Ulster back on track

Ulster fans have every reason to be excited about Europe, says Ryan Cullen...

Pivotal. That's how Saturday's defeat of Glasgow feels to many Ulster fans in this week's afterglow. Both the fact, and the manner, of the defeat of the Warriors was the very best way for the new (perhaps newly-permanent is better) coaching ticket to get the ball rolling. 

As the numbers inside the Kingspan Stadium grew, so did the anticipation levels. Everybody knew they were about to get a big clue as to what they could expect this season. The atmosphere crackled as the two sides took to the pitch. 

It's impressive in itself that the visit of Glasgow creates such an atmosphere these days. Pre-Townsend a victory over Glasgow was assumed and the atmosphere reflected that. It is to the great credit of Townsend and his players that this is definitively not the case any longer. 

In open play, the contest itself was as tight as expected for the first 40 minutes; Ulster's defence on top but Glasgow's performing admirably too. Line breaks by Warriors captain Josh Strauss and Ulster's Stuart McCloskey and Andrew Trimble briefly looked like bringing the game's first try but excellent scramble defence by both sides snuffed these out. 

In the tight, though, Ulster started to exert a level of dominance. Powerpacked scrummaging and expert rolling mauls led to a series of penalties (alongside Leone Nakarawa's comedy offside) which allowed Ulster to establish a healthy 15-6 lead at the interval.

It is worth commenting on the incident between Louis Ludik and Sean Lamont. It looked awful in real-time as Ludik cartwheeled in mid-air and appeared to land quite heavily on his neck. I was incensed in the ground. 'Has to go' I shouted. How many times has it happened to us I thought. 'Owens wont bottle it' those around me advised.

And he didn't. As horrible as the incident looked, it didn't merit the red card I was shouting for. Nor was it a penalty. The on-rushing Paul Marshall was probably as much to blame as Lamont. Thankfully all were fine to continue and we move on.

That the pattern of the second half was initially very similar to that of the first was no surprise. Neither team are renowned for 40 minute performances. When Glasgow's third penalty brought them to within a score it became ever clearer the scorer’s of the first try were likely to take a strong hold of the game. 

All that seemed irrelevant though when the crowd realised the apparent seriousness of the injury to Mark Bennett. The Warriors centre was treated for what seemed like an age on the pitch and there was no doubt that many feared the worst. Thankfully Bennett appears to have emerged unscathed. Why Alan O'Connor has been cited for the incident isn't instantly obvious. Ulster will have everything crossed he isn't charged.

As the game resumed for the last quarter nobody expected what was about to happen. Craig Gilroy has gone off the boil somewhat since his stellar introduction to the international game but here he demonstrated that all of the potential he had still remains.

The angle which saw Gilroy glide inside and out of three Glasgow defenders before turning on the afterburners to go around Niko Matawalu and score in the corner was perfection in motion. He had delivered the decisive blow. Humphrey's conversion took Ulster's lead to 13 and the game was effectively sealed.

That was rubberstamped just a few minutes later when Tommy Bowe seized on a loose pass by a weary looking Ewan Murray to intercept and go the 55 metres to score under Glasgow's posts. Bowe has looked somewhat jaded so far this season and will hope this try is the catalyst for his general performance to go up a notch or two with an important run of games ahead.

The final scoreline probably flattered Ulster a little but there was no doubt this was a richly deserved victory and one that sends them into European battle in rude health. Injuries aside, it was hard to imagine Ulster could be in such a strong position at this stage of the season even just a few weeks ago. 

The job that Les Kiss, Neil Doak and all of the coaches have done has rightly been lauded this week. There was far too much doom-mongering around in the summer but there can be no doubt Ulster stood at a crossroads. 

They enter Europe again with expectation rather than mere hope. Some may see this weekend's visit to Welford Road as the warm up act before the reigning champions visit Belfast but that would be foolish in the extreme. I have never known the Tigers', one of the great old clubs of English rugby, to roll the red carpet out for anyone and I certainly don't expect it on Saturday night. 

Of course excitement is already building ahead of the visit of Toulon's galacticos and we certainly hope to give them as 'warm' a welcome as you can imagine. But each game carries the same number of points and victory on Saturday is just as important. 

I'm sure the men in charge are fully aware of that mind you.

Ryan is an Ulster Rugby season ticket holder with an interest in a wide variety of sports

Where Ulster should be

Victory at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday night saw Ulster extend their unbeaten start to the season and move just two points off the top of the table. Tries from Dan Tuohy and Ian Humphreys, alongside a good place kicking display by Paddy Jackson, were enough to see off a spirited, if somewhat limited, Cardiff Blues side. 

In an encounter that never fully came to life, both sides coughed and spluttered their way to half time as Rhys Patchell and Paddy Jackson were left to progress things from the tee to leave it 12-9 to Ulster at the interval.

Finally, it was Ulster that broke this cycle 10 minutes into the second period when Dan Tuohy moved on to an inside pass from Paul Marshal and handed off two defenders to dot down under the posts. The try, converted by Paddy Jackson, was Tuohy's third try of the season and sounded the death knell for the Blues' victory hopes. 

Whilst the game wasn't truly sown up until Ian Humphreys, a second half replacement for Paddy Jackson, intercepted a looping pass inside Cardiff’s 22 to run in unopposed under the posts, Cardiff never looked likely to breach the Ulster line. Whilst full of vim and vigour, the Blues attacks often lacked direction and simply didn’t have the requisite incision to pierce a strong Ulster defensive unit. 

This was undoubtedly the most pleasing aspect of the Ulster performance as defensive shape has been an issue in both previous games. Against the fast and loose Scarlets, Ulster often looked quite a bit off the pace and were duly punished for some poor first up tackling and their lack of line speed. 

More concerning, though, was the labourious nature of the entire performance against a very poor Zebre side. Whilst coming away with the bonus point victory was effectively job done on the night, the fairly muted response around the ground afterwards told a tale of supporters still unsure of the future following a summer of changes and upheaval at the newly renamed Kingspan Stadium. 

Friday's result in Cardiff will have gone a long way to revitalising those who felt their energies waning. Undoubtedly there is still plenty of room for improvement. The players have a lot more to give in an attacking sense and Friday was the first time this season that Ulster seemed to have any semblance of a gameplan around the ruck. 

But now is not the time to peak. The visit to Welford Road isn’t for four weeks yet and Ulster fans should be well versed in the perils of peaking at the wrong time of the season. For now the trajectory appears to be a good one, picking up important points whilst developing week on week. Fans can see progress and that the future is not as bleak as was being portrayed by some in the summer.

The biggest issue currently is the lack of second row cover with Dan Tuohy's broken arm remarkably ill-timed following as it did the announcement Iain Henderson is likely to be out until December with a hip injury As unfortunate and undesirable as the situation is, Lewis Stevenson is an able deputy and the form of Franco Van Der Merwe will have pleased all so far. 

Indeed, Van Der Merwe, tighthead prop Wiehahn Herbst and utility back Louis Ludik have all shown their quality already. Van Der Merwe has run the lineout efficiently when asked so far and brings more physicality than the man he was brought in to replace, Johann Muller. Herbst too has shown that the John Afoa sized hole in the front row is one he can ably fill following his power-packed display against the Blues.

But it is Ludik that has perhaps impressed most. Intelligent, strong and not lacking in pace, Ludik looks to be comfortable playing anywhere from 11-15 and possesses a very well rounded skill set. His reliability and experience could prove to be a godsend when the international contingent are away. 

Everybody knew this could be a tough season for Ulster. A difficult European Champions Cup pool and major off season unrest could have sent the province into free fall. So it's to the credit of Les Kiss and heir apparent Neil Doak that Ulster haven't suffered any major hangover. Whilst there are undoubtedly things to work on, is that not a good thing after just three weeks of the season?

Ulster is roughly where they should be: not perfect, but not bad either.

Ryan is an Ulster Rugby season ticket holder with an interest in a wide variety of sports

So close yet…

What can Ireland do differently against Italy & France? asks Ryan Cullen…

Full commitment and effort in professional sport are something we justifiably take for granted. Professional athletes are paid well and as such dedication should be taken as a given.

Sometimes, though, the effort put in, particularly in rugby, goes beyond the call of duty. That is what we saw at Twickenham on Saturday and why I know all rugby fans will have the utmost respect for all participants – respect I hope obviously permeates through this piece.

On Saturday Ireland left Twickenham empty handed despite the majority of stats favouring them. 59% of possession, 53% of Territory, a higher percentage of rucks and mauls won, 100% on their own scrum (in comparison to England’s 55.6%), a perfect lineout (although England matched this from half as many throws). (Source: ESPN Scrum)

I am always dubious about stats trotted out in isolation but it’s clear Ireland had a pretty strong grip on the game. And yet they created just one clear try scoring opportunity, off an excellent pre-planned strike move, and a few half chances besides. Why the attacking impotency in open play?

The first question that generally springs to mind in such situations is ‘was the quality of possession poor despite it being plentiful?’. The answer to that has to be no. Whilst perhaps not as quick as against Wales and Scotland, Ireland’s pack certainly produced plenty of quality possession for their half backs.

It was there, I believe, that Ireland’s attack stuttered. Conor Murray has improved immensely over the past 12 months but this was one of his poorest displays in this period. His previously excellent tactical kicking reverted to the aimless, improved in appearance only by Ireland’s consistently excellent kick chase. The sharpness of his passing was also lacking though and he made none of his previously notable line breaks.

Whilst his solidity in defence was laudable, Murray at his best is a nice blend of the physical and tactical. We did not see this on Saturday.

Nor did we see the summer’s Lions fly-half put his best foot forward. Jonathan Sexton is Ireland’s most important player these days. He has the ‘all-court’ game to pick apart any opposition at his best and Ireland is now reliant upon him producing close to his best to compete at the highest level.

Saturday’s performance was far below what the Racing man in capable of. Whilst the botched restart has been given far more coverage than it merited, it did exemplify a performance which was below-par at best. Sexton’s passing wasn’t as sharp and accurate as we have seen from him, his tactical kicking was poor and his punting to touch even worse.

Why Ireland refused to use Rob Kearney’s left foot repeatedly is a mystery given the lack of distance Sexton was achieving down Ireland’s right. An even greater mystery was why Paddy Jackson was on the bench if Schmidt refused to use him. Jackson may not have done anything which changed the game but he deserved 10 or 15 minutes to try given the lacklustre nature of Sexton’s attacking play to that point.

It is somewhat unfair to Sexton that his performance so often determines Ireland’s results but that is the situation in which he finds himself. Ireland’s forwards do not possess the necessary bulk to dominate teams like England up-front. Indeed that is an area Joe Schmidt may want to consider more closely prior to the French test.

Whilst Ireland’s forwards have performed exceptionally well so far there is a distinct lack of ball carrying power without Sean O’Brien. As a unit the backrow have been the match of all so far but their lack of dynamism to truck the ball up is notable. Moreover looking at the stats again, Chris Henry and Peter O’Mahony appear to have swapped roles in certain facets of the game.

Whilst Henry is certainly still the link man, he has made far more tackles to date than O’Mahony (36 v 21), whilst O’Mahony has been much more prominent at the breakdown. Does Ireland have two 7’s rather than open and blindside flankers?

Neither have been capable of making many metres running with the ball either (Henry 20 and O’Mahony 22. For comparison Jamie Heaslip has made 88 and Cian Healy 55), posing the question do Ireland need a better ball carrier at 6?

I’m not suggesting any changes should be made currently but it is surely something Joe Schmidt will be thinking over.

One other area we may see a change is the second row. Whilst I have been massively impressed by Devin Toner’s improvement in the past year, he simply isn’t a ball carrier. From 6 carries he gained 3 metres. When you compare that against Iain Henderson you find that the Ulsterman made more metres (6) from his 3 carries. Further, Toner has made just 14 metres in three games.

Nor is he the lineout option it can be sometimes assumed, trailing behind O’Mahony he received only 5 of Ireland’s 16 lineout completions.

Whilst he puts in a terrific shift (14 tackles and a turnover) it might just be that the likes of Iain Henderson, or Donnacha Ryan for that matter, bring a harder edge which would benefit Ireland more.

It is undoubtedly harsh to single out Toner when O’Connell’s stats don’t read much, if any, better, but O’Connell’s influence cannot simply be measured by post-game stats and is nigh on untouchable anyway.

I doubt at this stage Schmidt is likely to veer away from his settled pack without injuries intervening but there is a case to say others might provide more at this stage. Saturday could’ve gone either way and an Ireland victory may not have stirred such criticism despite a few below-par performances.

It is to be hoped, though, that Joe Schmidt and his team will look beyond the results and realise the areas Ireland need to improve in to make a real dent at next year’s world cup. I certainly would be surprised, given their pedigree, if they weren’t.

My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.

Time to keep expectations in check

So far so good for Ireland, but luckily we have a pragmatist at the helm, writes Ryan Cullen…

As an Ulster, Liverpool and Ireland fan it wasn’t a bad weekend! Friday night certainly wasn’t a spectacular event by any stretch of the imagination, but a win is a win and puts Ulster into a strong position to secure a play-off spot in the Pro12.

Come half past two on Saturday I was in a pretty buoyant mood. Having seen Liverpool destroy Arsenal I was on a high very few other things in everyday life can match. I switched over to the Rugby and felt my nerves rise, knowing that the next two hours or so would define Ireland’s championship and form the basis of the team’s journey to the next World Cup.

However, the expected highs and lows never arrived. The nerves dissipated within 15 minutes. If truth be told, Ireland’s superiority was a tad deflating on a Saturday afternoon when high drama was expected.

Not that that should be read as a criticism, quite the opposite. The efficient and calculated performance Ireland produced was as good as anything, outside the ABs in the Autumn, Ireland have produced since meeting Australia in the last World Cup.

Many people, particularly in the British media, expected Joe Schmidt’s Ireland team to come out and throw the ball around for 80 minutes. Perhaps they should have a proper look at Schmidt’s Leinster tenure for he is much more the arch-pragmatist than the 1970s throwback some people have been painting him as.

To be sure Leinster played fantastic rugby under Schmidt, as capable of tearing teams apart with flowing back play as any other in Europe. But to suggest they did this every game is naïve at best. The great success of Schmidt’s Leinster reign was his ability to vary the way the team played, to put a gameplan in place that would be effective against the opposition that week.

If that meant suffocating the game to a greater extent then so be it. Winning was the most important objective and after Saturday’s performance it’s very clear he has brought that win at all costs mentality with him into the Ireland job.

Therefore, the lack of nerves for the last hour of the game was a surprising but welcome change. It was plainly obvious Ireland was going to win.

In pretty much every position Ireland was superior. The pack dominated their opponents, with the general set piece return, a few scrums aside, very pleasing. It’s hard to rate individuals given the quality of the collective performance, but it would be unfair not to highlight the contribution of Peter O’Mahony. So much more rounded now than when he first joined the squad, O’Mahony is now one of the best loose forwards in the game and a terrific asset to boot. Put simply, he swept Lion Dan Lydiate aside.

The backline all performed exceptionally too. The kick chasing of Trimble and the two Kearney’s, the solidity of the midfield pair and the terrific box kicking of Murray were all notable. Jonathan Sexton’s performance was the masterclass though. He pulled the Welsh back three apart and gave Ireland the territorial platform to impact the Welsh gameplan. His exceptional tactical kicking alongside his solidity in defence and off the tee all added up to a masterful performance by the Racing Metro man.

Saturday was a day to marvel at the quality of the overall performance though. Everybody in the 23 stood up to be counted and the results were impressive.

That does not mean, though, that a Grand Slam is likely. The consistently high level of performance since the last fixture of the Autumn undoubtedly augurs well but with trips to Twickenham and the Stade de France yet to come, Ireland’s biggest challenges are ahead of them.

Realistically, victory against either England or France would be an excellent return, putting them in with a chance of reclaiming the championship just a year on from the shambles that precipitated Declan Kidney’s departure. To win both is still an unlikely dream at this stage.

Still, whilst this Six Nations is important, consistent long term improvement is paramount. Provided we can identify an upward trend here, any short term trophies would just be very welcome bonuses.

P.S. The loss of Dan Tuohy, both to Ireland and Ulster, is certainly a major one. Tuohy’s form over the past 18 months has been terrific. But anybody who saw the performance of Iain Henderson on Friday night against the Ospreys cannot fail to have been struck (again probably) by his exceptional talent. Although only seeing 40 minutes of action, he was undoubtedly the standout performer on a horrible evening, charging around like a one man wrecking ball. He certainly looks to be in prime form to make a major impact for Ireland and Ulster before the end of the season.

My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.

Decisions, decisions

Mark Anscombe has some serious calls to make this week, writes Ryan Cullen

Rarely has a patchy home victory been more important. Ulster’s victory over Munster on Friday night was as important as any league win this season and gives the province some momentum leading into the most important fortnight of the season to date.

Undoubtedly there are some concerns over Ulster’s defensive frailties, particularly against the rolling maul. Montpellier and Leicester, renowned for their forward oriented play, cannot have failed to notice how easily Munster moved the Ulster forwards around and ultimately pulled themselves back into the game. Much work must be done on the training paddock this week.

That being said, it would be wrong to forget the sheer number of try scoring opportunities Ulster carved out against Munster. Although only coming away with two scores, a try scoring bonus point was not far from their grasp. Whilst this can be a recurring theme from Ulster’s league performances, they have shown both this and in previous seasons that the Heineken Cup focuses their minds like no other competition and one would hope being clinical in the opposition 22 will not be an issue against Montpellier this weekend and Leicester the next.

Team selection is certainly an area Mark Anscombe will need to think hard about over the next few days. Whilst having several international players coming back into the squad is a major boon for the Kiwi, their lack of match sharpness is also something he will need to consider. Whilst Chris Henry and Iain Henderson played well for their first game back on Friday night, they weren’t quite at the level we had seen prior to their injuries.

The rumoured return of Rory Best is also an interesting dilemma for Anscombe who needs to ensure Best gets enough game time to prime him for the trip to Welford Road the following week, yet without asking too much of him in his first week back in full contact. Rob Herring has generally been doing a fine job in place of Best too and would be unlucky to lose his place for the game against Montpellier at least.

With the likely fitness of Johann Muller and the return of Tommy Bowe not scheduled until further down the line, the team generally picks itself. The hooking decision aside, the backrow is probably the only area where there remains any uncertainty. 3 games in 3 weeks coming back from injury may be too much to ask of Iain Henderson and Chris Henry so Sean Doyle may come in for some unexpected game time.

Robbie Diack is probably the most improved Ulster performer so far this season so his inclusion in both games would certainly not be a surprise, although one would have to think the decision at 6 may be influenced by the potential return of Nick Williams. Following a cameo appearance off the bench on Friday night, most Ulster fans will be expecting the reigning Pro12 Player of the Season to slot back into the first choice number 8 role.

That would be somewhat harsh on Roger Wilson who has been a consistent performer throughout this season. As any regular readers of this piece will know I believe Wilson to be an underrated commodity to this Ulster side, but I would still be very surprised not to see Williams return to the first XV. As a result it’s likely the greater mobility of Robbie Diack may be seen as more useful than the strong ball carrying of Henderson for this Friday’s game. Swap this if Wilson gets the nod.

That leaves Henry or Doyle at 7. I’m sure all will agree that Henry is the first choice openside, but with the previously mentioned burnout concerns in mind, I wouldn’t be surprised if Henry was held back to the following week. Sean Doyle has shown himself to be an able deputy and certainly could do a decent enough job against Montpellier.

Whilst it would be foolish to look too far ahead, victory over Montpellier should be achieved comfortably enough on Friday night. As all Rugby fans know, French teams aren’t renowned for their love of travelling and a cold Friday night at Ravenhill doesn’t strike me as a welcome trip in early January. Rather, it is the following weekend’s game that will undoubtedly require the biggest effort and the one all Ulster fans are looking forward too.

Whilst we are still in the group stages of the Heineken Cup, effectively the knockout stages begin on Friday!

A word on Munster and Ian Keatley. Friday night was the first time I have seen Munster this season and two things stood out. Firstly, they seemed to lack to ball carrying intensity required to play the wide game they have been in transition to since Rob Penney took over. The phrase ‘earning the right to go wide’ is often overused in my eyes but I do think it applies to Munster currently. They played a lot of their game in front of the Ulster defensive line and struggled to make the line breaks required to generate space out wide.

Secondly, there certainly wasn’t too much wrong with the pressure they applied when keeping the ball tighter in the second half. Ulster can reasonably consider themselves one of the better packs in Europe and yet they couldn’t contain the Munster driving maul. I appreciate skills levels aren’t improved and excitement isn’t generated by playing tight, forward based rugby, but for Munster it might just bring the best results.

Finally a word in defence of Ian Keatley. Friday night was undoubtedly not the young fly half’s finest hour but plenty of more experienced players have struggled on cold windy nights at Ravenhill. Conditions for place kicking were particularly difficult in the first half for Keatley, when he struggled most, and he regained his composure to land several good kicks in the second half. Perfection cannot be attained in 6 months and perhaps a little more perspective is required from some, and I emphasise some, Munster fans.

My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.

Blueprint for the future

Ireland should forget the heartbreak from Sunday and remember the lessons, says Ryan Cullen

Normally I start the pieces I write here on Sunday evening, allowing me a chance to watch the majority of the weekend’s action and pull together some kind of plan for the piece. As I write this though it’s Tuesday morning… it’s been a difficult few days as an Ireland fan.

As a sports fan I have had my fair share of disappointments; Liverpool’s defeat in the 2007 Champions League final and Ulster losing to Leinster in the H Cup final in 2012 chief amongst them, but never have I felt such disappointment after any other game. I can only imagine how the players must feel.

Undoubtedly it will take some time for the dust to settle for many of the players, but when it does, they must see Sunday’s performance as the beginning of something – not the end. This was the way we all want to see Ireland play and they have now shown us the standards that can be reached.

The contrast between Sunday’s performance and the previous week’s against Australia could not have been more stark. Passive in defence, univentive in attack and lacking intensity in all facets of their play, the performance against Australia was Ireland’s nadir of the past decade.

To go from that low to the high, in performance terms at least, of Sunday undoubtedly speaks well of all in the coaching setup but too often Ireland need to be backed into a corner before they come out wit the necessary vim and vigour for test match rugby. If Joe Schmidt can find a way of getting the players back to this intensity for the majority of their future tests, he will go a long way to ensuring his tenure is a succesful one.

On Sunday Ireland played the way all of the good Irish sides I have seen have. Hitting rucks in numbers, coming on to the ball at pace and offloading when possible Ireland made the most of their line breaks and didn’t die with the ball. They were willing to go wide if the chance was on and Jonathan Sexton mixed the game up wonderfully, showcasing his full range of skills.

The setpiece must also be praised. After a particularly suspect performance against the much maligned Australia pack, many expected Ireland to struggle up front against the ABs. That they were able to secure the majority of their own ball is of great credit to all involved.

Going forward the, somewhat understandable, reduction in defensive line aggression and the inability to kill the game off in the last ten minutes must be examined for lessons. Like all other tests, mistakes were made. Analysis and highlighting of these are key if Ireland are to improve.

That being said, if Ireland can take this form and level of performance into the first game of the Six Nations they should not fear anybody. In terms of levels, this was the best performance of the Autumn from any of the NH nations.

Sunday’s gameplan utilised the particular skillset of the Irish players perfectly. Ireland cannot play like England or France, they simply do not have the bulk and power in key positions, nor do they have the natural flair of the Australians.

The aggressive, fast-flowing pattern that formed the basis of Sunday’s gameplan was an excellent match to the skillset of the players available to Joe Schmidt. Irish players tend to be much better all-rounders than many of their NH cousins.

New Zealand is the prime example of just what level teams with exceptional basics can achieve. A broad base of high functioning skills underpins their entire rugby system. Whilst we aren’t quite at that level, Irish players have shown both internationally and domestically that they are well skilled too. They must use that to their advantage.

It was quite clear what the fans at Aviva on Sunday thought about this approach too. Fans want to see more performances like Sunday. That’s what puts bums on seats from minute 1 to 80 and that can’t be underestimated in the increasingly difficult economic times.

Often success breeds success – it certainly does for New Zealand. Sometimes though, success can be achieved from different origins. Ireland must forget the heartbreak of Sunday but remember the lessons. That is the only way to ensure this team fulfils its potential.

February and the Six Nations can’t come soon enough!

My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.

The November Ulstermen

How many Ulstermen will make it into Joe Schmidt’s Autumn 23? asks Ryan Cullen…

After a shaky start which saw them lose both of their first two fixtures, Ulster has bounced back strongly, stringing together six straight wins ahead of this weekend’s difficult trip to Parc Y Scarlets.

Whilst the remaining squad will undoubtedly be focussing on the Scarlets, the rest of us are now starting to look forward to the several weeks that follow when we will see the first international action of the European season.

With the new Irish coaching team now firmly ensconced, the question on the lips of many Ulster fans is how many Ulstermen will make it into Joe Schmidt’s Autumn 23?

In the eyes of many Ulster fans Declan Kidney was a harsher judge of Ulster players than their Leinster and Munster counterparts throughout his reign. Whilst I believe this it was more his nature to resort to the tried and tested when times got tough rather than anything else, the belief that being an Ulster player was a disadvantage when it came to Irish selection was certainly a widely held one.

So ahead of this November’s Guinness Series I am going to take this opportunity to examine exactly what claims Ulster players have to make that matchday squad.

Front Row

Players selected: Rory Best, Tom Court, Declan Fitzpatrick

Starting with Best, injury aside he will be the starting hooker come the Australia & New Zealand games. Sean Cronin’s ability round the park has impressed so far this season but his basics are still not of the standard needed to be a first choice international. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Cronin start against Samoa, but would expect the Ulsterman to return for the major challenges towards the end of the series.

Mike Ross appears to have now regained full fitness and thus it would be a major shock to see anybody other than the Leinsterman starting against the Wallabies and ABs. Declan Fitzpatrick has played well so far this season, anchoring Ulster’s scrum in both their major victories against Leicester and Montpellier. Whilst it certainly wasn’t plain sailing in either of those games, Fitzpatrick showed an ability to adapt and overcome early issues and looks fitter than at any previous stage. He should fill a place on the bench this autumn with perhaps even a start against Samoa a reward for his early season form.

It’s rare I feel sorry for sportsmen but Tom Court is undoubtedly one who deserves a bit of sympathy. Since he was thrown to the wolves at tighthead against England a few years back, he has been typecast as just another powderpuff Irish prop. This combined with the fact he doesn’t possess the, exceptionally rare, open field prowess of Cian Healy has meant he is often overlooked.

Yet Court has been one of the lynchpin’s of Ulster’s rise to prominence over the past few years and certainly (to these eyes) is the standout replacement for Healy. When deployed as a loosehead he is the equal of any scrummager in the country. He carries well enough, defends well for a prop and is an excellent lineout lifter.

In short he is a very able deputy. We will have to wait and see if his excellent H Cup performances have been enough to force his way back into Schmidt’s thinking after he was left out of the first training squad of the Kiwi’s reign.

Second row:

Players Selected: Dan Tuohy

Ulster’s representation in this area has undoubtedly been reduced by the withdrawal of Iain Henderson. Henderson has been one of the standout performers for Ulster this season and would have been likely to have at least made the bench come test time given his versatility.

That leaves Dan Tuohy as the sole Ulster representative at lock. Tuohy is amongst those who have benefitted most from working with Mark Anscombe. Whilst always capable of carrying well and getting stuck in, under the Kiwi’s leadership Tuohy has developed a good offloading game and is much more reliable come scrum and lineout time.

With Donnacha Ryan out injured, I believe now is the time to give Tuohy a crack of the international whip. Whilst Mike McCarthy undoubtedly gave heart and soul for the cause last year I don’t believe he offers anything over and above Tuohy at this stage. Devin Toner obviously provides a terrific lineout option but must be more of a replacement for O’Connell rather than starting alongside. Again we wait to see how Schmidt sees the makeup of his new squad but Tuohy deserves a chance given his form of the past 15 months.

Back row

Players selected: Chris Henry, Roger Wilson

The back row is quite a straightforward selection for Joe Schmidt I would imagine. O’Mahony, O’Brien & Heaslip will start if fit. The only other questions are who might be blooded against Samoa and who will fill the bench?

The latter should be answered with the name Chris Henry. An all-rounder who can cover all backrow positions, Henry is the perfect bench replacement. His outstanding form over the past few weeks also strengthens his claims and Schmidt will know that he is an able replacement should any of his frontliners injure themselves.

Wilson’s chances must surely be slimmer. Only called up as cover due to injuries to others, Wilson may get some game time against Samoa but will carry the drinks otherwise. Harsh on a man who forced his way into the Ulster first team ahead of potential superstar Iain Henderson, but sadly I think the dye has already been cast on Wilson’s international career.

Half back

Players selected: Paddy Jackson

The omission of Paul Marshall caused some consternation amongst Ulster fans but I’m not sure what else we could have expected. Marshall is not a regular starter for Ulster and the constant comparison with Ruan Pienaar shows him in a fairly negative light. There is no doubt Marshall possesses quality but the improvement in Ulster’s performance against Leicester brought about by the introduction of Ryan Pienaar was perhaps the death knell for Marshall’s current international ambitions.

That Kieran Marmion hasn’t made it into the squad either is arguably a much greater surprise than Marshall’s omission. Marmion has been excellent for Connacht so far this season and is sure to be an international in the near future. Given the disciplinary proceedings hanging over the head of Connor Murray (at time of writing) I would be disappointed if the young Connacht scrum half wasn’t added to the squad in the event Murray isn’t available.

For Paddy Jackson it has been a terrific start to the season. Improving week on week, Jackson has been central to Ulster’s early season successes. That the general trend of his place kicking is a positive one is also a reason for cheer. Yet it is still not of the level Ian Madigan has attained so far this season so there is still work to be done.

Surely though Schmidt must have other requirements of his outhalves than just the ability to kick goals. He must question if Madigan manages the game as well as Jackson currently? Jackson’s performance against Leicester was one of the most complete I have seen from him in an Ulster shirt and he backed that up the very next week in Montpellier. He is full of confidence and his passing game is in fine fettle. Madigan, on the other hand, has frequently started from the bench for Leinster and hasn’t shown last season’s form so far this season.

Whilst Madigan is undoubtedly talented, can a player not starting for his province be selected at in such a pivotal position? Time will tell but I think Jackson’s form should earn him a spot amongst the replacements.

Centre

Players selected: Luke Marshall

Still no Darren Cave I hear many Ulster fans shout. The versatility of other squad members (such as Earls and McFadden) is perhaps the reason for this but it does seem Cave must do something which Irish coaches plainly don’t like. It would be churlish to suggest that Cave should be starting for Ireland but I am surprised he hasn’t been given a bit more of a chance.

Luke Marshall should reasonably expect to start all of the tests this autumn. Gordon D’Arcy has been a terrific servant to Irish rugby but it is difficult to see how he will be the first choice 12 come the next world cup. Marshall has performed well so far this season and is the future. Defensively excellent and growing as an attacking threat, Marshall needs international exposure to ensure he is ready come 2015. Any minutes the young Ballymena man can spent alongside Brian O’Driscoll will also be of benefit.

Back three

Players selected: Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble

Trimble’s inclusion mirrors that of Roger Wilson so discussion is fairly pointless at this stage. Conjecture over Tommy Bowe is also a zero sum game given he is a certainty to start. A two time Lion and confirmed world class performer, Bowe will be one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Craig Gilroy will undoubtedly reflect that his current injury problems have arrived at an inopportune moment given the injury to Simon Zebo also. Gilroy would surely have been the next name on the list if he was fully fit.

To my mind then, Ulster should have four names on Joe Schmidt’s first XV teamsheet, but in reality I reckon it’s perhaps more likely to be three with four Ulstermen taking up a place amongst the replacements. Whilst this seems like very few starters for the best team on the island so far this season, it is hard to argue that there should be any others included currently, given fitness issues in particular.

Ulster fans also need to remember that three or four of Ulster’s five most influential players aren’t Irish qualified. Naturally this is going to mean fewer international representatives. The sooner Jared Payne’s naturalisation period ends the better for all concerned in that area.

So Ulster fans should be wary of getting on Joe Schmidt’s back too early. Whilst plenty of Ulster players have performed exceptionally well so far this season, so have many others. Schmidt has chosen the majority of Ulster’s form players. Now it’s up to them to ensure they can’t be left out.

My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.

Paddy conquers Ospreylia

Jackson’s doubters were silenced in Swansea, writes Ryan Cullen…

Sometimes in sport pressure can become all consuming. The disappointment amongst fans can destroy a player’s confidence, press criticism can take its toll and the constant defence of a coach can be withering.

How pleasing it was then to see Paddy Jackson answer all his critics and put in a man of the match performance in Swansea on Friday night. Though not running the backline with as much fluency as we saw against Treviso, Jackson’s performance off the tee was one of a man who had rediscovered his timing, and perhaps more importantly, his confidence.

The 21 year olds 6 from 6 return was the undoubted highlight of staccato encounter in which both teams started with close to full strength line-ups. Seemingly affected by the importance of the game as a marker for future intent, neither side were capable of opening their game up and 5 point opportunities were few and far between as a result.

Ulster’s performance against an exceptionally strong Osprey’s pack will have undoubtedly pleased Mark Anscombe though. Taking on a pack with 5 Lions, Ulster’s set piece looked safe and solid and they ultimately triumphed at the breakdown, leaving Mark Anscombe with some big decisions to make before this Friday’s clash with Leicester in the Heineken Cup.

John Afoa will undoubtedly return provided he is confirmed as match fit, harsh as that is on Declan Fitzpatrick. That is the easy bit for Anscombe though; who he fills the back 5 positions in the pack with is where he will earn his money. Henderson or Tuohy alongside Muller? Henderson, Henry and Williams or Diack, Henry and Wilson? I don’t believe you can leave a fit Iain Henderson out currently and given the power of the Leicester pack he and Dan Tuohy would be my choices at 5 & 6.

Chris Henry, who is starting to really hit his straps again, will start at 7, leaving Anscombe to choose between Wilson and Williams. Most casual observers would assume Williams is a nailed on starter, but that is to forget the qualities Wilson can bring. Experienced, aggressive in defence and exceptional at the base of the scrum, Wilson is the kind of player who does a lot of good work without always getting the credit he deserves.

It would still be a surprise to see Williams left out of the first XV but there can be little doubt who would be likely to make the bigger impact off the bench if the game is tight with half an hour to go.

The backline should be a much more straightforward selection process now the unfortunate Craig Gilroy seems likely to miss out due to injury. This should allow Jared Payne to move back to 15 and Tommy Bowe to come in on the wing to partner Andrew Trimble in a formidable looking back 3.

The return of Ruan Pienaar will be the only other decision Anscombe will have to make. A few weeks ago the return of the mercurial South African couldn’t have come sooner but since then Paul Marshall has hit form and played well in the past three games. It would still be a surprise if Pienaar didn’t start but it isn’t the formality some might think.

So Ulster will go into the game at pretty much full strength and in good form, a combination that usually sees to pretty much anybody when playing at Ravenhill. Four points is the minimum requirement and denying Leicester a bonus point may also prove crucial in the long run.

For their part, Leicester has started the season fairly well and certainly won’t come to Ravenhill fearing Ulster. Their scrum demolished a solid looking Northampton outfit regularly at the weekend and they always do the basics well. With quality half backs and the lethal Vereniki Goneva likely to start, Leicester has plenty of firepower that would cause any team problems. As always, the breakdown will be absolutely crucial and the battle between Salvi and Henry is likely to be a cracker.

Despite the cloud hanging over the competition, the first weekend of the Heineken Cup is always one to savour and this year promises to be as good as ever. Ospreys v Leinster, Toulon v Glasgow and Racing Metro v Clermont are all games that could grace a quarter final whilst Edinburgh v Munster will be an excellent test for Munster credentials.

I have also been fortunate enough to get tickets to the Castres v Northampton game on Saturday evening. I’ve never been to a game in France before and cannot wait to experience what I’m told is an amazing atmosphere at Stade Pierre Antoine. Though it will need to go some to beat Ravenhill after Friday night I reckon.

A weekend of terrific rugby awaits. Hopefully the recommencement of the world’s greatest club competition will remind some people of the brilliance of what they seem so eager to throw on the scrapheap.

My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.

Ulster need to stay focused

Last season’s start was an exception rather than a rule for Ulster, writes Ryan Cullen…

No need to panic

Never has the old adage ‘it’s a marathon not a sprint’ been so apt.

This time last year Ulster started at a gallop, producing the best rugby of their season before Christmas and drawing acclaim from seasoned observers and supporters alike. Fast forward 12 months and the collective groan at the conclusion of Glasgow’s visit to Ravenhill tells you all you need to know.

The blend of physicality and fluidity that seemed to come so easily to Ulster at the start of last season seems like a pipedream currently. Where once passes were fast and flat, they now loop and stop their intended receivers. Lines of running often seem dim and communication less than clear.

But, 2012 -13 aside, was it not always thus? Last season was the exception, not the rule. It is to be expected that players will not hit their stride straight away. And the bare facts of two defeats from two games do not tell the whole story.

Looking more closely at results so far, whilst the first game in Newport was a pretty turgid affair, Ulster would have emerged with the victory had Paddy Jackson brought his kicking boots with him. And had just one of the numerous try scoring opportunities created against Glasgow on Friday night been converted, the late Warriors try would have been irrelevant. A couple of small changes and Ulster could be sitting pretty, two from two.

Secondly, it is important to look at the playing squad. It is fair to say that Ulster will realistically make up to 10 changes for the first round of the Heineken Cup. The starting line-ups put out so far certainly haven’t been weak ones, particularly at Ravenhill last Friday, but neither have they been the best XV.

Of course it would have been nice to have registered at least one win by now but this relatively minimal short term pain could lead to significantly more long term gain. The delayed start to the season so many of the premier players are having can only be beneficial come the business end of the season.

It would be disingenuous to suggest Ulster didn’t win anything last season because they were tired but surely having fresher players in the new year cannot be a bad thing. More generally, it is pleasing to see Irish provinces considering long-term player welfare after the gruelling summer itineraries taken in by some players. It is certainly a stark contrast to the policies adopted by many of the other clubs in Europe.

Of course, this all assumes that Ulster will be needing fresh players come the spring. Whilst Heineken Cup last eight qualification may prove difficult this year, failure to qualify for the Pro12 playoffs and at least the Amlin Cup would be unacceptable given the depth and quality of the squad at Mark Anscombe’s disposal.

Should Ulster start the Heineken Cup well and get back on track over the next few weeks, the memory of the two sub-par performances to start the season will quickly vanish. Mark Anscombe and his men certainly won’t be panicking. Neither should anybody else.

Never to be forgotten

Friday night at Ravenhill saw the marking of the one year anniversary of the Spence family tragedy.

I didn’t know Nevin Spence nor did I ever meet him, but the best tribute I can pay to him is that he was the type of player any club would love to have. As with any professional player he was talented and tough. But his standout quality was his unswerving commitment.

Never shirking a tackle, always running that hard angle and putting his body on the line for the sake of the team – that was Nevin Spence. That he is being immortalised at the new Ravenhill is entirely fitting.

It was also heart-warming to see the messages of support and tribute coming in from around the rugby world over the past week. Once again the rugby community has demonstrated that whilst there is no sport more competitive, there is a genuine bond between all those involved in the sport.

Unions must stand firm in battle for control

The battle for the future of European rugby stepped up a gear with the announcement of plans for a new competition by the representatives of English and French clubs. Without entering into a discussion of the whys and wherefores of the debate, everyone must by now be aware that the future of European rugby is on the line.

Under the proposals of English and French clubs, the sustainability of professional European rugby outside of England and France is questionable. The Six Nations would become a mere husk. Hopes of broadening the base of Rugby Union playing nations would disappear. It is not simply the future of the Heineken and Amlin Cups that is at stake in coming months.

Most rational people can see that English and French clubs have some valid points regarding the current European setup. The Pro12 is not on a par with the Premiership and Top 14 in terms of overall competitiveness. Financially, English clubs do not get a fair deal from their Union. French clubs do have to play their best players much more often to ensure qualification for the European competitions.

Whilst these are undoubtedly legitimate concerns, they cannot be used to bully the rest of Europe down a road from which there will be no turning back. If the Unions and IRB do not stand firm now, Rugby Union as we know it will likely change forever.

My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.

Exciting times for Ulster fans

A new season is upon us and @cyberryan87 is back with his regular contributions to HoR2…

At this stage of every year excitement begins to build for all European rugby fans. With the summer hiatus coming to an end, a season full of promise and opportunity awaits even those who plumbed the depths of despair just a few short months ago. For all, hope shines bright every August.

And for Ulster fans, that light seems to be shimmering more brightly than for some time going into the 2013-14 season.

Ulster have certainly made significant physical progress over the summer months. The two end stands, which were still just shells at the time of the Pro12 semi-final against the Scarlets, are now completed and will be unveiled at the special pre-season fixture with Leinster this Friday evening. With work on the main stand well underway also, Ulster fans will be able to get a feel for just how their home will look this time next year.

That Ulster have managed to keep all of last season’s squad together is another reason for excitement ahead of the new season. In recent years Leinster have demonstrated the benefits of continuity and there is certainly a belief that Mark Anscombe can take the team on again having had a full season to now adjust to European rugby.

Although there weren’t any ‘marquee’ arrivals, the retention of John Afoa is better than almost any signing Ulster could have made in the close season. The news that Stephen Ferris is remaining at the club for the foreseeable future has also provided an unexpected boost. Let’s hope he can now get fit again.

That the likes of Paddy Jackson, Luke Marshall and Iain Henderson now have a full season in their legs and that should see them make further progress, whilst the return of James McKinney to the squad will provide some much needed competition for the number 10 shirt. It certainly wouldn’t be a major shock to see him pushing for a starting spot sooner rather than later.

Sadly, the Pro12 doesn’t seem any stronger than last season. Perennial challengers Leinster and Munster should provide stern competition, as should last year’s surprise package Glasgow, but it’s hard to see beyond these four clubs for the playoff spots at this stage. Let’s hope the Welsh regions can throw up at least one challenger.

In the Heineken Cup, Ulster could certainly have been handed an easier pool but it would be a major disappointment if they weren’t right there with Leicester fighting for top spot. Montpellier and Treviso are increasingly dangerous sides but it would certainly be a surprise if Ulster’s encounters with Leicester weren’t the defining factors of this group.

All in all, Ulster’s on-field chances should be at least as good as they were last season. The squad is stronger now than at this stage last year and there are genuine reasons to think there is potential for some further improvement.

Anything other than a spot in the Pro12 playoffs and another Heineken Cup QF place will certainly be deemed a failure.

Of course, Ulster fans have the new Irish era to look forward to also. Joe Schmidt’s appointment has been met with almost universal acclaim but with that good will comes high hopes and big expectations. That he needs to make progress from last year is a given but given the upheaval since the Six Nations it would be unfair to expect miracles straight away.

Much like Stuart Lancaster did when he took over the England role, Schmidt must be prepared to lose games in the short term to gain ground long term. Ireland’s primary aim is the World Cup in 2015 and a few autumn and Six Nations defeats in the interim will be long forgotten if Schmidt can take Ireland to a semi-final.

For now though, thoughts of Ireland are at the back of the mind as we all look forward to the return of Friday nights at Ravenhill. Bring it on!

My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.

Finals Saturday promises plenty

The midfield battle could prove key at the RDS on Saturday, writes Ryan Cullen…

The British and Irish season comes to an end this weekend with two games of genuine unpredictability and intrigue. The combatants in the game at the RDS were considerably more predictable than the one due to take place at Twickenham, yet all results still seem possible given the quality of semi-final performances we witnessed from all four clubs. The nerves that come with playing in finals will certainly play their part as well.

We witnessed just how affecting those ‘inner demons’ can be to those afflicted by them at the Aviva on Saturday. To be plain, Clermont should be European champions. In a game which was always likely to be tight, Clermont controlled the shape of the game, played with greater fluidity and dominated both possession and territory. They also established what seemed to be a solid lead with a quick double score after half time, at which point it was difficult to see how Toulon would get themselves back into the game.

Toulon, though, are a high quality team themselves and although there was an element of fortune regarding the decisive score by the classless Delon Armitage, their defence in the last 15 minutes was outstanding. Any team that wins the H Cup ultimately deserves it but there was an element of sadness about the men from the Auvergne getting so close and failing. Beware the rest of Europe next year I think.

At Twickenham on Saturday we will see an East Midlands clash that not many would have predicted two weeks ago let alone two months ago. Leicester’s presence is far from a surprise of course. The Welford Road outfit has become the byword for English rugby consistency and justifiably go into the weekend’s decider as strong favourites. Their routing of Northampton at Franklins Gardens in March also suggests they will have too much for Jim Mallinder’s men.

Northampton, though, are considerably improved since the teams’ last encounter. Their set piece is once again strong enough to compete at the top level whilst their rolling maul is again a thing of ferocious beauty. Whilst their backline doesn’t quite pose the same threat as the pack, it may not have to for Northampton to become champions. As we have seen in the past, finals are often tight, forward orientated contests and if Northampton can outmuscle Leicester up front they may just be able to get their hands on the Premiership trophy.

That said, I still wouldn’t back against Leicester this weekend. Whilst I don’t think the gap between the sides is as big as some would have you believe, Leicester are a much better balanced side and I would be surprised if they aren’t crowned champions. It would certainly be deserved.

The game at the RDS on Saturday evening is certainly a much more difficult game to call than the one in London. Leinster go into the game boosted by securing another European trophy. Whilst the Amlin competition is undoubtedly the poor relation of the H Cup, a trophy and winners medal is still a pleasant fillip for any player heading into an important game.

To fill the club’s trophy cabinet further, though, it’s hard to think Leinster won’t have to improve. The performance against a plucky but limited Stade Français was an exercise in clinical efficiency, seizing upon the Parisian’s numerous mistakes to move out of sight by half time. Ulster will be a much greater challenge one would think.

The return of Brian O’Driscoll and several other front-liners suggests that Leinster will certainly be capable of rising to that challenge though. As we have seen over the past few seasons, there are few clubs more capable of preparing themselves mentally for big games than Leinster. They have the knack of winning finals and know that there will be still be an element of nervousness amongst the Ulster players following last season’s H Cup final, despite Ulster’s two league victories over the Dubliners this season.

It is unfortunate for Ulster that the best option for a stadium switch just happened to be the home ground of their final opponents. Ravenhill is a genuine rugby fortress these days and has a special atmosphere which lifts the players that extra 5%. Giving that up certainly isn’t ideal but Ulster’s progress this season suggests they are still fully capable of travelling to Dublin and taking the trophy. The 50/50 ticket split will certainly help there as well.

After a packed season, the fortnight break will have been a welcome one for Ulster’s players. That it has allowed John Afoa enough time to get back to something approaching full fitness is another major boost. Ulster is likely to try and pressurize Leinster up front and the Kiwi will be key to that effort.

The midfield battle is likely to be where the game is won and lost though. Whilst the likes of Stuart Olding and Paddy Jackson have come on leaps and bounds this season, this is undoubtedly their biggest challenge of the year. Taking on the Lions out half Jonathan Sexton, the living legend Brian O’Driscoll and the Leinster wunderkind Ian Madigan would prove a test for any midfield, never mind a young, inexperienced trio. But Mark Anscombe believes in them and that has been quite a recommendation so far this year.

Elsewhere, the battle between Jamie Heaslip and Nick Williams is mouth-watering, whilst Rob Kearney’s battle with Jared Payne should be a terrific guide to the future international potential of the former Auckland Blue. In truth, all the ingredients are there for a terrific final to cap the best year of Pro12 rugby we have seen to date.

The biggest question, of course, is who will be spraying the champagne come 7 o’clock on Saturday evening? Realistically all results are possible given the quality of both sides. Although Leinster are justified favourites, I suspect the Ulstermen will just edge this one.

Spurred on by a dearth of silverware in recent years and the humbling defeat in last season’s H Cup final, I believe the men from Ravenhill will produce a performance akin to their effort at Franklins Gardens earlier in the season which will get them over the line. Set piece will be crucial and as long as the Ulster pack keeps their composure I think they may just bring the Celtic League title back to Belfast for the second time.

P.S. Having seen the seedings for the H Cup next year, it looks like being the best most competitive year of the competition ever! All four groups contain teams of genuine quality which bodes well for fans. Here’s hoping some heads can be knocked together over the summer and the risk to the crown jewel of club rugby disappears.

My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.

Back row battle key to Lions hopes

The 6, 7 & 8 positions should provide Warren’s toughest decisions, writes Ryan Cullen…

It generally goes without saying that any man pulling on a Lions test jersey has earned it. From the beginning of the season right through to the prep games and vicious training sessions on tour, each individual has their desire, ability and determination tested to the max in order to ensure they are worthy of a place.

This year, however, it seems that one area in particular is likely to see a battle royal before the sides’ line out in Brisbane on 22 June. It is certainly unlikely there will be many who have earned their shirts more than the men who line up in the 6, 7 and 8 jerseys. The achievement of just making the tour is borne out when you look at the list of quality players who didn’t make the squad - Chris Robshaw, Tom Wood, Ben Morgan, Ryan Jones, Peter O’Mahony, Johnnie Beattie and Kelly Brown. You certainly wouldn’t be afraid to take on the Aussies with a back row of Wood, Robshaw and Beattie.

So the men who have made the squad deserve enormous credit and congratulation. Yet the major battle is yet to begin.

Tom Croft, Toby Faletau, Jamie Heaslip, Dan Lydiate, Sean O’Brien, Justin Tipuric and Sam Warburton are the men who will vie for the three test jerseys on tour. We already know though that captain Sam Warburton will take up one of those jerseys, probably 7, so the question is who will join him?

Tom Croft’s recent performances for Leicester suggest he stands a very good chance of taking the 6 shirt. Croft’s primary attributes are his pace, his lineout work and his knack of being in the right place at the right time to get over the line. That Croft has already been on a Lions tour surely plays in his favour also given the potential for a fairly inexperienced 15 to take the field in Brisbane.

Croft’s contenders for the six jersey seem to be Dan Lydiate and Sean O’Brien. Lydiate was voted the player of the tournament in the 2012 Six Nations but has suffered an injury blighted year and it is hard not to think he is one of the luckiest men to have made the squad. There is no doubting Lydiate’s quality; he is a tackling machine who brings intensity to defence not many can match, yet that is what we know from last year rather than anything we have seen this season. When the Dragons visited Ravenhill several weeks ago, Lydiate looked but a pale imitation of himself. He will certainly need to progress quickly to challenge Croft.

O’Brien is the most difficult member of the backrow to peg down. Since emerging as a blindside flanker, O’Brien has successfully moved to openside for both club and country and has also played a significant amount of rugby at number 8. His ability to play all three positions may guarantee him a place in the 22 but may hinder his chances of starting. His qualities have been fairly well established now but the most underestimated aspect of the ‘Tullow Tank’s’ play has to be his work rate. O’Brien put in a herculean effort for a below-par Irish Six Nations team and that aligned with his ball carrying ability makes him a unique tourist.

Gatland also has the option of adopting the same tactics as Rob Howley did when Wales demolished England in the Six Nations decider. On that day Justin Tipuric and Sam Warburton played for Wales, bringing extra mobility and breakdown expertise which England simply could handle. Tipuric is perhaps a better link between the backline and the pack than Warburton and possesses very strong breakdown skills also. It is for that reason many have suggested he should be Wales’ starting 7 rather than Warburton. Warburton though, has a strong carrying game, an exceptional leg drive and explosion of pace as well as being superb over the ball when on form. He is deserving of a starting place even though I would echo some of the warnings regarding his captaincy.

On the face of it, the number 8 position seems to be a straight shootout between Jamie Heaslip and Toby Faletau. The Leinster man has returned to some form after a fairly poor Six Nations by his high standards. He has rediscovered the ability to beat defenders that marked him out in 2009 and his hands are terrific for a number 8. He also provides some leadership in a fairly young group.

Faletau is quite different to Heaslip in that he is more of a game breaker but less proficient at the ‘basics’ of the game than the Irish captain. Faletau has the potential to beat several defenders and go in from 60 metres. He is also a strong tackler and dependable in defence but perhaps isn’t as likely to make the hard yards as Heaslip. Or, indeed, Sean O’Brien. Although perhaps not naturally thought of as a number 8, O’Brien strikes me as the most rounded player of the three to anchor the scrum and could provide the extra go forward the others in backrow may not be able to.

The pack Australia is likely to field will have a large bearing on which selections Warren Gatland will make also. The Australian pack is notable for its ability to get round the field and contribute with ball in hand as well as doing the basics. The makeup of the Australian back row is as yet unknown but one thing can be taken as gospel, it will be a high quality, energy packed trio. Although the loss of David Pocock is a significant one, the likes of Michael Hooper, George Smith, Scott Higginbothom and Wycliff Palu are perfectly capable of holding their own regardless of what combination Gatland picks.

For me, as you have probably guessed, I would start with Croft, Warburton and O’Brien. This trio would give the Lions a genuine additional lineout option, a strong carrying game and two 7s to compete against the breakdown savvy Wallaby backrow. It also has plenty of pace as well as a bit of ballast. Truthfully though, I don’t expect to see these three start the first test. I expect Jamie Heaslip will get the 8 jersey and there is a realistic chance any of the contenders for the blindside berth could start given their quality.

Warren Gatland has some huge choices to make. Alongside the halfbacks, the back row is the most important position in the modern game. Should Gatland get his selection wrong, his chances of success will be significantly limited whereas success in this area could swing the balance in the Lions favour. He certainly has the raw materials to work with, now it’s up to him to get the right blend.

 

My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.

Lions retain pride of place

With the Pro12 playoffs and Lions tour there’s plenty of quality rugby left in the season, writes Ryan Cullen…

There are not many things in rugby that could overshadow the announcement of a new Irish head coach, the aftermath of the Heineken Cup semi-finals and the build up to the final round of the season in the Aviva Premiership and the Rabo Pro12. That the announcement of the Lions squad kicked these issues comprehensively into touch demonstrates the pull this old bastion of the amateur game still has.

Of course there are those who complain the tour is now unnecessarily commercialised and to that I don’t have an answer, but those who argue that it isn’t what it once was I cannot disagree more. Indeed, I am not sure I have witnessed a Lions squad announcement so eagerly anticipated previously. The fans still love the concept and the players still consider it to be the highest honour so as far as I’m concerned, the doom mongers can take themselves off.

When looking at the squad itself it’s not hard to see what style Gatland plans to adopt; the same one he has always adopted. Pace, power and physicality are the order of the day, with a focus below the potential first fifteen on the impact replacements can have. As a result there have been what you could describe as some strange decisions, such as leaving Rory Best at home or taking Mako Vunipola over Scottish loosehead Ryan Grant, one of the breakout performers of the season. It’s difficult not to think a degree of politics entered the decision given the option in both areas was to go English.

Of course this is understandable to an extent, particularly given the makeup of the coaching staff, but it is hard not to feel for the likes of Best who probably knows his chance to be a Lion has now gone.

The decision not to take a third ten aside, the squad looks fairly well balanced if perhaps slightly lacking in creative flair. With Sexton and O’Driscoll in the backline though they should be able to balance creativity with the sheer bulk of the Welsh juggernauts. Domination up front will be the aim of Gatland but as we have seen over the past few years, it will take more than forward pressure to crack this Australian side.

In terms of the Test side, a Welsh/Irish blend seems the most likely concoction with one of two additions. For me the current 15 would be: Healy, Hibbard, Jones, O’Connell, Wyn-Jones, Croft, Warburton, O’Brien, Phillips, Sexton, North, Roberts, O’Driscoll, Bowe, Halfpenny. With injuries likely and players yet to show their tour form, I would be surprised if this was the line-up come the first test though. Certainly the backrow and the back three could look very different come 22 June.

After 9 months, the pub debates, online rants and squad proposals have come to an end. The squad has been chosen and the focus of the Rugby world begins to turn towards Australia. For Gatland and his chosen few the real hard work is about to begin.

Away from the Lions, the Pro 12 semi-finals take place this weekend when Glasgow and the Scarlets aim to stop the expected all Irish final. In form Glasgow seem to have a far greater chance at the RDS than the Scarlets do at Ravenhill.

The Scottish club has performed exceptionally impressively this season and credit must go to Gregor Townsend who has got the Scotstoun outfit playing some excellent rugby. Leinster away is a big task for any side though and good though Glasgow has been, they will need to find a new level to defeat the former European champions on their own patch.

The Scarlets travel to Ravenhill in much poorer form and it is hard to see Ulster not being the first Irish side into the final. Whilst the Scarlets possess players of undoubted ability, their lack of forward power tends to be their undoing and even with John Afoa missing, Ulster should have too much for the men from Llanelli.

As the two best teams in the league this season, it will be fitting if we do see an Ulster vs. Leinster final at the RDS in a few weeks’ time. The Rabodirect Pro12 is becoming an increasingly valuable prize and the league’s top two fighting out the finale in front of a packed crowd can only boost the image of the competition further.

My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.

Irish rugby’s summer of discontent?

Some big decisions lie ahead for the IRFU, writes Ryan Cullen

To say that this is an important summer for Irish rugby seems something of an understatement. With a Lions tour to Australia likely to take the best this island can offer down under and the tours of North America and Eastern Europe to look forward to, we are likely to have a bumper summer of on-field action that will shape the national team for the next World Cup and beyond. What happens off the field, though, may turn out to be more important than anything that happens on it.

Two huge issues hang over Irish Rugby as we approach the summer tours; who will replace Declan Kidney and the shape of any future European competitions.

On the face of it, the head coach conundrum seems much the easier one to solve. Over the past seven days we have seen Joe Schmidt move into pole position after his admission that he is meeting with the IRFU this week. The Kiwi certainly ticks the majority of the boxes any appointment committee must have. Proven at the highest level of the club game, Schmidt is also fully aware of the uniquely Irish Rugby Union system and has already built up a wealth of knowledge on all Irish internationals.

The style of play Leinster have adopted throughout his time there must also be an attraction to all Irish fans as he hasn’t just won trophies, he has won them playing a progressive, attacking brand of Rugby. Further, he has demonstrated he can come in and make already high performing players better and work well with youth to aide their transition into the professional game. Perhaps the question should be ‘Why wouldn’t the IRFU want him?’

The sometimes fractious relationship Schmidt has had with the IRFU throughout his Leinster tenure may be one reason they may not. Schmidt certainly hasn’t shied away from giving his opinion whilst in Ireland and this has been cited in some areas as a reason he may not be offered the job. An upfront, honest and confident head coach certainly doesn’t strike me as a bad thing though and I find it hard to believe that his relationship with any of the key players at the IRFU is so bad he wouldn’t be offered the job for that reason.

Of course there are also plenty of other hats that have been thrown into the ring. Ewen McKenzie of the Queensland Reds was one of the first candidates to be linked with the position after he announced his intention to leave the Reds in order to seek an International job. Nick Mallett, Jake White and Mark McCall have all been mentioned also, as well as a plethora of others to boot. Yet when qualifying their credentials against Schmidt, it is still hard to see how any of them quite merit the job instead.

Undoubtedly the IRFU needs to undergo some structural change also but if Schmidt were to take over as head coach it would undoubtedly be a good start to an important summer. Whether it will quite as positive at club level is another issue entirely.

As things currently stand, Munster will be the last Irish representatives in the Heineken Cup and Leinster the last in the Amlin Challenge Cup. The impasse over the future of European club competition continues with the IRFU taking the entirely justifiable stand that they will not move past the line they have drawn in the sand. As this year’s European competition has already shown us, competing with the French clubs is becoming increasingly difficult. Conceding further ground can’t be an option.

The entire debate is much too intricate and nuanced to go into here but it is safe to say neither of the current options will do anything to improve the game on this island. Ireland as a nation has thrived since the introduction of Europe-wide club competition. Irish provinces have excelled at the highest level whilst the national team, although stuttering of late, has come on leaps and bounds from the days when they were perennial wooden spoon candidates.

The clubs and IRFU coffers have also been boosted with the rise of European Rugby. Three extra guaranteed full houses a year is just the beginning. The extra sponsorship, media interest and the money the IRFU has received for hosting several of the finals has also been a major boost. Money has been set aside to improve the academy systems in each province and the results have been there for all to see.

What Irish rugby would be left with if the European Cups were to disappear is another source of worry. Whilst the Pro12 is a grand competition as a backup to the Heineken Cup, imagining it as the only competition is not pleasant, and that’s before we have even taken the Welsh dissenters into consideration. How could we sustain player development without developing a different way forward?

Then of course the impact the lack of European competition would have on Irish fans must be considered. Would the next generation of fans be inspired to get behind their province without the Heineken Cup as a lure? Will current fans want to come week, in week out to see league fayre alone? Would we have the high quality foreign imports?

All in all there are lots of questions the IRFU must find the correct answer to this summer and it is not too far-fetched to suggest this summer’s outcomes will affect the professional game in this country for the next ten years. Resolve both situations positively and the future of the game on these shores looks rosy.

Should they take the wrong options, it is likely we will all remember this summer as the point at which Irish rugby’s fortunes started to decline instead remembering only the victorious Lions down under.

My name is Ryan Cullen and I am a 25 year old Ulster season ticket holder. I was introduced to the game around 15 years ago and have loved it ever since. I have an interest in pretty much all sports though so don’t be surprised to see a few football (Liverpool), Golfing and Racing interests (to name but a few) thrown in from time to time.