Johann Muller: Out Of Africa [Into Ulster]

[ORothlain]

Johann Muller: Out Of Africa [Into Ulster]

It was easy to make the decision to experience something different and come to Ulster, I've always wanted to come to the Northern Hemisphere, the difficult part was leaving Durban and my friends behind after 12 years.
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/11932.php

In regards to his decision to join Ulster, he has commented that he did it still with hopes to be selected for South Africa:
The Springboks have relaxed their policy of not selecting players who are with overseas clubs.
"They had their window when they were not picking overseas players but that has changed and there are a couple of them playing," said lock Muller.
"If they phoned me tomorrow I would not think twice about saying yes."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/ulster/8826692.stm

I'm hoping he makes a strong addition to Ulster. He'll make his first appearance on 13 August at Ravenhill against Bath.

 

[coonor]

Ulster look to have a world class sqaud next season should be a large improvment from last season. Much more real competition for places.

 

[Conal]

i think muller is right
we (ulster ) should not expect instant success yes i expect us to do better but the season after should be a hell of a season for us

 

[Peat]

There's still a lot of young faces around. I'd happily take a playoff challenge and 2nd place in our HC group now. Steady progress. I hope for better of course though.

 

[tinchy17]

Ulster look to have a world class sqaud next season should be a large improvment from last season. Much more real competition for places.

Such as Ruan Pienaar

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Such as Ruan Pienaar

He's signed for Ulster?
I would've thought someone would've mentioned it on here

 

[User1245]

He has indeed. As of the 4th of September he is a Ulster dude.

On Muller, never liked him as a player although he was a great servant to Natal rugby.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

He has indeed. As of the 4th of September he is a Ulster dude.

I know
saracensangel has brought it up three times in the past day or so

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Well, it will be a busy end of the year. I was planning a trip to Paris to visit Francois Steyn playing for Racing Metro... Now I have to go to Ulster as well hehe

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Ulster will be the surprise side next season in the ML.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

The first match with Johann... Cannot wait for Ruan Pienaar to make his debut and for BJ Botha to return. Also Wannenberg played amazing against Ospreys. The Afrikaner colony at Ulster... I love it!

 

[Peat]

The first match with Johann... Cannot wait for Ruan Pienaar to make his debut and for BJ Botha to return. Also Wannenberg played amazing against Ospreys. The Afrikaner colony at Ulster... I love it!

Don't forget Diack.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I'm a big fan of Robbie Diack- he was a great find and is a dynamic number 8. Matt Williams shipped a lot of criticism for his man management while at Ulster but he was brilliant in the transfer market. Look at his record:

Dan Tuohy - English Division 1 to Ireland international
Andy Kyriacou - Saracens squad player to Ulster backup and Ireland A international
BJ Botha - no explanation necessary
Ed O'Donoghue - commanded the lineout and became an Ireland squad player
Ian Humphreys - mixes the ridiculous with the sublime but there's no denying his talent
Timoci Nagusa - when fit he was a try scoring machine
Clinton Schifcofske - a solid 15
Robbie Diack - excellent open field runner who'll be qualified to play for Ireland this time next year

Back on topic, Muller is captaining Ulster this weekend in only his 2nd competitive game for the province.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Robbie Diack just came on as a sub. That's 3 South Africans in the first match I'm watching. O boy... Can't wait to see Pienaar play for Ulster. We're going to miss him a lot in Durban but it gives me a reason to cheer for you Ulsterians this season

27-26 now. 8 minutes to go... Not too sure about this now

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

Man o man. What a match. Diack didn't play too bad. Beating the Ospreys. Don't know how big of a performance that is but it looked pretty good.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Was the game today?
Then I missed it

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

No. It's the game of last weekend but I haven't had a chance to watch it yet. No time to watch it live over the weekend so I downloaded it and watched it today. First half on my way to work, second half on my way home

 

[ORothlain]

Ulster will be the surprise side next season in the ML.

Yeah, I definitely think we can pull off some big wins this season. I'm really happy with what they've done over the summer. If the back line can click as well as the forwards play, look out ML and Europe!

 

[Peat]

I still hold that Ulster have too many pieces to click together and are too short of quality in certain positions and might have to settle for a building season... I'd be delighted if it all clicked faster and the Ulstermen really went places this year tho.

But damnit, someone has to be a pessimist around here, and that someone is me!

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

When Ulster wanted some Saffas to go play up North they really seemed to go for over-the-hill or overrated players. Get a South African consultant so that you can target the quality. I think plenty of our guys would enjoy a stint in Ireland. Also, the Magners league and Heiniken Cup is way better than what I am expecting from the new S15 format. Johann Muller, LOL.