike McCarthy 19 Johnny O'Connor 20 Conor O'Loughlin 21 Liam Bibo 22 Aidan Wynne

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

The Ulster team (I hate the format they use on their official website):
(1-8) Tom Court, Andy Kyriacou, Brendon Botha, Dan Tuohy, Ed O’Donoghue, Stephen Ferris, Willie Faloon, Robbie Diack

(15-9) Clinton Schifcofske, Timoci Nagusa, Darren Cave, Paddy Wallace (Captain), Simon Danielli Ian Humphreys, Isaac Boss

(16-22) Nigel Brady, Declan Fitzpatrick, Neil McComb, Chris Henry, Paul Marshall, Ian Whitten, Andrew Trimble


I don't rate the Ulster tight 5 apart from Botha (the others would be squad players for a decent setup and nothing more) but their backrow or Ferris, Faloon and Diack should **** all over their Connacht counterparts. The Ulster centres also have a significant edge over Nathan and Matthews. Home advantage will help Connacht but if Ian Humphreys brings his kicking boots, Ulster have enough in the tank to wind up comfortable winners. Connacht have a chance but I think the away team will win by 10 points or so.

 

[An Tarbh]

Ferris picked up a knock in training so his place goes to Chris Henry, hopefully not too serious.

 

[munstermuffin]

Big test here for Connacht as is common in Derby game but think Ferris is a massive loss.

Think Connacht have a massive chance as even Munster and Leinster struggle in the Blustery Sportsground.

Ulster have to step up soon as the loss to Edinburgh at home wasn't a great showing but Cave v Carr will be some clash in the centre as will Humps v Keatley as both will be trying to play themselves into Declan Kidneys mind

But just have a sneaky feeling Connacht will sneak it.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 24 2009, 06:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Ulster have to step up soon as the loss to Edinburgh at home wasn't a great showing[/b]

On the contrary, Ulster played damn well and deserved the 4 points. The reason Edinburgh won was Chris Paterson comprehensively won the goalkicking duel and Paddy Wallace had a horror show off the bench.

 

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 24 2009, 06:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Big test here for Connacht as is common in Derby game but think Ferris is a massive loss.

Think Connacht have a massive chance as even Munster and Leinster struggle in the Blustery Sportsground.

Cave v Carr will be some clash in the centre.[/b]

Carr will be playing the wing, where I actually think he always plays.

15 Gavin Duffy
14 Brian Tuohy
13 Troy Nathan
12 Keith Matthews
11 Fionn Carr
10 Ian Keatley
9 Frank Murphy
1 Brett Wilkinson
2 Sean Cronin
3 Jamie Hagan
4 Andrew Browne
5 Bernie Upton
6 John Muldoon ©
7 Ray Ofisa
8 Mike McComish

Rubbish from 4-8 as usual. Good thing Ferris is our or they'd have been eaten alive.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Sep 24 2009, 07:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 24 2009, 06:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Big test here for Connacht as is common in Derby game but think Ferris is a massive loss.

Think Connacht have a massive chance as even Munster and Leinster struggle in the Blustery Sportsground.

Cave v Carr will be some clash in the centre.[/b]

Carr will be playing the wing, where I actually think he always plays.

15 Gavin Duffy
14 Brian Tuohy
13 Troy Nathan
12 Keith Matthews
11 Fionn Carr
10 Ian Keatley
9 Frank Murphy
1 Brett Wilkinson
2 Sean Cronin
3 Jamie Hagan
4 Andrew Browne
5 Bernie Upton
6 John Muldoon ©
7 Ray Ofisa
8 Mike McComish

Rubbish from 4-8 as usual. Good thing Ferris is our or they'd have been eaten alive.
[/b][/quote]

Carr does play on wing but drifts in alot and finds himself in 13 spot alot but meant mainly as they both been talked up alot lately dont agree with been totally rubbish 4-8 as I rate Muldoon and Ofisa can be good on his day but in the backs they can win but agree Ferris is massive difference and should he have been playing it would have been major hammering but have been impressed with Connacht front row so far too.

 

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 24 2009, 10:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Sep 24 2009, 07:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 24 2009, 06:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Big test here for Connacht as is common in Derby game but think Ferris is a massive loss.

Think Connacht have a massive chance as even Munster and Leinster struggle in the Blustery Sportsground.

Cave v Carr will be some clash in the centre.[/b]

Carr will be playing the wing, where I actually think he always plays.

15 Gavin Duffy
14 Brian Tuohy
13 Troy Nathan
12 Keith Matthews
11 Fionn Carr
10 Ian Keatley
9 Frank Murphy
1 Brett Wilkinson
2 Sean Cronin
3 Jamie Hagan
4 Andrew Browne
5 Bernie Upton
6 John Muldoon ©
7 Ray Ofisa
8 Mike McComish

Rubbish from 4-8 as usual. Good thing Ferris is our or they'd have been eaten alive.
[/b][/quote]

Carr does play on wing but drifts in alot and finds himself in 13 spot alot but meant mainly as they both been talked up alot lately dont agree with been totally rubbish 4-8 as I rate Muldoon and Ofisa can be good on his day but in the backs they can win but agree Ferris is massive difference and should he have been playing it would have been major hammering but have been impressed with Connacht front row so far too.

[/b][/quote]

Ok, fair enough. Muldoon is quite good and Ofisa isn't bad on his day. But the second row is weak no matter how you look at it and The backrow as a unit hust isn't good.

I think O'Connor should be given another chance to get to where he was before he moved to Connacht. They could use a player of that quality at the breakdown.

And I totally agree they that have a very competant front row and Cronin is brilliant.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Sep 24 2009, 10:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 24 2009, 10:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Sep 24 2009, 07:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 24 2009, 06:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Big test here for Connacht as is common in Derby game but think Ferris is a massive loss.

Think Connacht have a massive chance as even Munster and Leinster struggle in the Blustery Sportsground.

Cave v Carr will be some clash in the centre.[/b]

Carr will be playing the wing, where I actually think he always plays.

15 Gavin Duffy
14 Brian Tuohy
13 Troy Nathan
12 Keith Matthews
11 Fionn Carr
10 Ian Keatley
9 Frank Murphy
1 Brett Wilkinson
2 Sean Cronin
3 Jamie Hagan
4 Andrew Browne
5 Bernie Upton
6 John Muldoon ©
7 Ray Ofisa
8 Mike McComish

Rubbish from 4-8 as usual. Good thing Ferris is our or they'd have been eaten alive.
[/b][/quote]

Carr does play on wing but drifts in alot and finds himself in 13 spot alot but meant mainly as they both been talked up alot lately dont agree with been totally rubbish 4-8 as I rate Muldoon and Ofisa can be good on his day but in the backs they can win but agree Ferris is massive difference and should he have been playing it would have been major hammering but have been impressed with Connacht front row so far too.

[/b][/quote]

Ok, fair enough. Muldoon is quite good and Ofisa isn't bad on his day. But the second row is weak no matter how you look at it and The backrow as a unit hust isn't good.

I think O'Connor should be given another chance to get to where he was before he moved to Connacht. They could use a player of that quality at the breakdown.

And I totally agree they that have a very competant front row and Cronin is brilliant.
[/b][/quote]

Agree Monkey their 2nd row is major problem but you highlighted problem perfectly as they good individuals but not blending as a unit.

Just an off question: Do you remember Mark McHugh the utility back for Connacht where is he now

 

[An Tarbh]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 24 2009, 11:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Sep 24 2009, 10:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 24 2009, 10:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Sep 24 2009, 07:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 24 2009, 06:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Big test here for Connacht as is common in Derby game but think Ferris is a massive loss.

Think Connacht have a massive chance as even Munster and Leinster struggle in the Blustery Sportsground.

Cave v Carr will be some clash in the centre.[/b]

Carr will be playing the wing, where I actually think he always plays.

15 Gavin Duffy
14 Brian Tuohy
13 Troy Nathan
12 Keith Matthews
11 Fionn Carr
10 Ian Keatley
9 Frank Murphy
1 Brett Wilkinson
2 Sean Cronin
3 Jamie Hagan
4 Andrew Browne
5 Bernie Upton
6 John Muldoon ©
7 Ray Ofisa
8 Mike McComish

Rubbish from 4-8 as usual. Good thing Ferris is our or they'd have been eaten alive.
[/b][/quote]

Carr does play on wing but drifts in alot and finds himself in 13 spot alot but meant mainly as they both been talked up alot lately dont agree with been totally rubbish 4-8 as I rate Muldoon and Ofisa can be good on his day but in the backs they can win but agree Ferris is massive difference and should he have been playing it would have been major hammering but have been impressed with Connacht front row so far too.

[/b][/quote]

Ok, fair enough. Muldoon is quite good and Ofisa isn't bad on his day. But the second row is weak no matter how you look at it and The backrow as a unit hust isn't good.

I think O'Connor should be given another chance to get to where he was before he moved to Connacht. They could use a player of that quality at the breakdown.

And I totally agree they that have a very competant front row and Cronin is brilliant.
[/b][/quote]

Agree Monkey their 2nd row is major problem but you highlighted problem perfectly as they good individuals but not blending as a unit.

Just an off question: Do you remember Mark McHugh the utility back for Connacht where is he now
[/b][/quote]

He had a spell with Montpellier but I think he's with Nice now, he played in the Leinster pre-season friendly.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Ulster chasing a bonus point. They lead 6-25 and have scored three tries after 72 minutes.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

....and they get the 4th try. Ian Humphreys caps an excellent display with the bonus point score. Cave, Botha and Nagusa with the others.

Connacht really are a shambolic outfit.

Full time: 6-30. Ulster up to 2nd place. Brian McLoughlin has them going in the right direction.

 

[munstermuffin]

Thanks Monkey for that update on Mark McHugh must look him up see how he doing. Always thought he'd make his way to Munster or Leinster as he was a talented utility back.

As for match

I apologize to everyone that i tried to say Connacht were improving.
That is a major blow at home and but guess it shows there is major gap there and Connacht have unbelievable work to do

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

After the game, Michael Bradley's record as coach was called into question for the first time by the media. Hopefully this will set in motion pressure being put on the Connacht branch to remove him from the job. The valid point was made that Connacht have no real options other than their current XV so Bradley's hands are partially tied but they also said that he's patently not getting his message through. The players need to listen to a fresh voice. Six years of bad results with the same coach is far too long.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (snoopy snoopy dog dog @ Sep 26 2009, 12:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

After the game, Michael Bradley's record as coach was called into question for the first time by the media. Hopefully this will set in motion pressure being put on the Connacht branch to remove him from the job. The valid point was made that Connacht have no real options other than their current XV so Bradley's hands are partially tied but they also said that he's patently not getting his message through. The players need to listen to a fresh voice. Six years of bad results with the same coach is far too long.[/b]

Exactly, he there 6years and can we say honestly there has been progress ...... And this is Bradley who expected to get the Munster job and possibly would have only for players not happy with idea... And luckily we got McGahan who brought in Fisher as they are excellent and compliment eachother nicely.

But as you say Connacht have no options you must remember Keatley is only back-up #10 and has Irish caps and Jonny O'Connor is on bench i think it more getting a man in that will blend the team together and somehow build a SOLID CONSISTENT unit rather than indivduals

 

[feicarsinn]

I understood none of that last paragraph.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Sep 26 2009, 01:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I understood none of that last paragraph.[/b]

I thought ye Leinster fans were the smart ones

 

[munstermuffin]

Lads was listening on radio there and review of game last night there is reports of major argument that erupted at half-time between Bradley, Gavin Duffy and Dan McFarland (Forwards Coach). Can anyone confirm this or suggest a reason. It hard to work out why a forwards coach and Duffy would be involved unless it was originally Duffy and Bradley with McFarland intervening

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 26 2009, 06:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Lads was listening on radio there and review of game last night there is reports of major argument that erupted at half-time between Bradley, Gavin Duffy and Dan McFarland (Forwards Coach). Can anyone confirm this or suggest a reason. It hard to work out why a forwards coach and Duffy would be involved unless it was originally Duffy and Bradley with McFarland intervening[/b]

Very interesting. What radio station did you hear it on? If it's true senior players are rallying against their coach, Bradley won't win that power struggle.