The Ulster Thread

[UlsterRugby2012]

Where do we think Olding will play next season, assuming he recovers fully? He can play 10-12-13-15.. but I feel he would be wasted as a utility back on the bench.

9 and 10 picks itself. If Trimble keeps up his form and Gilroy remains average then the wings also pick themselves.
Farrell is gone which is a pity, hopefully he'll get good experience next year, but now McCloskey is looking like a really good prospect for us. McCloskey and Farrell in the centre would be ridiculous for power. (or mass as Ewis likes to go on about..)
So the possible combinations, leaving out McCloskey as it's just too early for him really..

(1)
12: Marshall (Olding Bench)
13: Cave
15: Payne

(2)
12: Olding (Marshall Bench)
13: Cave
15: Payne

(3)
12: Marshall (Cave Bench)
13: Olding
15: Payne

(4)
12: Marshall (Cave Bench)
13: Payne
15: Olding

Personally I like (3) although it does seem harsh on Cave, as well as the fact he doesn't provide much versatility on the bench covering only 12 and 13.. throw in the fact McCloskey has looked good so far and will only improve next season, it could be quite the headache..

Haven't included it here but I think Cave could easily play 12 too and probably has the best defense out of them all.

 

[big ginger 8]

Where do we think Olding will play next season, assuming he recovers fully?

Leinster.

Laziness is the answer to your first question.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Louis Ludik is now following Ulster and an Ulster fans page on twitter. Fullback/wing cover while Bowe, Trimble, Gilroy and Payne are away or a replacement for one of them? I'd say it's the former. Ludik is hardly top class but is a very useful, versatile cover option when the internationals are being rested.

On Ulster's centre partnership next season, I'd like to see Olding alongside Marshall in a left/right rather than inside/outside alignment. Marshall could exploit his excellent support lines playing further out after Jackson and Olding create space for him if they switch positions liberally. There have been rumours than Payne could move to 13 but I think it'd serve Ireland best were he to stay at 15. Kearney has virtually no decent cover at fullback.

 

[Draggs]

I would say Ludik is a better all around fullback than Payne, to be honest. Very good positioning, solid boot, enters the line well. Should have been the Springboks fullback in 2012 over Kirchner.

 

[lynam1104]

We'll take a couple of Ulsters centers down here no problems.

 

[Peat]

Sorry, we need them all. Unless I've been lied to, Ulster are losing only 3 first team players, and its the three in the tight five we all know about. Although Doyle is going to the Brumbies, which I'm slightly grumpy about.

For me, if he recovers fully, a fit Olding starts in his strongest position - which is probably 12 - and we take it from there and see what happens. I think Cave could benefit strongly from Olding tbh, so not sure its him that loses out instead of Marshall... tough one to call and it gives us real depth. Add in Ludik and from 10 out, Ulster look tidy.

 

[big ginger 8]

Paddy Wallace will retire at the end of the season.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro12/paddy-wallace-confirms-his-retirement-1.1797234

Had some great attacking skills but never big or robust enough for a modern centre.

 

[munstermuffin]

Paddy Wallace will retire at the end of the season.

http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/pro12/paddy-wallace-confirms-his-retirement-1.1797234

Had some great attacking skills but never big or robust enough for a modern centre.

Unfortunate with injuries. Was always a fan of Paddy. He'd be good or poor but always tried and was committed. Remember year we did Grandslam he seemed to get bust open all the time but would still be there trying.
Wish him well in retirement and would fancy him as a good coach

 

[Amiga500]

The fat lady hasn't officially sung yet, but its looking like the end of the road for big Stevie Ferris.

 

[munstermuffin]

The fat lady hasn't officially sung yet, but its looking like the end of the road for big Stevie Ferris.

Hope he can get back but the body just seems like it can't cope

 

[abannister1234]

A lot of rumours about Stuart Hogg?

 

[munstermuffin]

A lot of rumours about Stuart Hogg?

Aren't these around over a month now. I presume the Hogg signing would see Payne go blue for certain

 

[Peat]

Aren't these around over a month now. I presume the Hogg signing would see Payne go blue for certain

You'd be wrong - maybe unfortunately.

 

[abannister1234]

Aren't these around over a month now. I presume the Hogg signing would see Payne go blue for certain

Hogg signing would mean Payne to 13, IN WHITE!

 

[big ginger 8]

Hogg signing would mean Payne to 13, IN WHITE!

And Cave or Olding to 13 in blue! Much more preferential.

 

[abannister1234]

And Cave or Olding to 13 in blue! Much more preferential.

I hope not

 

[UlsterRugby2012]

How would you feel BG8 if Payne signed for you boys and played 13?

 

[big ginger 8]

How would you feel BG8 if Payne signed for you boys and played 13?

Well seeing as he'd be better than anyone else we have at 13 next season, yeah I'd be fairly happy. I know a lot of Ulster fans think he's completely wasted at 13 but he's shown talent there for Ulster before and more so at the Blues. If he got a good run at 13 I think he'd at least be a good H Cup (or whatevs) level 13. Two games with a 13 playing 12 isn't really a good run. So yeah basically I'd be quite happy with it. Though overall I'd probably prefer Olding but that it'd probably bite me in the ass.

 

[munstermuffin]

Thing is Gilroy has looked brilliant at 15. But simply put if Hogg was to sign it'd be a waste of money as it's only pushing Payne to 13 and Ulster have too much talent as it is in centre.

 

[abannister1234]

Seen an article in the Belfast Telegraph claiming that Stuart Hogg may be Irish qualified.... Anybody know how that could be possible?