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

With any luck, it’s more.

True. Shambolic

Ulster are in a much better position now than they were in during 2017/2018 when Dan took over (about then anyway, Covid confuses years for me). So for that McFarland deserves genuine credit.

However tonight it was clear one team wanted to win more than the other and that is an absolute stain on Ulster that it was Connacht who wanted it more. Really that is so embarrassing.

To be honest I reckon the Ulster players just thought they had to turn up and win, even Stockdale walking onto the pitch with his kid in his hands and a big smile on his face two minutes before kick off sent the wrong signals in my opinion. I understand it was his 100th cap, but the way it was done was just not right. To be honest as a dad myself I understand why Jacob was giddy with joy but it should just never have been allowed. Stockdale himself played pretty well, but I wonder what the team talk was like if that was allowed. It was just odd.

Connacht just outplayed us across the pitch and deserved to win.

Like any losing team I have a few gripes about the ref, but the reality is that Connacht totally deserved the win.

The last few years have seen improvement on the pitch, we aren't a basket case anymore and the strides Ulster have made will read well on Dan's CV, but all coaches have a shelf life and I think Dan's shelf life has come to an end. Tonight we were devoid of ideas, but I go back to my original point, Connacht wanted it more and that is unforgiveable. Ulster had a huge opportunity and they ballsed it up completely, I really hope they appreciate it how much they have f****d up. That was a career defining balls up for some of them.

If we have anyone beyond a hooker (should be Stewart) and Henderson in the WC squad we will bloody lucky.

This team, squad and majority of coaching team (bar Grant) are done, it's time for a rebuild and it may take two years, so don't expect next year to be any better whoever the coach is.

Finally, some (and a very small minority it has to be said) of Ulster fans tonight were a disgrace tonight. Some absolute clown through a pint onto the pitch at the final whistle which drew a reaction from Aki. Now I didn't like Aki waving "cheerio" to the Memorial Stand, it lacked class, but the I've no idea if something was said as well. I hope to God there wasn't.

Also there was a full on fight in the car park after the match between some fans (Ulster fans I assume) which was like something out off Green Street. It was terrible, really terrible.

All in all, just a really disappointing night to be an Ulster fan, in many ways it was all pretty shameful, on and off the pitch...

I think it’s clear from the body language and attitude of Ulster players they’re not playing for McFarland anymore. Bitching at the ref, bitching at each other. There are serous issues within the camp. McFarland has to take responsibility for that but so do the players. There’s been a clear out of players, there should be a clear out of management and not just the onfield management either. Cunningham should be falling on his sword too.

I thought Dan had Ulster on the right track. It's apparent that he's reached his pinnacle. Ulster were muck. Not just DanMac F's fault. The squad itself is soft as scutter.

Would Hendo and Moore made much of a difference? I doubt it. This team need a boot up the hole. A new coaching team is needed. They've shown us that they're inconsistent and soft under pressure. Next season could be a reset. The likes of Milanosivic and Carter aren't good enough. Passengers is about their level. At least Kitchof and Ewers bring some toughness. Sheridan needs to develop and should be given every opportunity. There's nothing after Burns! No competition and he's really not top quality.

Carty was awful and yet Connachts pack got him over the finish line.

Bill Johnston is playing for Richmond and Munster didn't rate him either so it's not as if he was knocking on the door. Madigan was never any good really, some last minute goal kicks aside. He was brought in for squad depth.

Fully agree about Burns though.

Is he good enough? I haven't seen a lot of him. Thought he did very well in SA though, so he might rightly feel aggrieved especially as Doak and Lowry have probably spent just as much time in flyhalf this year.

The season is over. There is no way of finishing the season well!

Other than Sheridan, there is Jude Postelwaite who should be able to step up. Other than that you're looking at 2 or 3 good Academy prospects who have yet to play for the senior team, namely Scott Wilson, James McNabney and maybe James McCormick, Reuben Crothers and Lorcan McLaughlin. I don't think there is really anyone else who are in any way close to making the step up.

None of them are 10s though...

Actually think Ulster will do well next season on the basis that they will have a solid preseason done. Wereas other clubs will have players away in the WC

Our pack talent is overrated and our attacking game plan regressed massively this year. Need some coaching changes and we need more talent in the pack.

Ulster should approach Frawley or HB. I'd be loathe to losing either. Burns isn't winning any silverware, he's just not a driver of standards and he disappears when the crap is flying.

Depending on the schedule for the start of the season, Ulster need to get the young crop involved. Develop them early and maybe they improve the team.

Surely they are worth a go?

Why bother having them in the squad if your never going to use them?

It's not just Burns! There's something other than him. They were bossed around in stages yesterday. Where is the fight?

Burns isnt in the same league as Gopperth and Sheedy. Not getting past the latter two not a reason for being left ride pine.

And im not so certain about your stance on Mcfarlands intelligence because he has done a sizeable number of idiotic things