The UAFC

McGrath and French are not a TH duo that'll strike much fear into any team. Matty Rea in the row is new, right? I can't remember him playing there before.

Glad to see Flannery start ahead of Burns.

Disappointed not to see Sheridan involved, big season for him, probably our most promising young forward last season for me.

What has happened Baloucoune? Not on the injury update?

Marty Moore (Knee)
Greg Jones (Shoulder)
John Cooney (Calf)
Eric O'Sullivan (Shoulder)
Sean Reffell (Ankle)
James McCormick (Shoulder)
Alan O’Connor (Ankle)
Luke Marshall (Following graduated return to play protocols following a recent concussion)

Postlewaithe behind Curtis and Moore is not a good omen for him with McCloskey to come back.

No Sheridan or Baloucoune either!!

Angus Curtis . . Why? Has he ever done anything of note in an Ulster jersey?

Matty Rea . . . Why? He's too soft for the back row ffs, why would you put him in at lock!? Izzy or Sheridan would both be massive upgrades.

Selection looks to me like everyone fit will end up getting a run put in the first couple of games. Propping stocks are pretty threadbare without Marty, TOT and Kitshoff.

Matty Rea doesn't have the skills for the backrow (shame it took the coaches about 80 caps to figure this out). Have thought before that he may be better as a lock and would rather try him there than in the backrow again. Last roll of the dice with him. Let's pray for a miracle!

What’s the handicap at the bookies?

They’ve lost 21 on the spin or something but get their WC lads back no doubt.

SparkyClarky wrote: ↑Fri Oct 20, 2023 12:50 pm What has happened Baloucoune? Not on the injury update?

Marty Moore (Knee)
Greg Jones (Shoulder)
John Cooney (Calf)
Eric O'Sullivan (Shoulder)
Sean Reffell (Ankle)
James McCormick (Shoulder)
Alan O’Connor (Ankle)
Luke Marshall (Following graduated return to play protocols following a recent concussion)

Apparently following a "graduated return to play protocol" with his hammy so technically should be on the injury report.

Quite a few interesting bits in that selection:
- Flannery ahead of Burns
- Curtis ahead of Moore
- Matty Rea in the second row again (happened jn the pre season games)
- Marcus Rea ahead of Timoney (thought Marcus looked good v Glasgow)
- Lowry on the wing - have we seen this before?

Also didn't realise that we'd got French on the books. Not a world beater at Munster, but not seen a huge amount of him, hope he gets a chance to prove himself. After the pre season games I'm a lot more comfortable seeing his name on the bench than Griffin.

Zebre to break their duck?

A team to inspire fear!.... In us

MightyRearranger wrote: ↑Fri Oct 20, 2023 5:03 pm Quite a few interesting bits in that selection:
- Flannery ahead of Burns
- Curtis ahead of Moore
- Matty Rea in the second row again (happened jn the pre season games)
- Marcus Rea ahead of Timoney (thought Marcus looked good v Glasgow)
- Lowry on the wing - have we seen this before?

Also didn't realise that we'd got French on the books. Not a world beater at Munster, but not seen a huge amount of him, hope he gets a chance to prove himself. After the pre season games I'm a lot more comfortable seeing his name on the bench than Griffin.

But the bench are "finishers"

Agree Moore in the bench Vs Curtis is nonsense.
Marcus looks like he's bulked up.

Sorry Hopes, McNabney etc not involved. Much better bets than Rea

Moving Lowry to the wing could be a good move for him, with the pace and vision he has.

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Didn't say it was nonsense in fairness, just interesting. Don't think it's what anyone on the outside would have picked, but haven't seen what's been going on in pre season. After initially looking like a talented prospect Curtis had some brutal luck with injuries. Maybe if he finally gets a few games together?

Not sure which Rea you're referring to but with respect to Marcus i retain hope. To my eyes, stamina has been his main problem and hopefully that will improve.

Would like to see more of Cruthers too, haven't made up my mind based on what I've seen, but he has some engine on him.

Not found anyone who is interested from the local lads.

One guy said his dad played in ‘95 but, to paraphrase him, these days all the young players think they are top shaggers.