Should he stay or should he go?

[mid ulster maestro]

I think Rooster that you have hit the nail on the head. It has been mentioned on here before that the IRFU wanted Payne played in the centre. Perhaps it was decreed that the semi final was like the old probables / possibles with all of the potential Ireland centres, BOD excluded, on show. Just stirrin' like!

[Snipe Watson]

I disagree. Joe has never mentioned Payne as a 13 except when he is specifically asked about him by a BBC NI reporter. He always consistently mentioned Henshaw and Cave. I'm of the view that Jared wanted a shot at BOD's shirt and the whole impetus for the move came from him and Anscombe.

[Rooster]

I think Rooster that you have hit the nail on the head. It has been mentioned on here before that the IRFU wanted Payne played in the centre. Perhaps it was decreed that the semi final was like the old probables / possibles with all of the potential Ireland centres, BOD excluded, on show. Just stirrin' like!

From my information on this Joe or anyone else in IRFU have not made any requests as to who we play where in any match this season, Kidney did ask previously about a specific player and it was not adhered to at that particular time.
As of now Joe has said several times that he is looking at Cave and Henshaw and at present he does not reckon Henshaw is ready so I fully expect Cave to start the first Argie match.
Joe is not a bull excrement spouter, he has a plan and he will work through it and from what I hear all the players know how they stand and what goals they have to achieve which is a very new concept in the Ireland side.
In previous seasons many players from all provinces couldn't really be arsed going to Ireland camps now they look forward to going to them to work with Joe, that is a massive boost all round and I would attribute a lot of the improvement we have seen in players actually down to him more than our own set up. Sit and think about all our players who have been at his camps and you will see what I mean. It seems like he will also be taking an interest in the second tour side so hopefully more will see the Schmidt way of life including Doaky.
Any wonder Leinster fans are a bit frustrated by MOC as they probably will never get a coach to live up to Joes influence on the side again.

[Snipe Watson]

A comprehensive assessment of the situation Rooster and one with which I concur entirely.

[jackthelad]

The Heineken Cup Final Team

Ulster XV: 15. Stefan Terblanche, 14. Andrew Trimble, 13. Darren Cave, 12. Paddy Wallace, 11. Craig Gilroy, 10. Paddy Jackson, 9. Ruan Pienaar, 1. Tom Court, 2. Rory Best, 3. John Afoa, 4. Johann Muller (capt), 5. Dan Tuohy, 6. Stephen Ferris, 7. Chris Henry, 8. Pedrie Wannenburg,
Replacements: 16. Nigel Brady, 17. Paddy McAllister, 18. Declan Fitzpatrick, 19. Lewis Stevenson, 20. Willie Faloon, 21. Paul Marshall, 22. Ian Humphreys, 23. Adam D'Arcy.

Not at all similar considering that the following 13 players out of 23 were not there or did not start last week.
15. Stefan Terblanche,
14.
13.
12. Paddy Wallace,
11.
10.
9.
1. Tom Court,
2.
3. John Afoa,
4.
5. Dan Tuohy,
6. Stephen Ferris,
7.
8.
Replacements:
16. Nigel Brady,
17. Paddy McAllister,
18. Declan Fitzpatrick,
19.
20. Willie Faloon,
21.
22. Ian Humphreys,
23. Adam D'Arcy.

[Russ]

Can we also remember we had a bye in the semi final

A grand day out, but a non event

Anscombe Out

[isleofwighter]

What's Terblanche doing these,days?

[shamalicious]

What's Terblanche doing these,days?

A lot of cycling!

[isleofwighter]

Shame.!

[bazzaj]

I disagree. Joe has never mentioned Payne as a 13 except when he is specifically asked about him by a BBC NI reporter. He always consistently mentioned Henshaw and Cave. I'm of the view that Jared wanted a shot at BOD's shirt and the whole impetus for the move came from him and Anscombe.

It came from Payne and probably therefore endorsed by the rest.

[UlsterNo9]

I disagree. Joe has never mentioned Payne as a 13 except when he is specifically asked about him by a BBC NI reporter. He always consistently mentioned Henshaw and Cave. I'm of the view that Jared wanted a shot at BOD's shirt and the whole impetus for the move came from him and Anscombe.

It came from Payne and probably therefore endorsed by the rest.

Snipe I've said that myself on this board also, you're 100% correct.

[BaggyTrousers]

I note that we now have 2 pixies they probably just watch on TV and never talk to anyone....... ever.

Maybe Clive is a pixie.

[scrum5]

I see John Plumtree is leaving the Ireland job after the Argentina tour due to family reasons.....

[Cornerfleg]

Is he eloping with Afoa?

[breakdown]

Going to NZ apparently