Ulster vs. Munster aka Saffas vs. Munster As

[monkeypigeon]

Does anyone know, is Ian Nagle still a tyall stick or as he broadened out a bit?

Shame about the rain. I'd love to have seen a match with 2 sets of exciteable young backs running around like headless chickens.

Have a feeling that there'll be some tries from forwards smashing through unsuspecting youngsters.

Should be fun anyway

 

[durbutter]

Conditions look dreadful. Could be an awful match. The conditions favour Ulster.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Not a bad match this, all things considered.
Not the best i've ever seen, but considering the amount of players out and the poor weather, it could be a lot worse.

 

[cyRil]

...Massive game so far.

 

[cyRil]

Ruan, you knob.

 

[cyRil]

x2.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Pienaar has been total muck since signing for Ulster. One good performance out of four games. His kicking is atrocious and decision making is worse. Maybe he's just knackered after a long season in Super Rugby and for South Africa. Whatever it is, he needs to sort himself out quickly because right now he's not as good a scrum half as Paul Marshall (and that's saying something).

I don't see any progression in this team under Brian McLaughlin. He'll see out the season but unless there are drastic improvements he'll be out of a job in the summer.

 

[durbutter]

Good stuff by Munster tonight. Thought Nagle was great.

All the youny guns did well, but Deasy is clearly not a fullback. But he's obviously not seen by the Mgmt anywhere else.

 

[coonor]

I think the difference was that Munsters senior players stood up today, Warick, stringer and Howlett controlled the game well. Ulsters more experienced players let the side down. Muller and Pienaar were awful. Ulsters better players were their younger ones, D'Arcy, Spence and Marshall all had a good game. Nagle was impressive, it looked like he had been playing for Munster a this level for years. I think Pienaar needs to adjust his kicking game and if not Humphreys take the place kicking role.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Good stuff by Munster tonight. Thought Nagle was great.

All the youny guns did well, but Deasy is clearly not a fullback. But he's obviously not seen by the Mgmt anywhere else.

I agree with this. Nagle is a fantastic prospect. It'll be interesting to see what Munster decide to do with him since he's clearly good enough to play but has O'Callaghan, O'Connell, O'Driscoll and Ryan ahead of him. I see one of Nagle or Ryan leaving in the summer for regular/more frequent game time.

In all my *****ing about Pienaar and Ulster I didn't mention that Munster were full value for their win. Tony McGahan is building a good squad one piece at a time.

Edit- If Ulster's kicking woes persist for another few games I think they'll sent an SOS out for Gareth Steenson. At least he can put the ball between the posts.

 

[coonor]

I find it strange that everyone (including me) was saying Munster will suffer as they are missing nearly 20 key players but now think Ulster really missed their unavaliable players. Rory best was needed to structure and inspire the squad as captain, Ferris needed to add more physicallity to Ulster. Wallace was needed to find space in the centre and spark up the young backs, his kicking may have helped as well. Cave was needed to bust through the very good Munster defence.

 

[Conal]

I find it strange that everyone (including me) was saying Munster will suffer as they are missing nearly 20 key players but now think Ulster really missed their unavaliable players. Rory best was needed to structure and inspire the squad as captain, Ferris needed to add more physicallity to Ulster. Wallace was needed to find space in the centre and spark up the young backs, his kicking may have helped as well. Cave was needed to bust through the very good Munster defence.

never besides court and botha as with them brian young wouldnt have played!

 

[coonor]

never besides court and botha as with them brian young wouldnt have played!

I agree but I actually think the scrum could have gone alot worse for Ulster. Ulster just are not clinical they need to take their opportunities and with such poor kickers and a very latteral backs.

 

[Peat]

Pienaar has been total muck since signing for Ulster. One good performance out of four games. His kicking is atrocious and decision making is worse. Maybe he's just knackered after a long season in Super Rugby and for South Africa. Whatever it is, he needs to sort himself out quickly because right now he's not as good a scrum half as Paul Marshall (and that's saying something).

I don't see any progression in this team under Brian McLaughlin. He'll see out the season but unless there are drastic improvements he'll be out of a job in the summer.

Pienaar's goal kicking stats have never been very good, but can't agree about the rest of your statement. He's playing well, particularly considering he's been besides 3 different fly-halves with and the pack gradually declining for its impressive start.

Oh well. Saw it coming. Still enjoyed going to Ravenhill for the first time despite it. Ulster have some definite talent coming through but increasingly you've got to wonder if the current coaching team is the unit to bring them through.

edit: kicker - we need one desperately. D'Arcy had a great record at Manly apparently. Elsewise, Wallace or iHumph. I'd kill to have Steenson back. Keatley's stats have been quite good. Rumours that Who's looking at Bambry at Hinch, who apparently can kick... tbh, i don't care who, just find someone to convert the pressure! Think we'd have won that with a real kicker.

 

[munstermuffin]

Lads what a night ha. But well not much to say only this game was truly won by the inexperienced guys who stood up and were counted. When Quinny went off I worried as we might have been too shy but well everyone stood up and I agree with comments that there are 2 new 2nd rows in competition for spots.