Ulster v Exeter 22nd August

[bangorboy]

8 days out from first match of the new season - albeit a friendly.

Will Van the Man and Ludick be thrown straight in? Will we see an academy dominated team?

Who actually IS our first choice front row now?

Discuss

[Dan Dare]

Yes to Van the man and Ludick playing. Exeter are a top team and will need some serious players to beat them. Would be very surprised if the team was academy dominated, can't see that happening.

[Dave]

I'd say Van might be in with a shout because he only just came back from injury and skipped pre - season. Dingo Dave possibly since he didn't need pre - season either but I suppose it depends on how fit JD reckons him to be. Dunno about Herbst, is he even here? We will be looking to test the likes of Hairy, Reidy and Butterworth if possible before the competitive stuff, so they are highly likely to feature. The irish lads who went to Argie I'd say most likely no. Anyone who stayed behind for a rest could be involved. Olding reportedly not available until October. Payne has been raring to go since June, I'd say he would definitely be in there. I suppose whichever of the academy lads have been impressing might reap the rewards too.

[BaggyTrousers]

NO Cave or Olding until October I suspect, so the man who ruined our season & Luke I suspect with Gilly & maybe Tommy, Lulu at 15 & p & iHumph at halves.

I'll leave the forwards if you don't mind, I'm on holiday & that requires too much thought.

[Nightsoil]

Who cares if we lose this one? The point is to prepare for the season, winning comes second, if that means mixing in some academy players with the first-choice players to get a better idea of where they are at a greater risk of losing I really don't see the issue.

Big question is whether they're throwing in the guys from the two Ireland tours already. Wouldn't be surprised if no one from the senior tour played, which maybe gives chances to Kyle McCall, Charlie Butterworth and McCloskey.

[rumncoke]

I would expect it to be the usual preseason game squad of about 25 three changes 1/2 time with more on 50 minutes about 25 players need to be match ready before the Scarlets fit is not enough you need to have faced a foe

[Russ]

Who cares if we lose this one? The point is to prepare for the season, winning comes second, if that means mixing in some academy players with the first-choice players to get a better idea of where they are at a greater risk of losing I really don't see the issue.

Big question is whether they're throwing in the guys from the two Ireland tours already. Wouldn't be surprised if no one from the senior tour played, which maybe gives chances to Kyle McCall, Charlie Butterworth and McCloskey.

The everyday fan will want a win, or they may think it will be a brad pitt season thay they dont want a part of

Easterby Out

[Dan Dare]

I agree, any home game will require a victory. A strong team with just a few strong lads from the Academy who have been showing well. This is a first team game, even if it is pre season.

[Rooster]

Will this be Exeters second pre season ? Normally English sides start earlier than us and have 3 pre season matches

[Setanta]

Well now we know Sean O'Hagan at O/H and Franco VdM and Ludik playing and no-one from the Argentina tour. Twenty five players almost picks itself. When will the team be announced? More importantly for us exiles will some kind soul be giving running commentary?

[Setanta]

Sorry Rooster missed your question; yes, they played the Blues, 24-17 victory at the Cardiff Blues, Steenson kicked well and Whitten came off the bench.

[Russ]

Someone make sure Pip is updating twatter

Easterby Out

[Rooster]

Well now we know Sean O'Hagan at O/H and Franco VdM and Ludik playing and no-one from the Argentina tour. Twenty five players almost picks itself. When will the team be announced? More importantly for us exiles will some kind soul be giving running commentary?

Well perhaps not as simple to pick the team as you think as a wee birdy tells me that we won't even have heard of some of those playing, well if you have followed underage and some of McGlocks trainees then you might.

[rorybestsbigbaldnoggin]

A blind stab at the team, borne out of sheer boredom:


Warwick-McCall-Lutton
Stevenson-vdM
Reidy-Joyce-Butterworth (6-8-7)

beagle
O'Hagan

Scholes-McCloskey-Payne-Bowe
Ludik

Numbers 16-23 are anyone's guess.


Reading Rooster's post on underage; sure feck it I'll stick this up anyway.

[damianmcr]

Tuohy, Wilson and Allen possibly? Who knows.