Aironi v Ulster

[backawaygoonahead]

As our date with destiny approaches all the right noises are being made about what a hard tussle this will be and how we shouldn't count our chickens.

So what is the evidence:
P W D L PF PA PD TS TA TB LB PTS
In HC : Aironi Rugby 5 1 0 4 59 168 -109 4 24 0 0 4
In ML : Aironi 12 0 0 12 128 330 -202 10 33 0 4 4
Total 17 1 0 16 187 498 -311 14 57 0 4 8

Home Results:
ML
15-22 Ulster
9-10 Edinburgh
3-20 Cardiff
17-34 Scarlets
15-16 Treviso

HC
6-22 Bath
28-27 Biarritz

17 matches, 1 win by a single point, thrashed twice by Bath, but then that niggling doubt that they actually beat Biarritz. Averaging almost 30 points against per match with 11 points for on average.

Then of course that struggle we had there early in the season. A closer look at that shows that Ulster fielded:
D'arcy, Seymour, Cave, Wallace, McIlwaine, NOC, Marshall, Court, Brady, Fitzpatrick, Muller, Barker, Wannenburg, Henry, Diack

That is a significantly weaker side than we will field on Saturday, especially behind the scrum with oonly PW & AD 1st choice as Cave will have a fight on his hands to dislodge Nevin Spence. Put Ferris & Tuohy into the pack & it all looks much better.

The fact that they beat BO is something that will ensure our guys don't take them lightly but isn't something to fear, as their results show they are a poor team.

What can't be relied upon is a bonus point & depending on results elsewhere, especially Biarritz, that could be very important and needs us to turn up, be professional, get the game won as early as possible and only then hunt down the tries.

We will win but will we get 5 points, that is the isssue. Our away form is won 4 drawn 1 lost 3, last year I would have had plenty of doubts about winning away against any team - not so this year

[WhiteKnightoftheWeld]

[TinPig]

Tear up the form book it's a cup final as far as Ulster are concerned Aironi certainly fancy their chances having sipped victory from the golden chalice.
If Ulster can manage to win we progress, if we come up short then so be it, it means we were not good enough.
Cometh the hour, cometh the Man.

[Starsky]

I just hope the TMO isn't Italian if we need a decision at some point.

[againstthehead]

I fully expect a win but a BP will be tough enough. A lot depends on the weather - if it's dry and we can spread the ball we should be in business - especially if we can get off to a good start. However, if it's a slug fest then it could be a long afternoon. If Humph is in form and our scrum holds up we'll win.

[Rooster]

I just hope the TMO isn't Italian if we need a decision at some point.

It's worse, he's French

[TheElephantMan]

This match will be either a walkover or the biggest test todate............Truthfully, i cannot see Aironi playing dead, they will throw everything including the kitchen sink at us.

[Snipe Watson]

As I see it, they are only playing for an upset which is fair motivation and will keep them going for the first 20 minutes, but if they get nowhere in that time, they will fall off a little and we will have our opportunity. Keep it tight for the first quarter and things will gradually open up. We are the better team on a wave of belief that this is our year. If we play it right, we will be OK.

[againstthehead]

they'll keep going until we get a 10-13 point lead. End of they day, this match is everything to Ulster, so we'll fight to the end. Aironi have pride in the shirt but that should be no match. On the other hand, we're under a fair bit of pressure to win, whereas, aironi are under none. Can we hack it?

[Snipe Watson]

I think we can, with the leaders we have now and the in form players in key positions.

[TheChairman]

Have faith people. Ulster ARE a better team than Aironi. They have learned how to grind out a win as witnessed last week. They have also shown they can score tries as seen against Treviso. We also know they can loose concentration, however, I firmly believe they will win. Come the end of this round of matches Ulster will be in the top eight, which is more than the Bog Men can say this year.

[backawaygoonahead]

Snipe I'm getting pished off saying the same thing time after time - but you are spot on again. It is simply a matter of being mentally right for it and going out to do the business.

What have Aironi to play for - nothing but a little pride and they simply aren't equipped to play our close to full strength side. I have been known to make rash statements in the past but never ever about Ulster Rugby.

This time I have no doubts whatsoever we will win - the only question is by how much and in what manner - trys or kicks.

Breathe easy and lighten up, if you are going to the game - lighten up wet you whistle and have a good yin.

[Snipe Watson]

Breathe easy and lighten up, if you are going to the game - lighten up wet you whistle and have a good yin.

My breathing is fine at the moment. I shall not be travelling to Italy, but topically I will draw the cork on a fine bottle of Chianti just before kick off and once the formalities are complete, the afore mentioned will have breathed sufficiently to have the first snufter. The task will then be completed in association with a, 28 day hung, slab of Aberdeen Angus at around 7:30.
I expect a full house 3 win rugby fest this saturday.

[namron]

Your tellin me to lighten up eh? Well have a look at these animals and tell me I should relax

http://www.aironirugby.eu/en/popup-zoom-par-479.aspx

[backawaygoonahead]

Your tellin me to lighten up eh? Well have a look at these animals and tell me I should relax

http://www.aironirugby.eu/en/popup-zoom-par-479.aspx

Thats what I'm talking about Norm, the babe in the glasses is probably the toughest of them all. I think I saw four of the others in my local gay bar the other night when I was a cruisin'