Ulster v Sharks Friday May 20th 7:35pm BBC2NI / TG4 / Premier Sports 1 / URC TV / Super Sport

[Dave]

Ulster: Lowry, Baloucoune, Hume, McCloskey, McIlroy, Burns, Cooney; Warwick, Herring, O'Toole, O'Connor, Henderson (Capt.), Rea, Timoney, Vermeulen.

Replacements: Andrew, O'Sullivan, Milasinovich, Treadwell, Rea, Doak, Moore, Lyttle.

Marcus is starting btw.

Off topic

I'm sharing the team selection by the Ulster(bus) coach. Maybe Fermain can transport it to a thread of it's own??

[StandUp]

Unless the Sharks had a horrible journey over and are struggling to acclimate to our sunny climes and near sea level altitude, then I think this is going to be a horrible watch.
If ever we needed Marty…

[allezlesverres]

There's nothing more we can do - that's without doubt the first XV of the players that are available. It would be good to see a spark from Timoney - it will be a tough day at the office for the back row. Its not that he's been bad of late, he just hasn't had the impact he did earlier in the season.

Comparing the two packs, I think we are only competitive in 2 places realistically. Having said that, our back line is generally better than theirs. Can the forwards produce enough of a performance to give our backs space to work? They must know they are due a big one. Of all the games to lose Marty though.

[Dave]

What hotel are they staying in? Can we set off fireworks in the middle of the night?

[d4surfer]

The bookies have it Ulster 2/5 and Sharks 14/5 . The handicap is 7 points. That's after the team announcements.

[big mervyn]

The bookies have it Ulster 2/5 and Sharks 14/5 . The handicap is 7 points. That's after the team announcements.

I saw that.

Good job they're never wrong

[jean valjean]

Looking forward to this one. I remain to be convinced that the SA sides are as strong away from home, hope I'm not proved wrong tomorrow night. The majority of that sharks side just about beat leinster 2nds/3rds at home. Be disappointed if we don't win this.

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[jean valjean]

Interresting to note its less than 160 quid for the most expensive season ticket for the sharks. Ulster are nearly charging that to get into a bar.

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[justinr73]

Interresting to note its less than 160 quid for the most expensive season ticket for the sharks. Ulster are nearly charging that to get into a bar.
FB_IMG_1652998410212.jpg

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My season ticket at Preston has been reduced by £120 for next season ( ), making it £280 for 23 games of Championship football.

I go to a couple of matches and flog the rest off at a tenner a game (if I can get any takers!).

[Dave]

This even a transportation forum, ffs.

[justinr73]

I got the train from Birmingham when I went last August and walked to the ground from the station.

My cousin gave me a lift earlier this year when I was home for a family funeral, although I had earlier flown to Manchester and got a train to Preston and a taxi to my parents’ house.

[big mervyn]

From here in Bangor, I take the train for anything in the city centre. Read the paper on the way. Or heading to the airport, free journey there and back and no parking costs. Couldn't whack it with a big stick.

*** Important public transport update. ***
Bangor train station IS the city centre now!

[allezlesverres]

The bookies have it Ulster 2/5 and Sharks 14/5 . The handicap is 7 points. That's after the team announcements.

Those are attractive odds for a traitor's bet on the Sharks. I'm a big fan of a good traitor's bet - if Ulster win I dont mind losing the bet but if Ulster lose hey at least I win a few quid and 14/5 is a good punt. I'm strangely optimistic I'll lose my bet tonight. I think Ulster are due a big one. I'm going to back TOT for his "coming-of-age" performance.

[justinr73]

I’m convinced the Dragons are going to beat the Lions at odds of 8-5.

Same price for Scarlets to beat Stormers.

As mentioned above, there’s no real evidence that the Saffers travel well, although I agree that the price on a Sharks win does not properly factor in the possibility that they could murder us up front.

[Neill_M]

I’m convinced the Dragons are going to beat the Lions at odds of 8-5.

Same price for Scarlets to beat Stormers.

As mentioned above, there’s no real evidence that the Saffers travel well, although I agree that the price on a Sharks win does not properly factor in the possibility that they could murder us up front.

Heavily changed Leinster 23, not a surprise. Munster are 2/5 favourites (6 points on the handicap) to win at Lansdowne Road.