Ulster Team Talk Thread IV... Go On My Henderson...

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Thought Sheridan had his best performance yet against England for the U20s. Played with aggro; tough and physical. Starting to wonder if he could be a blindside with a bit of dog in him.

Didn't see the game vs Japan - sounds like no-one really covered themselves in glory.

bilston wrote: »

Henderson to skipper the Lions against the Sharks.

Great achievement.

Locke_Lamora wrote: »

And Ulster aren't playing this weekend to ruin it all.

U20s was fun, lots to unpack.

Doak certainly the standout for us, and in a position of need as well which is great. He looked very very nervous to me in his senior debut, but he showed what he's capable of. He made a few mistakes and I'm not as enamoured as others were, but he has a good pass and a great boot which is all we really need when we're going into next season with shanahan as out no.2 option. McKee didn't show much apart from his rucking skills. Not really a problem when we have Doak and Finlay already in the academy.

I try not to be too down on age-grade players in general, but I was very unimpressed by Humphreys. He just didn't look like a lad that's ready for that level. Tackling was woeful, kicking poor, didn't show anything that made me think 'that's probably why he's in the academy.' The team getting better immediately every time he left the field wasn't a great look.

Moxham was fine, he's a good athlete that backs himself and hits hard. In his senior/A game time I always thought he was bit headless going in for tackles out wide, but he seemed much better at timing the hits during the tournament. He wasn't tested much, but it would be huge for him if he has that down. I think the main criticism is that he doesn't seem to be a high IQ player and wasn't too reassuring under the high ball, and those sorts of players don't usually work out unless you're an exceptional athlete. But he's the sort of player I'm happy to take a chance on when we have the wingers we have in the squad. Rankin got very little minutes which isn't great. Seems like the ulster and Ireland coaches preferred Moxham, which makes that two players that have leapfrogged him after entering the academy after him. His leg was strapped though, so could have been an injury.

Very happy with Sheridan. Everyone (me included) probably wishes he had a slightly bigger frame he could fill out over time, but I've seen larger second rows shy away from the physical stuff before. He made yards against a bigger england pack that he had no right to make. He'll have those games every now and again for us where we wished he was bigger I reckon, but the main thing is he's probably the best 2nd row prospect we're had since henderson. I think he's more promising that any of the young forwards we have bar stewart and maybe Mccann. If Izzy could come back in decent shape then we're rolling. I was worried about Crother's size coming into the tournament but he didn't put a foot wrong and made his tackles well. Looking forward to seeing what he's up to next year.

Didn't think carson was great. Looks too small to be a centre who's game relies on the physical stuff. I was more interested in Postlewaithe, who's back next year as well. He's not the quickest but he's big and had some very eye catching runs and hits. Not sure why he's not in the academy yet.

Meant to say, I also noticed that when the camera cut to Farrell after the game, he was chatting with Lowry. Hopefully Mike is making an impression.

Forgot about saunderson. Showed up well enough in open play against france, but I cringed watching the scrums. Surely he's 3 or 4 years away from being allowed onto the field with ulster? I'd honestly be concerned for his safety.

Yea crothers, carson and Jude all have another year. Not sure who else to expect to be around the squad from ulster, I know a few names that I've seen once or twice but any year below this crop is mostly a mystery to me.

Stewart, Sheridan and Doak seem to be the three Ulster prospects from this age group, Stewart and Doak look to be A* pupils.

Hopefully Crothers and Postelwaite step up next season.

We'll hopefully find out in the next few months who to look out for in the next age group.

Humphreys was very poor! I was very disappointed. Moxham certainly has the athleticism and physique. He could be a good player. McKee is not a scrum half! He didn't look comfortable. I suppose he could improve and be a depth type player. Postlethwaite looks like a keeper. Big strong lad that's only 19. Very impressive. Sheridan was great! A bit small but very willing. Kind of like AOC! He could do a job at 6. I reckon he'll be a fixture in the Ulster team soon.

Doak was impressive! Serious potential. I think he will be an international player. Very good prospect. Sanderson needs time! Could progress if given an academy spot. Very big lad and has room to learn. Crothers while impressive, is very light. Maybe he could switch to openside. Carson has another year of eligibility and the jury is out on him.

Overall, Ulster have some good talent and a couple of lads that could impress if they got the right coaching.

Second row at Wallace and possibly a 10 at Ballymena? Might have been you that mentioned the Wallace second row in the past, or maybe it was the Leinster fan who seems to change his username constantly but has a decent knowledge of age group rugby.

Wonder if we could target Rodrigo Bruni for a short term deal. 110kg no8, potm twice against wales and currently playing proD2 for Vannes

Is there a reason he's playing for Vannes? The Jaguares breaking up, just?

In fairness, there's a lot of territory between Wilson and an on-song Nick W or Coetzee.

I don't think we need a superstar (although one would be most welcome!) We just need a heavyweight carrier. We have a load of well-skilled, fast players with good engines. We need a wrecking ball.