Leinster v Ulster Sat 3rd Dec 19:35 Viaplay Sports 1

[SUFTUM_19]

Moore being tested to allow for more options to have a 6/2 bench split for the next couple of games?

I don’t think we have the forwards to have an effective 6/2 split. No.20 is definitely the shirt up for grabs, imo it’s McCann, but Murphy is a proven international, Dan seems to like Matty Rea and Jones to a certain extent too, Reffell is unknown. Imo back row is the position where we don’t want any injuries because there is a drop off after Marcus Rea, Timoney and Vermeulen. Absolutely baffles me why we got rid of Sean Reidy - absolutely outstanding player.

[Bart S]

Reidy was best from the bench and Matty Rea best left in the changing room.

[allezlesverres]

My thinking is that McFarlane believes the backs are as good if not better than Leinster

HE trusts the Ulster set scrum can hold its own

I agree with most of that but I don't think anyone could say we are confidently better in the backs. We are clearly better at 12 but that's it. All other positions are advantage leinster or roughly a draw (9 and 10 debatable either way).

Looking forward to it notwithstanding my reservations about the selection. Have bet on ulster for the first time in years cos why not.

[Dublin4]

I am really looking forward to a very competitive match. Ulster are certainly on a par with Leinster at the moment. Very little between the players picked for this evening.

[HwoodMike2umate]

Do we want to be winning at half time? Ponder and discuss at half time. Currently in bed but we are heading out shortly for a stroll into Dalkey to get the Irish Times & Irish Independent while my host/cousin cooks breakfast as usual. Slainte

[Dave]

Where did you get the second hand cousin?

I don't remember seeing the thread.

[UlsterNo9]

I am really looking forward to a very competitive match. Ulster are certainly on a par with Leinster at the moment. Very little between the players picked for this evening.

You're being a little kind I think but we'll take it. Great to see we're sending a near full strength team down to have a go.

Nothing worse than the top two in the league meeting and we send down the Forlorn hope.

Looks like McFarland has tried to get anyone involved with an Ireland, Ireland A or Emerging Ireland team on the pitch. Then hopefully told them if you want to hold your hand up for a World Cup place do it tonight, I've gave you the opportunity.

[UlsterNo9]

Despite all of the Irish talent on show it was Jenkins that punctured ourselves at home. When he went off and Carter came on the game at Ravenhill turned on its head.

Leinster look to have frightening forward impact from the bench. We're not to shabby ourselves in Herring and O'Toole upfront. With Carter (on this seasons form) and DV8 to come on, there is optimism for parity if Leinster do not play to full potential.

[rumncoke]

My feel on the Leinster selection is

Leo expects Ulster to hold leinster for 55 mins -- then he brings on his Front Row to exploit the Line outs in the corner for next 15 minutes as the referee responds Leinster arm waving to provide the necessary penalties.

[Cap'n Grumpy]

I'm calling this one early. That's a completely mental selection. In no way is Henderson up to the task of playing 6 anymore. He is an out and out lock and has been for many years now. There was a time when he was younger and lighter that we all wanted to see more of him at 6 because he was brilliant there but those days are long gone and he is no longer mobile enough to cover the requirements of playing 6. We will have mid field gaps all over the show and will get turned over in contact because of the lack of mobility caused by playing him at 6. And much though I like Stew why is he on the wing? Ross Byrne is a good kicker and will test Moore's positioning all night in an unfamiliar position and he'll have to deal with high kicks being contested by decent Leinster outside backs who are in the main, pretty decent under a high ball. Madness.

Out of interest-maybe for another thread but what is Ulsters strongest team? Does selection depend on who they are playing?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Would say Sutherland, Herring, Moore, AOC, Hendy, Mar Rea, Timoney, Vermeulen, Cooney, Burns, Stockdale (on form), McCloskey, Hume, Baloucoune, Lowry
Subs - Stewart, Warwick, O’Toole, Treadwell, McCann, Doak, Marshall, Addison.

On current form McIlroy and Moore probably deserve to be in and around there.

John Andrew has done little wrong either (or has he?) and would be disappointed not to be included, but I doubt even he could argue against Stewart's inclusion ahead of him now. Andrew has always done well when called upon, but Stewart is now deservedly in front of him.

[HammerTime]

Surely that was a knock on ffs. Pen straight away after it.

[UlsterNo9]

Young ref, making the mistake that the top ranked team at home must get the 50 50 decisions.

That's a non penalty against McCloskey, Lowe was pulling him.

[UlsterNo9]

Late hit by Lowe on Moore

[UlsterNo9]

Tom Stewart, great break but you had to give that to McIlroy ffs

[MightyRearranger]

Healy in trouble