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

McIlroy is the next best, I'd say.

Jake Flannery joining us from next season, apparently.

I'd be happy with that. One of the young Munster 10s were likely to be a target. Flannery or Healy were the two most likely.

Scrappy enough Schools Cup Final so far. The Methody FB looks a good player as does their 7.

The Campbell second row just made a sensational break as well. Ireland U18 apparently. Ryan Bairdesque.

Yeah it turned out to be a great game in the end.

I watched it back and the final penalty was fair. The campbell player must've thought that he won the ball before he went off his feet, but the absolute worst thing you can do after the ref says hands off, is to keep playing the ball on the ground.

I've always been lower on Carson and thought he was ok the other day but I know a few people who've had plenty of praise for him, so it it what it is. Experts don't post in boards.ie and here I am lol. That injury must have been awful to deal with, especially as he's just starting out his professional career and looking to impress amongst several other talented centres we have. Can't have been easy on his mental health.

The u20's have been more than enjoyable, I love the pace they play at and the way they throw everything at the other team. Even against a huge French pack there was no fear taking the ball at pace into tackles and there were few of those nervous knock-ons at the gainline. I definitely agree that people assumed this wouldn't be a vintage side because they've played so little. People didn't know what names to look out for going into it and I think the lack of truly standout players has maybe coloured peoples views of this years team. In previous teams I remember watching a few players and just thinking to myself '50 caps.' There hasn't been the same sort of obviousness this year - I think Culhane is playing incredible has been our best player but he looks a little gangly and doesn't fit the traditional no.8 appearance.

I like to look at u20 teams in two ways - what they put out on the field during the tournament, and what those players can then go on and do for the provinces and Ulster. What they've put out on the field has been fantastic so far, no point worrying about the second part.

It was suggested on another forum that certain players were left out because it was a 50-50 call with an ulster player and there happens to be an ulster coach in the squad. Couple weeks later praises are being sung about the coaching. Alrighty then.

Have to say I’ve also really enjoyed the U20 games! Genuinely exciting heads up rugby and great to watch!

If Crothers can overcome his size, he genuinely could be world class. That’s a big boast but he has the leadership, brains & games management. Punch well above his weight! He just seems to read the game perfectly, not forgetting the numerous occasions he has provided last ditch tackling/turnovers saving the U20s.

Still look with envy at Munsters young pack developing, we’re still a couple of seasons away from the academies revamp reaping its reward!

I don't worry about size (oo-er matron etc etc).

Mike Lowry just earned his first international cap - in the Six Nations, mind, not against Canada. Harry Sheridan was absolutely motoring last U20 6N despite being a not-huge backrow playing second row.

I think fans tend to focus on heights and weights because they're something quantifiable that they can empirically compare (if any of the given stats are actually accurate). Will Crothers make it? Dunno. If he displays the same leadership, nous, indefatigable energy levels, technique and rapport with refs he's shown this competition, he'll be infinitely more valuable than any number of 6'4" back row flat track bullies.

100% - they're being selected on skillset. And winning.

McNabney (backrow) and Wilson (TH) are the standouts that might be back next season, from an Ulster POV. Having said that, I remember being a bit underwhelmed by Crothers last season at U20s... when he was a year underage and we were beating everyone. Sometimes you just need to give yourself an uppercut.

Hope McFarland has paid attention to Munster's SA tour. We really don't want to replicate their results.

I've noticed this attitude as well amongst some.

Whatever about future Irish players there looks to be a few future Ulster players in this group, Wilson, McCormick, McLaughlin, McNabney and Postelwaite all look really promising. It's great to see.

We look to have a good conveyor belt working now.

There looked to be 2 or 3 really promising players in the Schools Cup Final as well.

The Irish U18s and U19s squads are usually announced around this time of year so it will be interesting to see how many Ulster lads get picked.

Definitely a nice core building, hopefully they can push onto the seniors and don't go awol.

The way finances are going, you can see a lot more emphasis on identification and making sure these guys progress into the seniors.

Postlewaite has been very good! He's been that good the rest of the team/support runners have struggled, he's been making ground for fun!

McLoughlin has a bit of dog about him!