Thursday 19th April 2013
TEAM..............
UR
Five changes for Ulster ahead of Connacht clash.....................
Ulster Head Coach, Mark Anscombe, has made five personnel changes and two positional changes to the team that beat the Dragons at Ravenhill last weekend for Friday night's game against Connacht at the Sportsground (kick-off 19.45).
Jared Payne has recovered from the ankle knock that he suffered against Saracens and starts at full-back.
Chris Henry, Andrew Trimble and Paddy Jackson, who were rested against the Dragons also return to the side.
In the only other personnel change, Lewis Stevenson starts in the second-row, with Iain Henderson named as a substitute.
The positional changes see Tommy Bowe switch from the right wing to the left, and Ruan Pienaar moving from out-half to stars half.
Johann Muller and John Afoa are named on a strong bench, as is Paul Marshall who will make his 100th appearance for the Province if he comes on.
Ulster XV and replacements to face Connacht, RaboDirect PRO12, The Sportsground, Friday 19th April 2013 (kick off 19.45);
(15-9): J Payne, A Trimble, D Cave, S Olding, T Bowe, P Jackson, R Pienaar; (1-8): T Court, R Best (c), R Lutton, L Stevenson, D Tuohy, R Diack, C Henry, N Williams;
Replacements (16-23): R Herring, C Black, J Afoa, J Muller, I Henderson, P Marshall, M Allen, P Nelson.
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/11389.php
Tele
Muller's rapid recovery a big bonus.......................
With the exceptions of Craig Gilroy and Luke Marshall, Ulster could – if they so choose – field those who lined out against Saracens in the Heineken Cup for Friday night's RaboDirect PRO12 date with Connacht in Galway.
Thirteen of the 15 who started in the Heineken Cup quarter-final clash with Saracens at Twickenham 11 days ago are in the 25-strong extended squad.
Captain Johann Muller's quicker-than-anticipated recovery from the arm injury he suffered in that match, the availability of Chris Henry who was rested last weekend, the unexpected thumbs-up for his fellow-Ireland international Iain Henderson who went over on an ankle against the Dragons and John Afoa's return from New Zealand after a second spot of paternal leave means each of the forwards who faced Saracens from the off is available for the trek to the west.
Behind the pack, winger Andrew Trimble and fly-half Paddy Jackson – like flanker Henry – are back after their time-out.
The 25 will be trimmed to 23 tomorrow when Anscombe announces his starters and the eight replacements with one of the three tight-head props – Afoa, Declan Fitzpatrick and Ricky Lutton – stepping down.
In the backline, either Michael Allen or Adam D'Arcy looks like being surplus to requirements.
Robbie Diack – a replacement against Saracens and outstanding in last week's 31-5 rout of the Dragons – will start on this occasion, almost certainly at six. That, of course, is where Henderson packed down at Twickenham before switching to the second row against Dragons in Muller's absence.
Assuming Muller is fully fit, he and Dan Tuohy will play together at lock, with Lewis Stevenson the engine-room replacement and Henderson providing back row cover from the bench.
Certainly that is where Paul Marshall – now just one appearance short of a century for Ulster – looks like starting while Ruan Pienaar and Jackson will resume their half-back partnership.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 01883.html
Trimble desperate to scratch seven-year itch....................
Andrew Trimble has faced Connacht often enough to know what to expect on Friday night when Ulster meet them at the Galway Sportsground in the final RaboDirect PRO12 inter-pro of 2012-13.
"It's going to be very difficult. There's a lot of sides go there and get turned over because they underestimate how tough it is. It's a very difficult place to go and get a win," the 28-year-old warns.
"I've been down there and been beaten by them on more than one occasion. They're very physical and their intensity is going to be through the roof.
"They'll want to do everything they can to give Eric (Elwood, Connacht's departing coach) a really good send-off, so that's probably going to be a factor, too. But you wouldn't expect anything other than that in Galway, even if he wasn't leaving.
"We have to match that intensity, match their physicality and just try to lift the pace of the game and take it to a level that they're not used to. That's a big challenge for us, but it's something we're looking forward to."
Was there a hint of a smile at the end of that final comment? Possibly, because physicality is a key weapon in Trimble's armoury. Mind you, at 6ft 2ins and 15st 6lbs he can handle himself.
He relishes that aspect of the game.
"I love it, though I find myself getting more competitive than I'd like to be at times," he reveals. "You get yourself into it, you throw yourself about. I've always enjoyed playing that way; I think it brings out the best in me as well."
Admitting that losing to Saracens in the Heineken Cup had been "a pretty disappointing day" he suggests that Ulster have put that behind them. The fact that they have an attainable target has helped.
"I think we're in a position now where we can kick on. It's great that we've got something to play for. Winning the league is a realistic goal," Trimble says.
Pointing to the difference between this weekend's match and others in which he has featured he adds: "There have been times in the past when we've played Connacht near the end of the season looking to beat them in order to qualify for the following year's Heineken Cup.
"This year it's a massive game once again, but the circumstances are different. Both sides are a lot healthier these days."
His desire to win silverware has intensified. He played in the side which won the Celtic League seven years ago, the last time Ulster lifted a trophy.
"Looking back on 2006 when we won the league, that's a real career highlight for me," he reflects. "That's not just something that happens at the end of a season, it's something that builds throughout the season.
"As you develop you get better and you get more wins, so you develop a winning culture.
"When I look back to 2006, that's something I really value. I'm looking forward, hopefully, to doing the same thing again and experiencing the pleasure of winning another title."
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 01881.html
Times
Ulster know tougher tests lie ahead starting tomorrow night .........................
The Pro12 leaders will be hoping to secure a victory against Connacht in Galway
Ulster doused the Newport Gwent Dragons’ fire with a minimum of discomfort last weekend in a facile victory but know they can expect more hardnosed and motivated opponents when they travel to the Sportsground to take on Connacht tomorrow night.
Momentum plays a huge role in sport and Ulster will want to build that again on the pitch after a dreadfully disappointing exit from the Heineken Cup.
Losing jars but the manner of the defeat to Saracens really grated. Coach Mark Anscombe has exhorted his charges to look forward rather than dwell on the past.
“There’s nothing we can do about that now. It’s done, so we move on. Now we’ve got to show a little bit of steely determination about the way we want to play for the rest of the season.”
He gave his players a couple of days off: “We thought that was important. We decided on that collectively just to let them rest and then hopefully come back refreshed for what lies ahead.
“It isn’t rocket science working out what we need: win our remaining games and we have a home semi-final. That’s what we want, a home semi-final.”
The Dragons victory was a starting point. “That was really important, one to get confidence, two to get back on a winning way and give something back to the people who have supported us.”
Andrew Trimble, John Afoa and Paddy Jackson are included in an extended squad.
Foundations
If the Ulster backs put away the Dragons it was the pack that laid the foundations, according to flanker Robbie Diack.
“I thought our set-piece was good – Tom (Court), Rory (Best) and Ricky (Lutton) did well in the frontrow; our scrum was steady. I thought Dan (Tuohy) handled the lineout brilliantly. He controlled our ball and their ball by competing and that makes it a lot easier for the rest of us to do our roles, so credit to those guys.”
Diack knows they will face a far tougher examination tomorrow night in Galway. “It’s different playing them at home and playing them away; it’s physically tough and it was last year. We know how important it is at this stage of the season, we have the lead now and want to keep it.”
“Going to Connacht is never easy. In all the interprovincial games there is (extra) emotion. There are a few ex-Ulster players there as well and I'm sure they will want to prove a point.
“We have two massive games and even though they are not tight in the table they are going to try and take us down, Connacht and Cardiff will both be tough and we’ll have to be at our best.”
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/other-s ... -1.1363688
Indo
Gilroy determined to turn up the heat this summer.......................
The last three months have been a steep learning curve for Ireland and Ulster winger Craig Gilroy.
Coming off the back of his explosive arrival on to the international scene last November against Argentina, the hype surrounding the 22-year-old knew no boundaries.
Coach Warren Gatland instantly propelled him to Lions tour contention after his superb debut, and the raw injection of attacking flair he and Munster's Simon Zebo promised on the wing were heralded as the hallmark of a dynamic new Ireland. Six weeks later, though, he was picking himself up from the Roman ruins.
The Six Nations offered renewed optimism for a faltering golden generation. Day one went to plan, with the young pretender standing firm alongside Brian O'Driscoll when Irish backs were against the wall, his try-saving tackle on Leigh Halfpenny preventing an improbable Welsh revival late on. The Irish tails were up ahead of England's visit.
But after Cardiff, it all went downhill as, one by one, key players -- including Gilroy himself, who missed the France game -- succumbed to a succession of injuries.
SHACKLES
Bar his try against Scotland and a fine performance against Italy, the shackles were largely stifled for a battle-hardened Gilroy.
He describes the injury toll the players and coaching staff endured as "surreal", and admits that the Italian defeat was a real low point, but overall the youngster enjoyed his first campaign and was sorry to see the team's struggles cost the coach who gave him his chance his job.
"We knew we couldn't win the competition (in Rome), but with the talk of it being a few players' last game, we really wanted to prove something. It was probably the biggest disappointment," he explained.
"I loved the Six Nations, despite not doing as well as we should have, I feel I had a lot more to show and prove, and still have lots to show in the future.
"It's a fantastic competition, one I never thought I'd be playing in, and getting the opportunity to play with the likes of the guys that I did-- the O'Garas and O'Driscolls -- was a great experience.
"I was privileged to play under Declan. He'll always be that coach for me who gave me a chance, which is special."
Having made the step up into Ireland colours this season, the Bangor native has been touted as a potential Lion, something he is playing down -- although he admits the thought has crossed his mind, even if the summer tour to the USA and Canada may be a more realistic target.
"Who knows who he (Gatland) is going to pick? I honestly wouldn't put myself in the frame; there's definitely a lot of talent," he said. "It is every rugby player's dream to go on a Lions tour. It's very special and great to be a part of.
"A lot of players don't want to talk about it for fear of jinxing it, or don't think they'll get on it. There are some amazing players out there at the moment, both young and old, and the competition is very high."
And so while he will watch with intent Gatland's squad selection on April 30, Gilroy is also galvanised by the prospect of the Irish tour in June.
"If I thought a few years ago that I would be involved in a North America tour, I'd think you were crazy. It'd be great to travel the world, and would be a good learning curve as a player."
While speculating on his own prospects is something he is reticent to do, Gilroy believes that his fellow Ireland back O'Driscoll should lead the tourists Down Under this summer.
"I think from whichever country you are from, you would maybe favour someone from your own country. And so I think there's no better man to lead the Lions than Brian O'Driscoll," he said.
Gilroy watched on as his Ulster colleague Paddy Jackson struggled after being pitched into the team against Scotland. The out-half's form has been questioned, but his team-mate has backed him to bounce back from a difficult spring, while he is not writing Ronan O'Gara off just yet either.
"I went to school with Jacko and we always room together. I always knew he'd play for Ireland," he said. "I know him on a personal level, compared to ROG, but I've been watching Ronan since I was yay high -- I think he's still there and he's still got it. On terms of selection, the coach knows better than I do."
While the international season went awry in March, Ulster's campaign has also been derailed somewhat in recent weeks after the Heineken Cup defeat to Saracens at Twickenham.
Although he'll miss this weekend's derby clash with Connacht in Galway, Gilroy -- who turned 22 last month -- believes that the province can achieve redemption through the Pro12.
"If you look at the Leinster game (in the Pro12), I thought it was the best performances not only this season, but that I've ever been involved in in an Ulster jersey. The Saracens game was disappointing, because we have the players," he admitted.
"The Heineken Cup may be regarded as a bigger premier competition but the Pro12 is not something we would see as second best at all. We'd love to go the whole way and finish the season on a high.
"I'm dying to get something. We've put in a lot of work in the last few seasons and have come so far as a team. I think we deserve it."
Despite the misfortunes of the Six Nations, Gilroy doesn't take for granted the tough and enduring lessons it has provided from an individual perspective.
Despite some setbacks, that curve remains an upwards one -- regardless of what the summer holds for one of Ireland's most exciting young talents.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/g ... 05350.html
Ulster pick RDS as their home venue for Pro12 final...................
ULSTER have nominated the RDS as their 'home venue' for the Pro12 final should they finish top of the table and then win their semi-final.
Regulations require that the May 25 showpiece be staged at a venue with a capacity of 18,000 or more and the ongoing redevelopment at Ravenhill means the province's Belfast home cannot be used if the northerners earn a home final.
As it stands, top side Ulster and second-placed Leinster would have home advantage in the semi-finals and, if Ulster were to be beaten and Leinster progressed, they would host the final. If Ulster and Leinster both win, then it would be at the RDS too.
Ulster currently sit on 71 points with two games remaining, three clear of Leinster, with Glasgow a point behind.
However, home advantage has not helped Leinster in recent years as they suffered heartache against the Ospreys in Ballsbridge last season and in 2010.
"Our primary focus is to have the two new stands open to welcome our loyal supporters at the start of the 2013/14 season," Ulster chief executive Shane Logan said in a club statement.
"Therefore, in agreement with Celtic Rugby, we have nominated the RDS, with its capacity of 18,500, as the venue for a final involving Ulster as host club. If Ulster do make it to the final, I have no doubt that the RDS will be a fantastic location for the game and I hope that our supporters will travel there in huge numbers to back the team."
Meanwhile, Ulster will not be adding to their squad for next season and remain hopeful of retaining former All Black John Afoa (above).
The tighthead prop has another year to run on his contract, but he has returned home to New Zealand on several occasions, most recently for the birth of his third child.
But the Ulster chief executive believes that the squad next season will be the same one that topped the province's Heineken Cup pool and currently sits on top of the Pro12.
"All our players are contracted into next season and so, no, we won't be bringing in anybody new," said Logan.
"Our policy with our five non-Irish eligible players is to have guys who are both box office on the pitch and off the pitch.
"But there will be nothing new in terms of players next season.
"We'll be concentrating on having all our guys fit, which, for a third of this season, has been a real struggle for us."
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/u ... 04730.html
Newsletter
Robbie Diack hoping to make his Irish case with strong Ulster finish...................
Robbie Diack is hoping he can help Ulster to win the PRO 12 League and put himself in contention for a place on Ireland’s tour of North America in the summer.
Diack was born in Johannesburg but is now fully qualified for Ireland and was part of a few Six Nations training camps.
“I think when I was involved in the build up to a couple of the Six Nations games that gave me the desire and the motivation to be involved with the Irish team,” said Diack.
“It has been in the back of my mind but with regards to Ulster there is so much to play for, we have two league games left and I have to make sure I stay in the Ulster team before I can think of anything else.”
“In Dublin is was a tackle bag, the Irish team were running against us and we were doing certain plays against them, I was there for the Scotland, French and Italian game and we were sort of playing as the opposition.”
“Just to be there was great and I got some positive feedback from the coaches which is always great, they said there are certain areas that I need to work on and I have taken on board and I will be working on them.”
If Diack does make the plane he may have to put his marketing degree on hold.
“My main focus is rugby and I’d never let anything get in the way of that, if means missing a few exams I might have to do that and catch them up at another stage.”
Ulster travel to Coanncht with a three point lead at the top of the Pro 12 but Diack knows how hard winning at the Sportsground can be especially after losing there last year when he started at No8.
“Playing Connacht at home is tough enough and playing them in Galway is always tough and physical and you have to be at the top of your game to win.”
“They are a very passionate side and they have a few ex Ulster players like Willie Faloon who has been having a great season, we know what to expect and the weather could be harsh so it will be a tough game.”
“It’s difficult with the wind and the rain it can make things difficult especially the set piece, it was good we have trained outside on Tuesday when the wind was howling and we could play and train in the conditions we could experience on Friday night and we can adjust if need be.”
The match in Glaway will be Diack’s 99th appearance for Ulster.
“It’s been in the back of my mind and I think to have played this many games for Ulster has been brilliant for me and I’m very happy about that and I suppose when the 100th cap comes it will be a fantastic occasion.”
Ulster returned to the summit of the league with a bonus point victory over the Dragons last Friday but failed to score after the 45th minute.
“We always want to be ruthless in games and the big talking point is playing for 80 minutes, we were lucky enough to be in a position where we had scored our bonus point try after 45 minutes but there is no room for slacking down and not playing the last 35 minutes.”
“Games could be tight and we just can’t stop playing after 45 minutes and it is a point we have spoken about, we have to be more clinical in the last minutes of games.”
Diack was pleased with how the lineout which misfired against Saracens functioned against the Dragons.
“Even though Johann wasn’t playing you have guys like Dan Tuohy who is fantastic at the lineout, he has a huge amount experience with Ulster, Ireland and in England as well, to have a player like that to come in and take over from Johann and run the lineout is brilliant for the team.”
Diack has had a prolonged run in the team since Christmas although he didn’t start against Saracens and he is enjoying life at Ravenhill this year and even his stint in the second.
“The game time for me has been fantastic, my confidence has really grown and I have been able to work on things that I haven’t been able to work on in the past, the main thing for me is I have been given the opportunity to play and that is all you want to do in this game.”
“You want to play in the important games and that is why we train so hard during the season and it is definitely the season I have enjoyed the most.”
“I’m enjoying playing rugby and I’m enjoying playing in this team.”
”I didn’t expect to be in the second row but I’ve enjoyed it and I’ve taken the opportunity with both hands and in this team you have to take any opportunity with the amount of depth we have.”
“To prove that I can play lock has been fantastic for myself and going forward it will be good for the team it’s good to have a player that can cover three different positions in the pack.”
After exiting the Heineken Cup Ulster on have the Pro12 to concentrate on.
“We were very disappointed with the Saracens result but the thing about it was we could refocus on mind set on the Rabo, we knew we had everything to play for in this competition and we have no Heineken Cup to worry about, we have one goal and one goal only, we hope to go to Connacht and have a good game and hopefully secure a home semi final.”
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/robbi ... -1-5007633
Dublin’s RDS venue nominated to host possible PRO 12 final...........................
Ulster Rugby has nominated the RDS in Dublin as its ‘home’ venue for a potential RaboDirect PRO12 Final on Saturday, May 25.
In accordance with tournament regulations, Ulster Rugby, as one of the five teams still in contention for a Play-Off place, has had to nominate a venue to host the final should their regular season seeding earn them that right after the Play-Offs.
Teams finishing in the top three positions can earn the right to host the RaboDirect PRO12 Final. The Play-Off draw gives home draws to the top two teams (1 v 4 and 2 v 3) with the highest ranked survivors after the Play-Offs earning the right to host a ‘home’ final.
However, the rules also stipulate that a final venue must have a capacity in excess of 18,000. With the two-year redevelopment of Ravenhill still ongoing, it would not have been possible to host the game at the home of Ulster Rugby this season.
When the work is complete next summer, the capacity at Ravenhill will be 18,200 and the ground will be capable of hosting a RaboDirect PRO12 final or Heineken Cup Quarter-Final.
If the final is played at the RDS with Ulster designated as the ‘home’ club, Ulster Rugby fans will be entitled to 50% of the tickets for the game in accordance with the rules of the RaboDirect PRO12.
If Ulster finish in first or second place in the RaboDirect PRO12, the Province will host a home Play-Off at Ravenhill.
Commenting on the decision to nominate the RDS as it’s ‘home’ venue for a RaboDirect PRO12 final, Ulster Rugby Chief Executive, Shane Logan, said: ‘While no-one is presuming that Ulster will be in a final, it is important that we and the organisers of the league prepare for every eventuality.
“Our primary focus is to have the two new stands open to welcome our loyal supporters at the start of the 2013/14 season. Our build is on time and on budget but it would not have been possible, without significant delay to our redevelopment project, to open the stands on a temporary basis for any potential RaboDirect PRO12 final.
“Therefore, in agreement with Celtic Rugby, we have nominated the RDS, with its capacity of 18,500, as the venue for a final involving Ulster as host club.
“If Ulster do make it to the final, I have no doubt that the RDS will be a fantastic location for the game and I hope that our supporters will travel there in huge numbers to back the team.”
http://www.newsletter.co.uk/sport/dubli ... -1-5007634
TheFlipSide 
