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

I don't buy it. We don't want to lose at home, obviously, but we're more likely to be competing with Connacht for a final eight position at the end of the season than last year's champions. So an eight or seven point swing between us and Connacht is much more significant.

Well, we might be, and it might be a disastrous season. A top six team doesn't rest players when it might be the difference between four or one point(s)

More likely Rowntree just thinks Munster is at the centre of everyone's universe.

Kind of baffling that for years Ulster have been crying out for an out half to step up and put pressure on Burns, and when one finally does that, they won't pick him.

McFarland's loyalty to certain players will be his downfall. You could argue it has been his downfall.

That's awful from Burns.

Frank Murphy isn't biased in any way. He's just bad at his job.

...

I don't think that's a card at all?

David McCann was outstanding tonight. But what a debut from Scott Wilson. Seriously impressive!

Edit - actually David McCann was better than outstanding. At times before Hendy and Herring came on he was a one a man show in the pack. Genuinely top top show from him tonight. I, and others, said at the start of the season that this was a big season for him. He is delivering big time.

Please don't do this, not again. I can't stomach the inevitable downfall.

We've learnt our lesson from last year, there'll be no optimism in this thread, not on my watch. Unless, of course, we get Leinster in another knockout and I get another night out in Dublin. But that'll be the alcohol talking, under no circumstances will any positive/optimistic post regarding Ulster be be in any way grounded in reality.

In terms of producing new players, I'd love for Sheridan and McCann to really cement themselves this year. Sheridan might be blocked a little by Ewers but I see no reason he shouldn't be gunning for Treadwell/AOC's spot. I honestly don't know where McCann's best position will be but with Reffell's injury and the fact that Timoney is about are only backrower that can play 8, there should be plenty of opportunities. His competition is Rea x2 and greg Jones.

I don't really think there will be any more than that. I hope Crothers gets at least a little game time to put his brief debut behind him and we all came away surprised/excited by Wilson but he's very young for a prop so I'm not really expecting anything major from him. Postlethwaite is one I'd be exited about but McCloskey is key for us in big games and Hume is having a resurgence so maybe a year too early for him.

McCann is surely part of our strongest back row selection. Him, Timoney and Ewers in pretty much any order. Timoney at 8 on the plastic might make sense.

There may be questions about his height, but I'd gave Sheridan in the row, there's obviously a fair bit of competition.

Agree on Postelthwaite who hasn't looked out of place this season.

Hopefully Crothers gets another go and Wilson has earned more a shot as well, but Moore and O'Toole will be ahead of him when they return.

Flannery is the one who could shake things up. He has brilliant hands and given our new attacking shape he might slot in there nicely. Billy's kicking game is still important to us. But I think there will at least be proper competition there this season.

I'll take a 4th place finish in the URC, haven't a clue about Europe, I couldn't even tell you the structure, something about 6 team groups, but you only play some teams. Not sure if there is a round of 16 or not, I know we play Toulouse, we'll see what happens. I'm almost at the point where the URC interests me more. Not sure if that says more about the URC or the state of the European Cup.

Well now, well now. No Shea, but plenty interesting about this team.

Ulster v Emirates Lions, Round 5 BKT United Rugby Championship, Kingspan Stadium, 7 35pm, Live on BBC NI, Viaplay, TG4 and URC.tv

(15-9) Stewart Moore, Rob Baloucoune, James Hume, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Jake Flannery, Nathan Doak;

(1-8) Andrew Warwick, Rob Herring, Scott Wilson, Alan O’Connor, Iain Henderson (C), Dave Ewers, Reuben Crothers, David McCann.

Replacements: John Andrew, Eric O’Sullivan, Marty Moore, Harry Sheridan, Lorcan McLoughlin, John Cooney, Billy Burns, Mike Lowry.

Crothers, Wilson and Flannery starting.

Marty Moore (!), Sheridan and Lorcan McLoughlin on the bench.

Much to like.

Agree with the above, I really like this team.

How good is it for Scott Wilson and Reuben Crothers to be blooded in a pack with Henderson, Ewers and Herring.

Flannery is in what is essentially a first choice backline...or close to it anyway.

Big chance for Lorcan McLaughlin as well