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

I don't understand why more people don't see how good he is. He is huge, fast, skilled. While I know this is not a popular view, I think McFarland isn't really on top of things recently. He seems to have been off form on his selections and the guys at times look scrappy. I know the injury list is awful but the use of Carter over Treadwell and Kearney is daft. I am being polite.

Yep, he's always looked so calm and natural with the ball in hand. Most importantly for him today is that he didn't play poorly in defence, except for maybe one or two moments.

The backline is ticking along nicely - we've seen what Hume and Lowry can do the last few months and I'm a huge fan of McIlroy as well. Baloucoune is starting to play like he knows he belongs, which might be a strange thing to say given that he's just been capped, but he's always played a little erratically to me.

Still better than Carter who is even more likely to go missing.

You have to wonder whether Cooney, McCloskey, Marshall, Addison and Stockdale get back into the Ulster team.

Cooney does...for now...but I thought Doak was really mature today, his box kicks were generally bang on, he was quick at getting the ball away, which is something I'd say he was probably coming to terms with earlier in the season, and he offered a nice running threat as well.

As Awec says Moore was very good today, he has a really sharp dummy on the gainline that he throws when at full flight, he has a great left peg and is an excellent passer. That said McCloskey is still 100% nailed on when fit. He is critical to everything we do. Although it would be nice to see Moore get a run of games together like Hume has managed to do.

A fully on form Stockdale still gets the left wing I think, but when was the last time that was the case? 2019? McIlroy is coming along really well, Stockdale's experience still gets him in the team.

I don't think Marshall gets in ahead of Hume, and I'm not sure Addison gets in ahead of Lowry. We probably forget a bit how good Addison actually is, but at the moment Lowry is on fire.

Final word on the backs today...fair play Billy Burns, he was pretty abject in Thomond, but he was very good today, the best I've seen him play in a while. Its only one match, but I wonder if playing with Doak liberates him a bit. Cooney is the main man when he plays, but Burns is the senior half back with Doak.

Good shift by Marty Moore and Treadwell up front today. Herring had a good game as well.

Great to get 5 points. Will be tough next week without Henderson and McCloskey as Clermont will be more physical that Northampton although I wouldn't be shocked if Hendy was back given the 6Ns is almost upon us...

Nathan Doak is really bloody good isn't he

McElroy must be looking in right now. He is really top quality. I think he's going to have a serious chance to go on the summer tour.

McFarland has said he's spoken to Farrell about McIlroy. Dan's under no illusions, anyway, about how vital Ethan's been.

Don’t take this the wrong way but..at times Ulster looked positively Leinsteresque out there in their passing and support play. What a relief to see Baloucoune back. He looks fragile until he starts bucking through tackles. Sold some lovely dummies too. Management has tricky choices to make in the back line - a good problem.

Ulster really aren't catching much luck with injuries this season.

Izzy can't be too far away now, likewise Jordi.

As I said yesterday I wouldn't bet against Hendy being back this weekend. Do we know how long McCloskey is out for? Hammy wasn't it? Say 4-6 weeks from Northampton home match, maybe more if a severe injury, but it didn't look terrible. Might be a chance for him this weekend. Have to say I quite like Moore at 12, but McCloskey's power is still crucial for Ulster especially against the likes of Clermont. I see Penaud starred at 13 last week. He is a ridiculous talent.

Hard to know what Clermont will turn up this week?

Ultimately I'd rate them better than Saints, Penaud caused us issues last time and I expect their pack will be stronger. Likewise McCloskey caused them issues.Hard choice at 12 knowing McCloskey could start and exit early.

Still advocating 6/2 split.

I agree Clermont are a far cry from the team they were, but losing this could see them miss out on the last 16. It’s unlikely, but all the games that could see that happen are after yours. They need at least 3 points to guarantee their place in the last 16. Fail to get that and they need other results to go their way in order to qualify. So they actually have more to play for than Ulster, who are just looking for an easier draw.