Pro 14 Final vs Leinster, Sept 12th.

[jean valjean]

Same story as last week, up to the starters to keep us in the game till 50 mins. Throw bobbie, luke and Addison in there and we have a very good 23, if we ever get to see it. This team is young enough to do good things in the next 2-3 years.
I wonder if dan goes as far as to tell individuals how long they will expect to play for? Notwithstanding what happens in the match obviously.

[jean valjean]

Always good to see the opposition views once the teams come out as it gives a fair reflection of our relative strengths and weaknesses. Leinster fans seem to think this will be close with our bench being a big factor. They also think they can get at our back 3 physically, and lyttle needs to get up quick on lowe for sure. On another matter I hope dan pins the indo articles to the dressing room wall.

[Silverstu]

Goal kicking could be an issue.

Burns is decent and Lyttle is also a very good kicker. Cooney will be fired up to get his starting spot back after this, great to see a bit of proper depth and competition within the squad.

[Evil Kiwi]

Goal kicking could be an issue.

Burns is decent and Lyttle is also a very good kicker. Cooney will be fired up to get his starting spot back after this, great to see a bit of proper depth and competition within the squad.

Cooney off the bench could be a game changer if things are tight.

[big mervyn]

If one of 11-15 picks up a knock, I assume it's Mads to 12?

[Evil Kiwi]

If one of 11-15 picks up a knock, I assume it's Mads to 12?

Mads covers 9-15. Ask Joe.

[big mervyn]

They're not too confident over on Babbling Brook.

Quite enjoyed these words of wisdom posted this morning.

McFarland and Peel (in particular) will have focussed intensely on Cooney this week. Probably more on his psyche rather than the physical. At his best, JC is a game changer and could cause us many difficulties, especially from breaks from rucks or mauls. Quick and strong, he's the Ulster player we need to watch closest.

[Lurgan Lad]

Guessing Hendo must be fit with only one 2nd row on the bench, and only one outside back as others have said could be a concern. We are probably encouraging them to pepper our back 3 with high balls, does feel like we have made a very tactical 23 with 2 back row on bench to contest their strength. Biggest concerns would be starting front row at scrum time, back 3 injuries and back 3 winning up and unders

[Cracker]

Any chance that John and Mads and Murphy when kept for the second half will win it for us. John is still the best scrum half at the moment. A temporary loss of a little form happens to all players . Go for it John you are still the man for us.

[justinr73]

Dan has said there’s a good chance that Hendy won’t last the distance, so it’s slightly odd that we’ve gone with two back rows on the pine.

You could also argue that the selection of the chosen lock bucks the trend, in terms of players being picked on form.

[Marco]

Same story as last week, up to the starters to keep us in the game till 50 mins. Throw bobbie, luke and Addison in there and we have a very good 23, if we ever get to see it. This team is young enough to do good things in the next 2-3 years.
I wonder if dan goes as far as to tell individuals how long they will expect to play for? Notwithstanding what happens in the match obviously.

I don't buy into the "we've a young team that could go well" line, heard it so many times, like when Trimble/Marshall/Gilroy were all in nappies, seize the moment, that's what these guys should be and will be thinking. Lyttle spoke sensibly and well also when quoted as saying (paraphrasing) that they'll be ok if they play to their potential but just lose out to a Leinster team also playing to their potential, that makes sense and is reality, not smoke blowing up their own a**e bu****it, and will definitely bode well for next season. PS: no red cards after 5 minutes for anyone wearing white please!!!!

[HwoodMike2umate]

I think its best to have a good few more pints than usual before kick off tomorrow.

[Evil Kiwi]

Dunno why we bother signing all these ex Leinster players. They’re not good enough to make the team.

They all came because they couldn't get a start for Leinster

I would say Marty in particular will be hungry off the bench. He'll have a huge appetite for this.

[Neill_M]

If you like a punt, Ulster are even money with an 11 point start or 4/1 with game starting 0-0.

[UlsterNo9]

Any chance that John and Mads and Murphy when kept for the second half will win it for us. John is still the best scrum half at the moment. A temporary loss of a little form happens to all players . Go for it John you are still the man for us.

Dan knows we have to rotate the starting 15 to do the league and european double this year