Ulster 2011--2012

[isola ciarrai]

Match Day Information - Munster v Ulster
4 April 2012, 4:04 pm
By The Editor

Please find all relevant match day information here for Munster's Heineken Cup game against Ulster this Sunday, ko 1.45 pm.
Tickets - There are no tickets on sale for this game.Anyone who has purchased tickets and needs to collect them, can do so from the Mobile Ticket Unit outside the East Stand in Thomond Park on Sunday from 10am. Supporters are advised to come early for their ticket collections.
Please check your tickets for the details of the turnstiles (T1 – T12). Your ticket will only be accepted in the turnstiles identified on your ticket.
View a plan of Thomond Park here.
Travel
The Park and Ride facility will be in operation from the following locations:
Kilmurry Lodge Hotel from 10.00am
Radisson Hotel, Ennis Rd. from 11.30am
South Court Hotel Raheen starting from 10.30am (please note that this replaces Ryans Centra pick up location)
Woodlands Hotel Adare starting at 12.30am
There is a public bus service in operation from outside the Dunnes Stores on Henry St. to Thomond Park starting at 11.45am.
Supporters can pre-book their parking online for Q-Park Harvey’s Quay at www.q-park.ie
There is NO parking in the vicinity of Thomond Park Stadium.
Pre-Match
Pre-Match entertainment starts from 12.45pm, and features Ireland’s folk band of the year The High Kings (Brian Dunphy, Martin Furey, Darren Holden and Finbarr Clancy), Cara O’ Sullivan, the MRSC Choir and Arcana.
Match programmes will be available at the stadium for €5.
There are numerous bars and catering facilities within Thomond Park, all open at 11.45pm.
The Dug Out bar will be open from 11.45am with promotions from Live 95fm.
The Museum is open from 11.00am-13.15pm, with admission only €3.
Please be in your seats/terrace at least 20 minutes before kick-off as entry is NOT guaranteed during the 20 minutes prior to kick off

[taz]

No doubt Ferris will start,what do you think the starting Munster team will be?and do you not think that we should'nt have to wait to the HEC before seeing full strength teams, just for the fans sake

Du Preez Varley BJB
DOC POC
DR COUG POM

Murray ROG

Zebo Mafi Earls Hur
Jones

Sherry,Horan,Archer,MOD,Wally,TOL,Keatley,Murphy

(would prefer Sherry at hooker but doubt it would happen)

[bootlace]

Du Preez Varley BJB
DOC POC
DR COUG POM

Murray ROG

Zebo Mafi Earls Hur
Jones

Sherry,Horan,Archer,MOD,Wally,TOL,Keatley,Murphy

(would prefer Sherry at hooker but doubt it would happen)

Yeah I reckon Sherry should be starting for yas, Wally would also be a big player to play.

Who knows maybe the bench players could decide this game?

[scotscor]

I can see a strong argument for Billy Holland or DOC2 on the bench ahead of MOD, as we will could be taking of DOC and pushing dryan forward. The thing is though that MOD has been in great form for 60 minutes whenever he has played, though has appeared to tire a bit after that - imo.
I'd also like to see Sherry start, a bit hard on Varls but his greatest strength is his steals which might be more effective when Ulster players are tired.

[taz]

I can see a strong argument for Billy Holland or DOC2 on the bench ahead of MOD, as we will could be taking of DOC and pushing dryan forward. The thing is though that MOD has been in great form for 60 minutes whenever he has played, though has appeared to tire a bit after that - imo.
I'd also like to see Sherry start, a bit hard on Varls but his greatest strength is his steals which might be more effective when Ulster players are tired.

DOC2 not in squad.
Edit: Other issue is POC+Ryan lasting 80 mins after coming back from injury,have to have MOD on bench.

[bootlace]

Ulster XV named for Thomond battle
Brian McLaughlin has named Stephen Ferris in his starting XV for the massive Heineken Cup quarter final clash with Munster on Easter Sunday (kick off 1.45pm)...
The inclusion of Ferris, who missed last year's quarter final defeat to Northampton, will come as a major boost to McLaughlin. The Ireland flanker picked up an ankle injury against Aironi in last week's PRO12 clash, but has received extensive treatment throughout the week to be passed fit. Ulster have made just one change to the starting team that registered a 45-7 victory over the Italians at Ravenhill last Friday. Dan Tuohy returns to partner Johann Muller in the second row, with Lewis Stevenson making way. Ireland Internationals Tom Court and Rory Best for the front row with All Black John Afoa, while Chris Henry and Pedrie Wannenburg join Ferris in the back row once more.
The backline has a settled look about it with Ruan Pienaar and Ian Humphreys continuing at half back. Paddy Wallace and Darren Cave have been looking dangerous in midfield and will thrive on the opportunity of quick ball on Sunday. Craig Gilroy adds youth to an experienced back three that also includes Stefan Terblanche and Andew Trimble.
The only other change to the match day squad sees centre Nevin Spence included among the replacements at the expense of Ian Whitten.
Commenting on the inclusion of Ferris, McLaughlin said: "Stevie will play subject to fitness. At this stage we are hopeful that he will be available and a lot of credit should go to our medical team and physios for getting him into this position. He brings a great deal to this team and gives the players around him a massive lift. That is what we need going into a game like this."
The Ulster coach is expecting fireworks from the very first whistle. "It will be an unbelievably physical battle. They will be smarting from their defeat to Leinster at the weekend and they will want to make up for that by beating us on Sunday."
McLaughlin has an almost full strength squad to pick from and he admitted that selection was difficult: "We are as close to full strength as possible so it wasn't an easy job picking the squad. We only have 23 slots and there are a few disappointed boys. Everyone has been working hard over the past few months and some are unlucky to miss out."
Munster have progressed to the last eight having won six games from six in their pool. The two-time Heineken Cup winners have lost just twice at Thomond Park in the history of the competition, to Cardiff back in 1998 and Leicester Tigers in 2007.
The winner on Sunday will earn a home semi final against either Edinburgh or Toulouse, who face each other on Saturday.
Ulster Match Day Squad to face Munster, Sunday 8th April 2012, Thomond Park (kick-off 1.45pm)
(15-9): S Terblanche; A Trimble, D Cave, P Wallace, C Gilroy; I Humphreys, R Pienaar;
(1-8): T Court, R Best, J Afoa, J Muller (capt), D Tuohy, S Ferris, C Henry, P Wannenburg;
Replacements (16-23): N Brady, P McAllister, A Macklin, L Stevenson, W Faloon, P Marshall, N Spence, A D'Arcy
Unavailable due to injury:
Jared Payne (achilles tendon), Simon Danielli (hamstring), Tim Barker (back), Chris Cochrane (foot), James McKinney (shoulder)

[Groundhog]

Ulster XV named for Thomond battle
Brian McLaughlin has named Stephen Ferris in his starting XV for the massive Heineken Cup quarter final clash with Munster on Easter Sunday (kick off 1.45pm)...
The inclusion of Ferris, who missed last year's quarter final defeat to Northampton, will come as a major boost to McLaughlin. The Ireland flanker picked up an ankle injury against Aironi in last week's PRO12 clash, but has received extensive treatment throughout the week to be passed fit. Ulster have made just one change to the starting team that registered a 45-7 victory over the Italians at Ravenhill last Friday. Dan Tuohy returns to partner Johann Muller in the second row, with Lewis Stevenson making way. Ireland Internationals Tom Court and Rory Best for the front row with All Black John Afoa, while Chris Henry and Pedrie Wannenburg join Ferris in the back row once more.
The backline has a settled look about it with Ruan Pienaar and Ian Humphreys continuing at half back. Paddy Wallace and Darren Cave have been looking dangerous in midfield and will thrive on the opportunity of quick ball on Sunday. Craig Gilroy adds youth to an experienced back three that also includes Stefan Terblanche and Andew Trimble.
The only other change to the match day squad sees centre Nevin Spence included among the replacements at the expense of Ian Whitten.
Commenting on the inclusion of Ferris, McLaughlin said: "Stevie will play subject to fitness. At this stage we are hopeful that he will be available and a lot of credit should go to our medical team and physios for getting him into this position. He brings a great deal to this team and gives the players around him a massive lift. That is what we need going into a game like this."
The Ulster coach is expecting fireworks from the very first whistle. "It will be an unbelievably physical battle. They will be smarting from their defeat to Leinster at the weekend and they will want to make up for that by beating us on Sunday."
McLaughlin has an almost full strength squad to pick from and he admitted that selection was difficult: "We are as close to full strength as possible so it wasn't an easy job picking the squad. We only have 23 slots and there are a few disappointed boys. Everyone has been working hard over the past few months and some are unlucky to miss out."
Munster have progressed to the last eight having won six games from six in their pool. The two-time Heineken Cup winners have lost just twice at Thomond Park in the history of the competition, to Cardiff back in 1998 and Leicester Tigers in 2007.
The winner on Sunday will earn a home semi final against either Edinburgh or Toulouse, who face each other on Saturday.
Ulster Match Day Squad to face Munster, Sunday 8th April 2012, Thomond Park (kick-off 1.45pm)
(15-9): S Terblanche; A Trimble, D Cave, P Wallace, C Gilroy; I Humphreys, R Pienaar;
(1-8): T Court, R Best, J Afoa, J Muller (capt), D Tuohy, S Ferris, C Henry, P Wannenburg;
Replacements (16-23): N Brady, P McAllister, A Macklin, L Stevenson, W Faloon, P Marshall, N Spence, A D'Arcy
Unavailable due to injury:
Jared Payne (achilles tendon), Simon Danielli (hamstring), Tim Barker (back), Chris Cochrane (foot), James McKinney (shoulder)

What makes them think they'll be getting quick ball then?

[Weetabix]

Just wanted to say well done, you Ulster fans remind me of us before we went all mainstream loud and proud, keep it up, hope ye go on to win the whole thing now.

[The Outlaw]

david humphreys looks like a bigger tit every day. Mc Laughlin has done an incredible job

[Valencia]

I'm sore inside after watching us going down 19-0 on our home patch, but well done Ulster and Safe journey home to you all

[Demios]

Go on and win it all now lads. Theres a physicality that as a proud Munster supporter I envy watching you lads at work today in *******.

[bootlace]

Quite a hard finish now in the Rabo,would imagine most of the pack at least will be rested until the semi-final,our squad is not big enough to compete on two fronts,but a good chance for the young uns to stand up.

[bootlace]

Next game against the tribesmen,I would think that there would be a massive change in the team

[taz]

Well done on your win lads.

[Valencia]

Next game against the tribesmen,I would think that there would be a massive change in the team

As it should be, the Heineken Cup is the prize, the Rabo while it is Silverware is only a consolation

[bootlace]

Paddy Mac Brady Fitz/Macklin

Stevenson A N Other[ Henderson/Barker]

Faloon Diack McComish

Marshall Jackson

Whitten Marshall Spence Cochrane

D'Arcy,


Replacements, Black/ Andy K/ Macklin/Fitz/Cronin

Muller,

Birch,

Porter/Pienaar

McKinney

Allen

[ulstersupporter]

Well done on your win lads.

Thank you and also for the welcome we received from Munster supporters .... and that includes after the match too!

[bootlace]

So Afoa is out for 4 weeks time to Pitch Fitzy and Macklin on[ leave Court at 1 he will need a rest this week anyway after the weekends exertions,] and they will know what the incentive is and see which one wants it more.Did forget about Cronin though.

[bootlace]

Changes made for Connacht clash
Brian McLaughlin has made 12 changes to the starting XV for the RaboDirect PRO12 clash with Connacht on Saturday (kick off 5.15pm)...
The Ulster coach has decided to rest a number of players so outhalf Ian Humphreys, fullback Stefan Terblanche and prop Tom Court are the only player retained from the side that defeated Munster in last weekend's Heineken Cup quarter final. In the backs, Paul Marshall deputises at scrumhalf for Ruan Pienaar who starts as a substitute. There is a new centre combination with Ireland U20 captain Paddy Jackson partneringNevin Spence. Adam D'Arcy and Ian Whitten replaceAndrew Trimble and Craig Gilroyon the wings, with the latter dropping to the bench after his try of the season contender in Thomond Park.
Up front, Nigel Brady starts as hooker in place of Rory Best and takes over from Johann Muller as captain. Tom Court movesacross the scrum to tighthead prop,with Paddy McAllister starting atloosehead.Lewis Stevenson and Neil McComb start together in the second row for the first time. Dynamic trio Mike McComish, Willie Faloon and Robbie Diack form an all new back row in placeof Stephen Ferris, Chris Henry and Pedrie Wannenburg.
Twenty year old lock Iain Henderson is named on the bench and could make his senior debut if he enters the fray at any stage. His Phoenix Academy colleagues Ali Birch and Michael Allen are also included among the replacements. Callum Black, Andi Kyriacou, Adam Macklin, Pienaar and Gilroy complete the squad.
The game is vital for Ulster's hopes of finishing in the top four of the RaboDirect PRO12 and a win could send them into second place.They currently occupy fifth spot in the table but are just three points adrift of second placed Ospreys.
If things go to plan for Ulster, it could be the longest season in the club's history so McLaughlin is aware that he needs to keep his players in peak condition. "The Munster match was very physical and a lot of players are still carrying bumps and bruises so we decided it was best to give some of them a break. It is crucial to look after the players with so many important games coming up before the end of the season. There are opportunities for us to test the water a bit with some of our squad players and it will be exciting to see how they perform."
One such player is Paddy Jackson, who has been deployed at inside centre rather than his usual outhalf position. McLaughlin said, "We know what Paddy is capable of and we thought this was a perfect chance to try him out at 12 and allow him to add another string to his bow."
McLaughlin has been impressed with Iain Henderson in recent months and feels he deserves his place on the bench: "Iain had a tremendous 6 Nations campaign with Ireland U20s and he's been training with us in recent weeks and has done very well. He is a big talent and it is important to give him experience at this level," said McLaughlin.
The Ulster coach knows his side face a difficult task against the Westerners, with Ulster being held 15-15 in their previous visit to the Sportsground. "The game in Galway will be huge. They have shown that they are capable of beating anyone on their day, particularly at the Sportsground. It's one of the toughest places to go in the PRO12 to get a result. But as ever, we are confident we can do just that."
Ulster Match Day Squad to face Connacht, Saturday 14th April 2012, Sportsground (kick-off 5.15pm)
(15-9): S Terblanche; I Whitten, N Spence, P Jackson, A D'Arcy; I Humphreys, P Marshall;
(1-8): P McAllister,N Brady (capt), T Court, L Stevenson, N McComb, M McComish, W Faloon, R Diack;
Replacements (16-23): A Kyriacou, C Black, A Macklin, I Henderson, A Birch, R Pienaar, C Gilroy, M Allen
Unavailable due to injury:
Jared Payne (achilles tendon), Simon Danielli (hamstring), Tim Barker (back), Chris Cochrane (foot)
* Iain Henderson
D.O.B: 21/02/1992
Position: Second row
Height: 1.98m
Weight: 114kg
Honours: Ireland U20s

[bigchiefally]

I hope I am very wrong, but that looks a pretty weak Ulster team.

[blackadder]

I hope I am very wrong, but that looks a pretty weak Ulster team.

It mightn't be the strongest but what did you expect? The same XV that played on Sunday. It just illustrates what we already knew, we have a very good 1st XV but a squad that has talent in it but very little experience. It will be good to see Henderson get a run from the bench.

[bigchiefally]

It mightn't be the strongest but what did you expect? The same XV that played on Sunday. It just illustrates what we already knew, we have a very good 1st XV but a squad that has talent in it but very little experience. It will be good to see Henderson get a run from the bench.

Put in a small smattering of experience and first choice players.

I've never seen McCombe do anything of note so play Tuohy on Saturday and give him a break next week, that would give him 2 starts in 4 weeks coming up to the semi, hardly flogging him workwise plus makes the 2nd row look a lot better. Hey, even starting Henderson to see what he can really do makes more sense. We know what McCombe can do.

Jackson at 12? The lad is tiny, plus we are always told of how good the likes of Marshall, Farrell etc are and they are centres.

One first choice back row player turns what looks a very weak unit into a passable one.

Darcy is almost always much better at FB.

Not hopeful of a win but happy to be proven very very wrong.

[blackadder]

Put in a small smattering of experience and first choice players.

I've never seen McCombe do anything of note so play Tuohy on Saturday and give him a break next week, that would give him 2 starts in 4 weeks coming up to the semi, hardly flogging him workwise plus makes the 2nd row look a lot better. Hey, even starting Henderson to see what he can really do makes more sense. We know what McCombe can do.

Jackson at 12? The lad is tiny, plus we are always told of how good the likes of Marshall, Farrell etc are and they are centres.

One first choice back row player turns what looks a very weak unit into a passable one.

Darcy is almost always much better at FB.

Not hopeful of a win but happy to be proven very very wrong.

Jackson has played 12 at pretty of levels and didn't he play there against Aironi in the HEC this season? I've no real concerns about that, what does confuse me is that Marshall is nowhere to be seen?

[bootlace]

Jackson has played 12 at pretty of levels and didn't he play there against Aironi in the HEC this season? I've no real concerns about that, what does confuse me is that Marshall is nowhere to be seen?

Maybe the Ulster Bank league is the reason for some of the team selections?????????

[bootlace]

Positional swaps seem to be a trend this season and before with BMcL when the settled team are being rested,which can bemuse many,hookers playing at loosehead,midfielders playing on the wing outhalfs playing in the midfield,fullbacks playing on the wing,6s playing at 7s,7s playing at 8,8s playing at 6s,second rows playing in the backrow,and maybe backrows playing in the second row,then of course we have the prop playing on the right side going to the left side and then back to the right side and it can only mean one thing oh dearyes another musical interlude http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDSN1F72QU4

[the plastic paddy]

I will watch with interest how Court gets on at 3, Is Wilkinson starting at 1 for the westies?

[bootlace]

I will watch with interest how Court gets on at 3, Is Wilkinson starting at 1 for the westies?

I will as well,and I would imagine most Ulster fans will be watching on too with bated breath,he has'nt started there in a game since gods knows when,many a year ago he stated it was his desired position,but since then he hasn't started there,if he gets a good shove from the second row he could be in with a chance,so hopefully the Ulster scrum coach will have spent a lot of time working with him this week after his immense game last week where by the way he made 14 tackles, lifted jumpers carried with the ball and mauled,whoops sorry Ulster don't have a scrum coach.

Ross seems to have been impressed with Brad behind him,maybe it is the second row that helps the prop out,I could mention DOC and Horan in the Italian game when Ireland went on to win to the Grand Slam but only DOC will know whether it should be like that every week.I could quote the article and expand but I have already been told that to provide the evidence the quote and the book could possibly end up in being binned,now you would not want that now would ya.

[the plastic paddy]

I will as well,and I would imagine most Ulster fans will be watching on too with bated breath,he has'nt started there in a game since gods knows when,many a year ago he stated it was his desired position,but since then he hasn't started there,if he gets a good shove from the second row he could be in with a chance,so hopefully the Ulster scrum coach will have spent a lot of time working with him this week after his immense game last week where by the way he made 14 tackles, lifted jumpers carried with the ball and mauled,whoops sorry Ulster don't have a scrum coach.

Think he is a cracking LHP Bootlace. If healy wasn't rapidly becoming one of the best in the world, Court would be doing a cracking job there for Ireland but a THP he is not and a 17 for Ireland he is not either because Ross can properly cover LHP if healy gets injured so the replacement prop has to be a THP.

[bootlace]

Think he is a cracking LHP Bootlace. If healy wasn't rapidly becoming one of the best in the world, Court would be doing a cracking job there for Ireland but a THP he is not and a 17 for Ireland he is not either because Ross can properly cover LHP if healy gets injured so the replacement prop has to be a THP.

Someone told me that before re Ross at LHP ,maybe Andress should be brought back in from the darkside,Ulster have Fitz and Macklin at tight but the game time they have had so far is minimal,Black seems to be a technical prop and handy in the loose,Paddy Mac who I am sure you have heard loads about is a loose head with loads of that potential,although so far no one seems to have taken in his injured shoulder which for a lad so young seems to trouble him a bit.

[bootlace]

Ah ******** our sky box has died can't get it fixed till tomorrow,anybody got a link for the game????