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Letter of the week
25th September 2012 09:38
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Ireland
Planet Rugby readers are never short of an opinion and our mail box is
seldom empty. This week, one of our readers ponders whether it's time for
Ireland to replace their head coach.
Got an opinion? We'd like to hear it, so why not send us an email HERE.
The Kidney quandary: Time for a change?
By Rory McGimpsey
Another international rugby season is fast approaching and the $64,000 dollar
question for Irish rugby fans is this: has the moment finally arrived for Ireland
to change their head coach?
Until recently, the mere suggestion of replacing the man who led Ireland to
only their second Grand Slam, and who secured two Heineken Cup victories
at Munster, would have been considered heresy. It was assumed that
Kidney's coaching achievements had guaranteed him some job security. But,
following a string of disappointing results and performances, many pundits in
the Irish game feel that the time is right for a change.
There are several reasons for the seismic shift in attitudes. Firstly, Kidney's
palpable failure to follow up on the Grand Slam triumph of 2009 has fostered
genuine concerns over his stewardship of the national team. A few exceptions
notwithstanding, Ireland's performances since that epic day in Cardiff have
been average at best.
Since capturing the elusive Slam, Ireland have produced only two
performances that have replicated the intensity and quality of 2009: the victory
over England in the 2011 Six Nations, and the superb destruction of Australia
in last year's Rugby World Cup.
Those occasions aside, Ireland's performances have been characterised by
mediocrity and stagnation.
Of particular concern is the lack of inspiration that is impeding the
development of the team. While the forwards have largely excelled throughout
Kidney's tenure, the backs have been conspicuously lacking in spark and
imagination. With a back-line that includes Rob Kearney, Jonathan Sexton,
Brian O'Driscoll and Tommy Bowe, such inertia is positively criminal.
A lack of invention has been painfully apparent throughout Kidney's reign, and
is unquestionably hampering the team's ambitions. Since his time at
Presentation Brothers, Cork and throughout his stint at Munster, Kidney has
been renowned as a conservative coach. His coaching success has been built
on pragmatic, win at all costs principles.
While this philosophy has served him well throughout his coaching career, it is
now constraining an Irish team that is capable of so much more. How
infuriating it is to compare the fluid, 15-man style of Leinster to the staid and
turgid approach of the national team. The disparity is further highlighted by the
fact that the personnel of the respective back-lines are fundamentally the
same.
Ireland's backs can only be green with envy at the creativity and innovation
displayed by their Welsh counterparts. Kidneys myopia is further evidenced
by his failure to replace Alan Gaffney as attack coach, preferring instead to
rely on his trusted lieutenants, Les Kiss and Mark Tainton. Attack coaches are
de rigueur in the modern game, and the decision betrays an appalling lack of
vision. Perhaps such conservatism is only to be expected of a coach who has
routinely preferred the steady O'Gara to the mercurial, but brilliant Sexton.
Similarly, Kidney's lamentable failure to identify a feasible successor to Brian
O'Driscoll is particularly worrying. While the Irish captain will prove impossible
to replace as an icon, it is imperative that Ireland produce a player of sufficient
calibre to occupy the pivotal outside centre position.
Rather than think outside the box, Kidney has tended to opt for the safe Keith
Earls. Although a winger of undoubted potential, Earls lacks the physicality
and defensive nous to play 13. Darren Cave and Fergus McFadden are the
only players in the squad with the pedigree to fulfil the role, while the tragedy
in Ulster last week has denied Ireland another outstanding young candidate.
If Kidney persists with Earls at outside centre, it will be another indication that
he has run out of ideas. There are those within the Irish game who are
convinced that a change of coach is inevitable.
I am not inclined to agree. Ireland should stick with Kidney. If he removes the
shackles, the Cork man has the experience and knowledge to re-invigorate
this Irish side. Kidney has done substantially more for Irish rugby than any of
his predecessors. It would be unthinkable if that legacy were lost.
Given all that he has achieved, Kidney deserves another chance. It is
imperative, however, that his team re-discover its attacking instincts, and fast.
If Kidney is in need of inspiration, he does not need to look too far.
For the last three years, Leinster has been at the vanguard of European
rugby. It may be time for the IRFU to reverse their long established preference
for home grown coaches. For if Ireland were to make the bold decision
remove their head coach, Leinster's Joe Schmidt is the obvious replacement.
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spike19 says...
I cant agree more about McFadden, he is not an international standard 13 its
not his natural position. To be honest currently the stocks are pretty low
behind BOD and D'arcy I cant really see the likes of McFadden, Earls or Cave
fronting against centres like Smith/Nonu, Roberts/Davies, Mermoz/Rougerie,
Tuilagi/Joseph.
Clearly there is a considerable gap is class between the incumbents and
potential successors. The only way to solve this is by promoting the next
generation, the likes of Eoin O'malley, Brendan Macken, David Macsharry,
Chris Farrell and Danny Barnes. Thats the way they do it in NZ with effective
results.
Posted 17:57 25th September 2012
99call says...
Sorry but I cant agree that McFadden is capable of playing 13 at the top level,
he was woeful against Wales last year and is not strong enough defensively,
surely we are lissing the obvious as the the replacement for BOD, it has to Be
Tommy Bowe. He won a Lions test against SA at 13 and played repeatedly
for the Ospreys when he was there. He's the complete rugby player and we
have plenty of top class wingers even McFadden is capable of playing there,
but with Earls, Timble, Zebo, Gilroy, D Kearney we can afford to move Tommy
into the middle.
I do agree that the above is a true reflection of irish rugby and as much as I
respect Kidney he must either move or take his red tinted glasses off and
realise there are talented players both north of the border and over the pond.
for example the best 7 in Ireland last year was Chris Henry but he is behind
OBrien and OMahoney, both top class players but both 6s not 7s and that
was made painfully obvious by our lack of effectiveness at the breakdown on
too many occasions.
We need a neutral eye to select the best players no matter what province
theyre from or where they play.
Kidney has got us here but we now need to move on and take advantage of
the young talent we have so time for a change
Posted 14:50 25th September 2012
HenryFitz says...
A good read other than the risible promotion of McFadden as a long-term
option at 13, ahead of Keith Earls. Cave is a very good player, and the battle
between him and Earls is a close one, but McFadden doesn't have the hands,
elusiveness or nous to play 13. Though he's a handy 12.
Posted 14:28 25th September 2012
crunchfit says...
Very good read, and accurate. However, give Kidney another chance?
Absolutely not. We've been waiting and pressuring for change for years now
and it still hasn't come. Why would he change now? He is a joke. He has
wasted opportunities and the best talent we've ever had and made stupid,
amateurish decisions for years now, time after time at various parts of his
coaching duties. I'm sick of it, most Irish fans are. He's had his chance, he's
repeatedly failed and now it's time for him to go. Good riddance.
Posted 14:00 25th September 2012
spike19 says...
2009 was a massively dominant year for Irish Rugby. 6 Nations Grandslam,
Heineken Cup, 14 players on the Lions Tour, an unbeaten season and the
emergence of exciting new talents like Heaslip, Ferris, Fitzgerald, O¿Leary,
Sexton, Healy, O¿Brien and Kearney.
Since then I think it¿s fair to say that Irish rugby has gone through a period of
frustration and underachievement. A Triple Crown went a begging in 2010
after a shock loss to Scotland in Croke Park followed by a fairly disastrous
tour to NZ and AUS with 0 wins from 3 games. The autumn was a mixed bag
with a particularly frustrating loss to a very understrength Bok side. Sean
O¿Brien makes his mark on the test scene.
2011 and another 6 Nations and missed opportunity after a winnable game
against France is lost with some flimsy defence on Rougerie by D¿arcy. In
Cardiff the men in green suffer from the referee¿s poor decision on a Mike
Phillips try but make a comeback only for Paddy Wallace to ignore the overlap
and certain victory. Failure to gain silverware is glossed over by a high
intensity performance against England in the Aviva.
After losing all 4 warm up game Ireland mount a decent group stage
campaign, albeit against mostly limited opposition, with kidneys most
significant coup since the Grandslam the defeat of Australia and toping of the
group. The hysteria is quelled however after Ireland is dominated in almost
facets by a powerful Welsh surge. The emergence of Conor Murray is positive
at 9 where others had failed to impose themselves
One year on and after 8 test matches Ireland are ranked 8th in the world
having been thrashed 60-0 by the Allblacks, scrummed of the pitch in
Twickenham and failed to close out two winnable games against Wales and
France.
Kidney has been in charge for 45 games wins 23, losses 20, draws 2. 13 of
those wins have been against second rate opposition.
Posted 12:54 25th September 2012
melkdave says...
Have to agree its a very good assesment of irish rugby atm,and well written to
boot.I would also add to D.Kidneys failings ,the fact he ignores irish players
playing outside Ireland.How his ignorned J.Downey for years is a scandal,he
should have been BODs centre partner 3-4 yrs ago,when G.D'Arcy lost his
international form ,and never got it back,and the continued shunning of
R.Caldwell is just as bad,a class player who with D.Ryan was being hailed as
the new DOC/POC just being left in the cold.Also his shown himself to be
amatuerish in the extreame ,in getting his backroom staff right.Its jnot just
replacing A.Gaffney ,but he didnt even have a specalist scrum coach last
6Ns,and theiy're also derigour to the modern game ,does anyone know if thats
been rectified yet??One saving grace is there are good quality players
comming though,lets hope if D.Kidneys stays ,he doesnt waste them with his
conserative gameplan,which by the way is the same as HMs bokke ,and we
can see just how effective tthat is in todays modern game.New gameplan and
vision ,needed by Mr Kidney ,or he has to go asap.imo.
Posted 11:35 25th September 2012
Rugbyfan1980 says...
Kieth Earls was excellent at the weekend against Dragons, but I do agree that
Cave and Fergus can be an 'O'Driscoll.' The reason the that forwards are a
match for any is that the Provinces have focused. Ulster brought in Mark
Anscombe, a forward orientated coach for example. I, as an English Ulster
fan, I hope that the 12 Ulstermen selected for the training squad get the
chance to fight fairly for the Green shirt. Unfortunately all too often its Names
v form. Paul O Connell hasnt played this season due to injury and yet was
named in the training squad. A change at the top is needed.
Posted 10:27 25th September 2012
dodgyrog says...
very accurate assessment of the irish mamnagement, as all irish supporters
will know we are so much more capable of this medecority.
Posted 10:11 25th September 2012
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Planet Rugby match report: Ulster v. Connacht: 05/09/2012
Five from five for Ulster
05th October 2012 21:29
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Ulster stayed top of the RaboDirect Pro12 table after seeing off Connacht
comfortably 25-0 to make it five wins from five games.
On an emotional night for Ulster rugby, the Ravenhill men secured another
victory to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
As this represented their first game at the fortress since the tragic death of
Nevin Spence, the occasion was filled with poignancy. The beautifully
observed minute's silence at the beginning of the game bore testimony to the
scale of emotion.
Following on from their brilliant performance against Cardiff last week, this
match was always likely to prove a difficult affair for the home team.
Undoubtedly Ulster were determined to reproduce the intensity of last week.
Inter-provincial games are always lively affairs and this one promised to be no
different.
Ulster had gained a much needed fillip prior to the game with the return of
skipper Rory Best following a spell on the sidelines. The encounter also
heralded the Ravenhill return of prodigal son, Tommy Bowe, following a threeyear stint with the Ospreys.
As it was, Ulster got off to a reasonable start, dominating territory and
possession in the opening exchanges. The pack made several inroads into
Connacht territory, with the back row and Nick Williams in particular, making
good headway by picking and driving around the fringes.
The men in white where rewarded for their hard work on ten minutes, when
Paddy Jackson slotted over a penalty following a good scrum by the home
team.
Ulster dominated possession thereafter, with Jackson's boot leading
incursions into Connacht territory. The home team's ascendancy was
underpinned by an excellent scrum, which seemed to have the measure of
their provincial counterparts.
Although sloppy, the first half did have its moments and Ulster looked the
more ambitious from an attacking perspective. This attacking intent almost
paid dividends, with Andrew Trimble just coming short after knocking on in the
opposition 22.
The work-rate of the home side could not be faulted. By this stage, Ulster's
superiority in the scrum was beginning to grind Connacht down and, on 32
minutes, it yielded an inevitable result. A powerful scum by the home side saw
Connacht scurrying backwards and the referee saw no alternative to awarding
a penalty try.
Jackson successfully converted to give Ulster a ten point lead.
After an unsuccessful Connacht penalty attempt on 35 minutes, an ascendant
Ulster upped the tempo again, driving deep into Connacht territory. The Ulster
pack laid siege to Connacht's line, with the ubiquitous back row again to the
fore. When prop Afoa was just held up short following a pick and drive on 40
minutes, Nick Williams crashed over from close range. Jackson again added
the two pints to make it 17, giving Ulster the perfect finish to the half.
Connacht replaced prop Brett Wilkinson for the second half, the loose head
having been given a torrid time by Afoa. The change immediately paid
dividends, shoring up a scrum that had looked in all sorts of trouble.
Ulster, however, maintained decent levels of continuity and continued to ask
questions of the Connacht defence.
Ulster came agonisingly close to extending their lead on 44 minutes, when a
lovely inside ball by Paddy Wallace saw lock Muller denied at the line. Just
when the home team looked certain to score, they were penalised for illegally
playing the ball in the scrum.
That decision eased the pressure on Connacht and allowed the men in green
some much needed respite. Connacht desperately tried to make inroads into
the Ulster half, but the Ulster defence was superb yet again.
Although Ulster were creating plenty of chances, their work remained scrappy
and the backs failed to finish off a succession of chances. One such chance
went begging on 51 minutes, when Afoa knocked on in Connacht's 22.
When Willie Faloon was penalised for being offside, Jackson elected to kick
for the corner, but again couldn't translate pressure into points. Ulster's more
adventurous approach in the second half saw a more expansive game, with
the superb Darren Cave creating chances in midfield.
The pattern of the game was broken up by a raft of substitutions. Best was
replaced by Rob herring on 56 minutes, his removal a sign that the Ulster
coaching team already had one eye on bigger challenges ahead. More
changes ensued on 66 minutes, with Ulster emptying their bench. Jackson
was starting to excel in his out half role, but Ulster's dominance was not
reflected on the scoreboard.
The home fans' frustration became tangible, and concerns were heightened
when the outstanding Williams hobbled off on 75 minutes with what looked
like a rib injury. Thankfully Ulster were saving the best for last.
Following a cross field kick by Jackson, Bowe rose like a dove to claim the
ball and, quick as a flash, offloaded for Luke Marshall to score. Jackson
spurned the extra 2 points to chase the fourth try.
But it wasn't to be. Ulster ended up with a fairly emphatic victory in the end,
but it was a far from perfect performance. On an emotional night for the
Ulstermen, another vital win had been secured.
Coach Anscombe will be under no illusions, however, about the scale of the
challenge ahead. The mighty Castres' scrum will assuredly provide a sterner
test.
The scorers:
For Ulster:
Tries: L Marshall, Williams, Penalty
Cons: Jackson 2
Pens: Jackson 2
Ulster: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Paddy
Wallace, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Paul Marshall, 8 Nick
Williams, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Stephen Ferris, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Johan Muller (c), 3
Declan Fitzpatrick, 2 Rory Best, 1 Tom Court.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Callum Black, 18 John Afoa, 19 Lewis
Stevenson, 20 Mike McComish, 21 Michael Heaney, 22 Luke Marshall, 23
Craig Gilroy.
Connacht: 15 Robbie Henshaw, 14 Tiernan O'Halloran, 13 Eoin Griffin, 12
Dave McSharry, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Dan Parks, 9 Kieran Marmion, 8
George Naoupu, 7 Willie Faloon (capt), 6 Dave Gannon, 5 Mike McCarthy, 4
Michael Swift, 3 Ronan Loughney, 2 Adrian Flavin, 1 Brett Wilkinson.
Replacements: 16 Jason Harris-Wright, 17 Denis Buckley, 18 Nathan White,
19 John Muldoon, 20 Johnny O'Connor, 21 Dave Moore, 22 Miah Nikora, 23
Mata Fifita.
Referee: George Clancy
By Rory McGimpsey
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melkdave says...
Ulster certinally look the form team in the Pro12 so far this season ,and all
power to them for it.The IRFU darlings of Leinster/Munster,are going to have
to up their game imo,if theyare going to challange for the Pro12 championship
this season.
Posted 14:25 06th October 2012
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Bonus-point start for Ulster
12th October 2012 22:06
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Ulster brace: Paul Marshall
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Minute-by-minute from Ravenhill
Four-try Ospreys off to a flier
Ulster made the perfect start to their Heineken Cup campaign after banking
five points in a 41-17 win over Castres.
Another night of high drama at Ravenhill culminated in the most unlikely of
finishes.
While the scoreline suggests an emphatic victory, this compelling match told a
different story. The night had begun with the disappointing news that Ulster
would start their Heineken Cup campaign without Nick Williams or their
talisman, Stephen Ferris. Suddenly their European opener had taken on a
much more arduous complexion.
The French visitors will have been encouraged by their start. The hosts were
penalised when a poor clearance kick from Paul Marshall was followed a
powerful Castres' scrum. Teulet successfully added the three points.
Ulster's response was immediate. The home pack marched into the
opposition 22 and, in the ensuing onslaught, the Frenchmen were caught
offside. Jackson successfully landed his kick to level the scoreline.
Last year's beaten finalists had begun to find their rhythm. Ulster's backs
started to play with the dynamism that has been the hallmark of their
performances in recent weeks. A poor Castres' kick was swept up by Jared
Payne who went on an electric run, before getting the ball away for Andrew
Trimble to score in the corner. Jackson successfully converted from the most
acute of angles.
The visitors responded with determination and were rewarded with a penalty
on ten minutes. Bernard missed the resulting kick, however.
Ulster then upped the tempo, using their three-quarter line to devastating
effect. The home side were awarded another penalty on 15 minutes, following
a series of incisive runs. Again the boot of Jackson proved deadly accurate,
making it 13-3.
By this stage, Ulster were looking dangerous, the fluidity of their game
testament to the manner in which Mark Anscombe has inculcated the team
with southern hemisphere skill levels.
Trimble was unlucky not to add to the tally, having been penalised for holding
on in the Castres' 22. But Paul Marshall did extend the lead on 27 minutes,
with Jackson taking the score to 20.
But Castres weren't finished. Their forwards rallied and forced their way into
the Ulster 22. A series of drives ended with Marc Andreu taking a cross field
kick to score. Teulet added the two points. Fittingly it was the home side that
ended the half stronger, with Jackson slotting a penalty on 35.
The second half commenced with Ulster hungry to achieve the bonus point.
That ambition took a step closer on 42 minutes, when Marshall burrowed over
from close range. Jackson missed the conversion.
Shortly thereafter, Ulster spurned the chance to go to the corner and added
another three points. At that stage, the fourth try looked a mere formality.
But Castres fought back. Marcel Garvey scored on 52 minutes after sustained
pressure by his forwards. Teulet converted to make the score 31-17.
Ulster made their task much more difficult when prop Tom Court was sinbinned on 57 minutes. The decision seemed to galvanise the 14 men,
however, and Jackson added another penalty on 61 minutes.
Ulster's quest for the fourth try was impeded by a conservative game plan.
Captain Johann Muller repeatedly turned down the chance to go to the corner,
preferring to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
The substitution of Tommy Bowe seemed to disrupt their impetus further as
the chase for the fourth try became increasingly desperate. The home team
kicked to the corner on 77 minutes, but gave away a penalty with the line at
their mercy. Castres' forwards defended stoutly, and it appeared as if Ulster
were destined to rue their missed chances. But cometh the hour, cometh the
man. Deep into injury time, a poor Casters' kick gifted the ball to Ruan
Pienaar who sliced through the Castres' cover to score. The elusive bonuspoint had been achieved, sending Ravenhill into raptures.
The scorers:
For Ulster:
Tries: P Marshall 2, Pienaar, Trimble
Cons: Jackson 3
Pens: Jackson 5
For Castres:
Tries: Andreu, Garvey
Cons: Teulet 2
Pen: Teulet
Ulster: 15 Jared Payne, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Darren Cave, 12 Paddy
Wallace, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Paul Marshall, 8 Stephen
Ferris, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Iain Henderson, 5 Dan Tuohy, 4 Johan Muller (c), 3
John Afoa, 2 Rory Best, 1 Tom Court.
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Callum Black, 18 Adam Macklin, 19 Lewis
Stevenson, 20 Mike McComish, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Luke Marshall, 23 Craig
Gilroy.
Castres: 15 Romain Teulet, 14 Marcel Garvey, 13 Seremaia Bai, 12 Daniel
Kirkpatrick, 11 Marc Andreu, 10 Pierre Bernard, 9 Thierry Lacrampe, 8 Pedrie
Wannenburg, 7 Yannick Caballero, 6 Piula Faasalele, 5 Rodrigo Capo
Ortega, 4 Matthias Rolland, 3 Michaël Coetzee, 2 Mathieu Bonello, 1 Yannick
Forestier.
Replacements: 16 Marc-Antoine Rallier, 17 Grégory Marmoiton, 18 Mihaïta
Lazar, 19 Iosefa Tekori, 20 Antonie Claassen, 21 Rory Kockott, 22 Paul
Bonnefond, 23 Thomas Sanchou.
Referee: Andrew Small
By Rory McGimpsey
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Comments
Norm says...
Bluelion
The arrogance is not in relation to your view on Payne v Nacewa, which you
might note I agree with you on, it is your belief that your attack on an opinion
differing to yours that I say is arrogant. Add to that list now your attack on my
knowledge of rugby in general and Jared Payne. Neither of which you are
qualified to comment on.
Posted 11:32 14th October 2012
bluelion2 says...
@Norm
Shade of Arrogance?
I was responding to a comment that stated Nacewa looked mediocre. I am
aware (probably more so than you) that this was Payne's HC Debut. I am also
aware Nacewa has been an integral part of the Leinster Squad Since 2008
and it is no coincidence their success coincided with his arrival. Nacewa is
also more highly regarded in the southern hemisphere. So you will see I have
thought before I spoke.
Posted 20:10 13th October 2012
Rosbif says...
@leinster_goy. spot on!! check out the Castres team from last week's game at
home vs Clermont (which Castres won btw). I counted no more than 6 of
those players in yesterday's run-on team.
So, we could say Castres "rested" 11 of their players for this very serious,
must-get-a-bonus-point-at-least game, in the very prestigious HCup. Guys like
top try-scorers Dulin and Martial, first choice half backs Kockott and Tales,
and their biggest ball carriers Tekori and Samson.
No wonder they looked clueless at the end. Dare one suggest their hearts
were not in it? Or speculate, even further, that it was borderline deliberate?
I guess the question is, if some French sides are clearly looking for an early
exit to focus on their domestic campaign (looking to pick up points against
other French clubs that are still in the HCup) , what kind of sanctions could the
HCup organisers bring against them? Or is it impossible to police?
Where does one draw the line? Would we equally have to sanction Pro12
teams for occasionally fielding weakened sides in their league?
I guess it comes down to freedom of choice. The clubs can field who they like,
when they like. The players can play as if their lives depended on it. Or not.
We just need to see it for what it is. Not right or wrong. Just freedom of
choice.
Posted 14:52 13th October 2012
Norm says...
Shade of arrogance there Bluelion. Whilst I would have to agree with you that
Payne has some way to go before such a claim being valid I dont think the
gap is as far as you think, you also seem to ignore the glaring fact that this
was Payne's HC or Heino debut. Thing is though you can only have
ownership of your own opinion am afraid mate. So perhaps you also should
think before typing
Posted 10:42 13th October 2012
leinster_goy says...
@melkdave
castres don't care about the HEC, they never have
@NHsaints
hi troll
Posted 10:38 13th October 2012
Danatthecorner says...
Castres have no game awareness. they went through 16 phases with no hope
of getting the bonus point at the end of the game. Their only qualification hope
rested with stopping Ulster getting one. And if there is a more blatant case of
offside than the turnover at the death that allowed Ulster to break to score I'll
be surprised. The Ulster lad arrived at the ruck practically arm in arm with the
Castres scrum-half!
Job done for Ulster though.
Posted 10:11 13th October 2012
SUFTUMJIM says...
Was it not actually an intercepted pass by Jared Payne in the ulster 22, that
gave ulster the ball for the last try?
Posted 09:46 13th October 2012
bluelion2 says...
@NHSaints
Your ignorance has surpassed you. Payne is a quality player but no way is his
counter attacking ability anywhere near the 3 Heino medalist Nacewa. Nor
does he have the pace or kicking game of the man. In future I suggest you
think before you type
Posted 00:50 13th October 2012
NHSaints says...
Considering it was at home, against Castres and Castres didn't have half the
lineup Ulster did I'm surprised ulster didn't break 50...on a positive note Jarred Payne. He manages to actually make Nacewa's counter attacking look
mediocre...
Posted 23:05 12th October 2012
Norm says...
Great stuff
So much amazing talent in Ulster right now. Some young and home grown
and some imported for sure. Jared Payne is going to be amazing this year,
but he will pale in significance to henderson, jackson and Marshall. Early I
know but the talent is there and there was momentum in this team already.
The Spence factor has possibly put something intangible in the approach and
mindset. A possibly magnificient season lies ahead!
Posted 22:55 12th October 2012
TVaddict says...
Well earned, but boy did Ulster made it as hard as possible for themselves to
get that bonus point! Saying that I don't know what was going through Castres
head with their decision to not kick the ball out at the end! Absolute stupidity
and for nothing. If it was a more important match people would be claiming
some dodgy dealings there!
Posted 22:46 12th October 2012
damo says...
damo says...
damo says...
We need a pro 7s team can PR run an article on how Ireland is the only
country in the world almost without this and has tonns of young talent not
being improved through htis means, also to confirm Darcy playing for Ireland
is a joke on any form in the past 3 years, I can speak of 4 or 5 games his
missed tackles or constant knock ons cost us or the fact his opponents
manage 30+ tries in far less caps in their career - even Keith Wood scored
more tries than him!!!!!!!!!!!!!
7s team first second Kidney needs to cop the F on to himself and pick players
on form and talent - use some of his sports scientists to tell him Tiernan
Ohalloran is far better then Duffy for Connaught why is Duffy in any Irish
squad? Sorry Gavin and Gordon but its true, for us to win we pick the best
players and so far Kidney hasn't done this!!!!!!!!
Come on Ireland we could win World Cups if we got our act together!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Connaught to prove a few shocks in this years HC !!!
Jimmy mcnicoll of Canterbury in ITM cup is worlds best 15 Ireland need to
contract him now and he can play for Munster (desperately need a 15) this lad
is class !!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 22:40 12th October 2012
papachinzo says...
Great start for Ulster, got a bit wobbly towards the end, probably should have
left Paul Marshall on the field. Clearly the No.1 Scrum half in Ireland, if Declan
Kidney leaves him out of the squad, he'll be shooting himself in the foot.
Also "Injury Time" is a football term, In Rugby we use 'Extra Time'.
Posted 22:33 12th October 2012
cedfromtoulon says...
Easy Castres !
Posted 22:22 12th October 2012
melkdave says...
Well a good match.though ui thought Ulster tried to hard for the bonus point in
the 2nd half ,and thus lost a bit of shape.P.Marshal was excellant alomg with
P.Jackson,both really ran the show really well.But i have to say just what
where Castes doing at the end of the game??.10 points behind ,no time and
no chance of getting a bonus point .Yet continued to play ,and in the end
gifted Ulster a fourth try,and a bonus point.That is going to be expensive
come the end of the round robin imo.
Posted 22:19 12th October 2012
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Ulster stay top
02nd November 2012 22:37
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Pienaar: Led the way for Ulster
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Edinburgh
Ulster
Ulster racked up a 45-20 win over Edinburgh with six tries to take their
season's impressive unbeaten run to nine games in all competitions and stay
top of the PRO12.
21 points in the final 25 minutes sealed a comfortable victory for Ulster in a
thoroughly compelling and entertaining encounter at Ravenhill.
Ulstermen are developing into an accomplished unit and the result
represented another important milestone in their quest for honours. Such is
the level of expectation at the east Belfast venue these days; the supporters
are becoming accustomed to witnessing style and substance.
As it was, the home team got off to a reasonable start, their forwards carrying
the ball with gusto. With the autumn internationals pending, coach Anscombe
made nine changes to the side that demolished the Dragons last week, and
the rotation policy afforded both the fringe players and young tyros a rare
opportunity to shine.
One such beneficiary was the gigantic Neil McComb, who drove into the
Scottish defence with splendid ferocity. The Ulster team lacked cohesion,
however, and there is little doubt that the plethora of changes disrupted their
impetus somewhat. For example, when Edinburgh kicked the ball straight into
touch in the first minute, Ulster were unable to capitalise following a poor
scrum and line-out.
The opening few minutes were decidedly scrappy, with the home team
displaying a tendency to kick good possession away. Their profligacy proved
costly. A good break by King on eight minutes saw Edinburgh denied just
short of the line.
The visitors did make their hosts pay two minutes later, when wing threequarter Tom Brown scored the opening try following a horrendous error by
Paul Marshall at the back of the scrum. Hunter added the conversion from the
tightest of angles.
Ulster's response was immediate and good driving by McComb yielded a
penalty on 13 minutes.
Blood replacement, Niall O'Connor made no mistake with the kick. The
ensuing period witnessed better continuity by Ulster. Edinburgh remained in
the ascendancy, however, and Hunter slotted a penalty on 18 minutes to
make it 10-3 to the visitors.
A lovely chip by Payne on 26 minutes saw wing Cochrane just missing out on
his first try for his home province. The Ulster scrum was beginning to have the
measure of Edinburgh and was rewarded on 29 minutes with a penalty try
following superb work by Afoa. Pienaar added the two points to make it 10-10.
The Ulster back line was ominously starting to hit its stride, and Payne added
to the tally on 30 minutes after finishing off a lovely break from Gilroy. Pienaar
slotted the resultant conversion.
By this stage, Ulster were producing some fine counter attacking rugby and
Pienaar scored again on 34 minutes following a charge down. The South
African pivot duly converted.
Edinburgh were far from finished and ended the half the stronger, with Brown
scoring his second try on 37 minutes having been aided by some woeful
Ulster tackling.
Hunter continued the comeback with a penalty on 41 minutes, taking the
score to 24-20 in favour of the White Knights. Worryingly for Ulster's ambitions
this season, Stephen Ferris hobbled off on 46 minutes.
The Irish management will be hoping that his injury is not as serious as it
initially looked. The exit of their talisman disrupted Ulster's momentum
significantly, but the home team continued to push for the bonus point try.
Their growing confidence was evident when skipper Brady elected to kick for
the corner on 52 minutes. Ulster's ambition was rewarded on 56 minutes,
when Roger Wilson touched down for the fourth try. The score was thoroughly
deserved following Marshall's courageous refusal of a certain three points.
Pienaar's conversion extended Ulster's lead to 31-20.
Ulster's forwards were now exhibiting the physicality and intensity that has
been the hallmark of their performances in recent weeks. The increased
creativity of the Ulster back line was evidenced when Payne just missed out
on a try in the corner on 66 minutes. The centre did touch down again a
minute later, having picked a sublime angle off a well-worked scrum.
Ulster's pursuit of further tries became rather scrappy, the fluidity of their
game hampered by the inevitable substitutions.
Their endeavour was not to be in vain. A clever kick by Pienaar on 80 minutes
saw the scintillating Craig Gilroy deservedly score the game's final try on his
return to the side.
All in all, given the changes in personnel, another supremely satisfying night
for this emerging Ulster team. It is the condition of Stephen Ferris that will be
of most concern to the national and provincial management, however.
Ulster needed a dubious penalty try in the dying minutes to edge past Zebre
27-25 in Sunday's PRO12 clash in Parma.
Ulster maintained their unbeaten start to the season to remain top of the
Pro12, but only by the skin of their teeth.
In this rearranged fixture, which was scheduled following the Nevin Spence
tragedy in September, the league leaders had to utilise their full quotient of
mental strength to emerge victorious.
With the Treviso fixture looming on Friday, the Ulster management decided to
remain in Italy making this visit, to all intents and purposes, a mini-tour.
Ulster started in the game in determined fashion, displaying an intention to
pursue an expansive game and bring their broken field runners into play.
Ulster's forwards endeavoured to bring the ball carrying intensity, which has
been so apparent thus far this season. The league leaders conceded far too
many penalties early on, however, and allowed Zebre to secure a foothold in
the game.
It was Ulster, though; who opened the scoring on ten minutes when Niall
O'Connor kicked a penalty after the Zebre defence had been caught offside.
The home team bounced straight back and after Ulster were caught napping
at the restart, an incredulous Tebaldi nipped in to score.
Ulster increased the pressure thereafter, but were unable to convert
possession into scoring opportunities. It was clear that Zebre were determined
not to be mere canon fodder, as clearly demonstrated at the breakdown,
which was being fiercely contested.
Another O'Connor penalty on 26 minutes re-established Ulster's lead, and
made it 6-3 to the visitors. By this stage, Ulster's well drilled defensive unit
were beginning to pin Zebre back in their own 22.
An O'Connor penalty on 34 minutes made it 9-5 to the visitors. Slowly but
surely, however, the home team were beginning to find their attacking
momentum. Zebre came rushing back at Ulster, and some concerted
pressure saw Halangahu respond with a penalty on the stroke of half time.
Ulster were determined to press home their scrummaging advantage, but it
was Zebre who began the second half the stronger and Halangahu scored a
try on 43 minutes, having negotiated some appalling Ulster defence.
Ulster responded immediately and a good scrum on 48 minutes saw
O'Connor land another penalty to make it 13-12 to the Italians.
The home back row was now in the ascendancy and the huge South African
Dries Van Schalkwyk extended their lead on 53 minutes.
Ulster's unbeaten record was now in real jeopardy. Paddy Wallace scored on
57 minutes to offer some hope. Van Schalkwyk seemed to have killed the
game on 65 minutes when he completed his brace, bursting though the nonexistent Ulster back row defence.
Incredibly, the Italian minnows were on the verge of a bonus point victory.
Ulster were their own worst enemies, and made some horrendous errors with
their restarts.
But, not for the first time this season, their pack dug them out of a hole. A
destructive scrum on 74 minutes saw referee Neil Patterson award a dubious
penalty try.
In the final minutes Zebre tried desperately to secure the win they thoroughly
deserved. But Ulster's tenacious defence held on.
Ulster may have won again, but it was their worst performance of the season.
Fortuitous indeed, but it was Zebre who came within minutes of making Pro
12 history.
Ulster racked up their tenth straight RaboDirect PRO12 win of the season on
Sunday after beating the second-placed Scarlets 19-12 in Llanelli.
With the next phase of their European adventure looming, Mark Anscombe
cleverly rotated his panel of players; resting some key personnel.
It was the Scarlets who began the game in superior fashion, with their
forwards hitting the rucks with superb intensity. The quality of their early
exploits earned the Welshmen a penalty on two minutes, but Aled Thomas
was unsuccessful with the resultant kick. Similarly, Paddy Jackson was
unable to capitalise on fine work by his pack when he missed a penalty in the
sixth minute.
Ulster were beginning to find their rhythm, however, and Jackson secured his
team's first points with a penalty on nine minutes to make it 3-0 to the league
leaders.
Although decidedly scrappy, the forward contest was compelling, with the
breakdown in particular being fiercely contested. Ulster's openside Robbie
Diack was making a considerable impact in the contact area, but his
contribution notwithstanding, quality ball was hard to come by.
Scarlets fly-half Thomas levelled the contest on 18 minutes after Ulster had
been carelessly caught offside. The Scarlets' pack was starting to assert itself,
and the home team's mauling game was particularly effective. Their efficiency
in this area is surely testament to the influence of former Irish blindside,
Simon Easterby, who is emerging as a prodigious young coach.
It was Ulster, however, who looked the more dangerous with ball in hand, and
their opening try had certain inevitability to it. Irish winger, Andrew Trimble
fortuitously caught a loose ball on 28 minutes and cantered unopposed to the
line. It was not his most aesthetically pleasing try, but this team has mastered
the art of winning ugly in recent weeks. It was also supremely satisfying for
Trimble on a personal level, the Coleraine man being pressurised for his place
by the precocious Craig Gilroy.
But yet again Ulster's not so secret weapon was their devastating scrum.
Callum Black was particularly effective on the loosehead side and, in so
doing, has given his coach a selection headache ahead of next week's
seminal game against Northampton Saints. Ulster's scrummaging prowess
earned them another penalty on 32 minutes, and the outstanding Jackson
effortlessly converted.
Although Ulster were beginning to dominate their battle hardened opponents,
their play lacked the fluidity and potency that had been so evident in the early
part of the season. It was equally apparent that the league's pace setters had
one eye on next weekend's challenge.
The second half was a much more closely contested affair, with the home
team increasing their intensity and work rate from their first half efforts. The
menace of their new approach was tangible, causing headaches for Ulster's
vaunted defence.
It was the mercurial Jackson who opened the scoring on 42 minutes when he
successfully converted a penalty. But then came the Scarlets' comeback.
Thomas clawed back Ulster's lead on 52 minutes to make it 16-9 to the
Ulstermen.
Ulster extended the lead further on 56 minutes to earn a ten point cushion.
Their cause was not aided by the sin-binning of Dan Tuohy and that decision
galvanised the Scarlets, who frantically laid siege to Ulster's half. But the
visitors' defensive line held firm.
Thomas did earn a well deserved losing bonus point with the last kick of the
game, but for Ulster another vital win had been secured and they now have a
five day turnaround before their biggest game of the season.
By Rory McGimpsey
Ulster battle past Leinster
21st December 2012 20:51
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Glasgow clinch first leg victory
Tries from Andrew Trimble, Nick Williams and a Penalty Try handed Ulster a
27-19 victory over Leinster at Ravenhill on Friday.
Christmas arrived early for Ulster in this pulsating game at Ravenhill, bringing
some much needed festive cheer to a troubled city.
Ulster have firmly established themselves at the pinnacle of the Pro 12 and, in
so doing; have exacted timely revenge for last season's Heineken Cup final
defeat.
In typical fashion, it was Ulster who made the more productive start, and
appeared like a team determined to make amends for last week's
disappointing performance.
The home team began by carrying the ball with reckless abandon, and the
opening minutes were characterised by terrific continuity and physicality.
This intense pressure from the home team yielded a penalty on four minutes,
but fly-half Paddy Jackson was off radar with the kick. His effort was
characteristic of a troubled evening with the boot, and the young number ten
seemed to be carrying a leg injury.
All things considered, it may have been more prudent to entrust the kicking
duties to Pienaar. As it was, it was the European champions who opened the
scoring on 11 minutes, when the superb Ian Madigan banged over a penalty
following an extremely dubious penalty decision at scrum time.
The away team were playing a higher tempo game, and their preferred mode
of attack involved keeping the ball in hand. The men in blue went through
phase after phase, looking to exploit holes in Ulster's much vaunted defence.
Their pressure started to pay dividends and Madigan extended the lead with
another penalty on 18 minutes. But Ulster refused to panic and they
thoughtfully felt their way into the game.
Jackson made up for his earlier miss on 25 minutes, when he slotted a
penalty following outstanding work by the Ulster scrum. Indeed the scrum
proved a very potent weapon indeed, with Tom Court in particular causing
extreme difficulty for his international team-mate Michael Bent.
The scrummaging performance was a much needed boost following their
under-par performance against the Saints. Pienaar levelled the scoreline on
29 minutes, having taken over the kicking duties from the unfortunate
Jackson.
Ulster's scrum turned the game on its head on 37 minutes, when referee
Clancy awarded a Penalty Try following an almighty shove by the Ulster eight.
The second half witnessed better fluidity from the Leinstermen, but the Ulster
scrum remained utterly dominant. Rarely has a Leinster pack been humbled
in such a manner. Madigan did narrow the gap to 13-12 on 42 minutes,
following an appalling Ulster restart.
But the home team responded magnificently, with Nick Williams burrowing
over for a try on 42 minutes, helped by the intervention of the TMO. Ulster
were now 20-12 to the good. Pienaar fell short with an attempt on 63 minutes,
and Madigan likewise misfired shortly after.
The final minutes of the encounter witnessed a massive rearguard effort by
the home team. It is fair to say, however, that the sin-binning of Rory Best was
something on an injustice. Trimble put the game beyond doubt with a well
taken finish, the result of a beautiful cross-field kick by Pienaar.
Ulster's resistance could only last for so long, and McFadden scored a
deserved consolation on 77 minutes. But don't let the scoreline fool you. The
European kingpins had been decimated in this Christmas cracker at
Ravenhill.
Can you hear that sound? It's the balance of power shifting in Irish rugby.
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Munster put Ulster to the sword
29th December 2012 19:20
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Simon Zebo: Crossed the whitewash
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Glasgow clinch the 1872 Cup
Weakened Leinster shutout Connacht
Munster made inroads into Ulster's lead at the top of the PR012 table after
claiming a convincing 24-10 win over the Ulstermen at Thomond Park on
Saturday.
Given the plethora of changes, this was always likely to be a difficult game for
Ulster.
Considering the fact that the national management had conscripted several
key players for a pre-Six Nations training camp, Ulster's decision to rest some
personnel appeared a high-risk strategy. Thomond Park is always an arduous
destination in any case; the Ulstermen having a fairly dismal record at the
venue.
The game began at breakneck speed, with the hosts displaying intent to
smash the Ulster defence to pieces. The opening exchanges were played at a
breathtaking intensity, with Munster targeting the visitors' set piece in
particular.
Indeed it was their scrummaging superiority that produced the opening points
of the match. An ascendant Munster scrum on 3 minutes yielded a penalty for
the two-time Heineken Cup champions.
Munster continued to dominate in the physicality stakes, but Ulster manfully
withstood the opening storm, and responded with some territorial pressure of
their own.
Niall O'Connor kept the league leaders pinned in the Munster 22, as the
visitors laid siege to the home try line. Ulster were rewarded with a penalty for
their efforts on 13 minutes, but O'Connor was off kilter with his kick. The
Ulster fly-half did open the visitors' account on 22 minutes, however, to
equalise the scoreline at 3-3.
By this stage, the conditions were deteriorating at a rapid rate as the rain
came bucketing down in Limerick. Consequently the game became rather
error-strewn, with the ball being reduced to the proverbial bar of soap. All
things considered, Ulster were coping with the conditions and the changes in
personnel remarkably well.
However a fifteen-minute period either side of half-time was to turn the match
on its head. The change in fortunes began when Ulster scrum-half Paul
Marshall was sin-binned for a reckless boot aimed at Donncha O'Callaghan.
Sensing their opportunity, the home pack started to turn the screw.
The resultant penalty saw Munster camped in Ulster's 22. After several
infringements, the home team opted for a succession of scrums. Botha
exerted massive pressure on Callum Black, and referee Rolland awarded the
inevitable penalty try. Keatley added the conversion to make it 10-3 to
Munster.
The second half commenced in similar fashion, with 14-man Ulster under the
cosh. Zebo extended the advantage on 44 minutes, after a gaping hole
emerged in Ulster's midfield defence. When O'Mahony crashed over on 50
minutes, a rout seemed on the cards as the hosts pushed for the bonus point.
In the corresponding fixture in May, Ulster had capitulated and the league
leaders would surely have feared a similar outcome. But Mark Anscombe's
men are made of considerably sterner stuff. A raft of substitutions galvanised
the visitors, infusing them with fresh blood.
Suddenly, it was Munster who were on the back foot. Ulster seemed to have
re-discovered their attacking mojo, and made several inroads into Munster
territory. Indeed the Munster management felt compelled to introduce old
heads, Ronan O'Gara and Peter Stringer to steady the ship.
Ulster's granite like defence held firm at the other end to deny Munster a
much-needed bonus point. Fittingly, it was Ulster who had the final say. Some
neat handling saw Ali Birch touch down for a well-deserved consolation.
The impressive Olding converted to make it 24-10. Munster had secured a
thoroughly deserved victory. Given the changes that had been imposed on his
team, Anscombe will be more than happy with his charges' performance.
Ulster extended their lead at the top of the RaboDirect PRO12 table after overcoming
the Scarlets 47-17 with a bonus point at Ravenhill on Friday.
So emphatic was Ulster's eventual triumph in this top of the table clash, it is easy to
forget just how well the Scarlets started. Indeed for large portions of the first half, the
men in red were silencing Ravenhill with a textbook defensive performance.
The scoreline at the end of the game, therefore, is testament to the way in which
Ulster stormed back into the game.
It was the league leaders that made the more effective start, but some inefficient work
at the breakdown inflicted an early turnover.
It was the away team, however, that looked more menacing in defence, exhibiting
impressive line speed in the early stage of the encounter. It wasn't long before this
aggressive approach earned its reward, with Scarlets' fly-half Aled Thomas slotting
over a penalty on nine minutes after Ulster number eight Nick Williams went off his
feet.
Thomas nearly added to the tally on 15 minutes when the Scarlets were awarded a
penalty, following poor communication within Ulster's line-out. His kick was skewed,
however.
The visitors remained ascendant in this phase of the match, with their forwards
achieving dominance at the breakdown. Ulster, moreover, were their own worst
enemies, and squandered good possession with unforced handling errors.
Despite such profligacy, Pienaar opened the hosts' account on 22 minutes after good
work by the Ulster scrum. These points seemed to inspire the league pacesetters, and
the South African gave his team the lead on 33 minutes to make it 6-3.
Ulster were now securing better territory and possession as the game became less
fractured. The game, nevertheless, was still very much in the balance at this stage, and
possession remained intensely contested.
The Scarlets, however, needlessly handed the advantage to Ulster when Jonathan
Davies surrendered a penalty for dissent. Pienaar converted to make it 9-3 to the
hosts.
Ulster could not have dreamed of a better start to the second half, when Robbie Diack
finished off a try thanks to a deft offload by Williams.
When Pienaar skilfully converted a penalty on 47 minutes, Ulster seemed to have the
measure of the Welshmen.
That lead became unassailable on 55 minutes, when man of the match Williams
touched down. Williams has emerged as a very influential signing, and the big man
certainly seems unstoppable from close range.
The only blight on this entertaining match was the injury to Lions prospect, George
North. Let's hope it was not as serious as it looked.
When Trimble extended the advantage on 72 minutes following a rehearsed move, the
bonus point became a real possibility.
That promise was duly delivered on 75 minutes, when a cynical intervention denied
Ulster lock Lewis Stevenson a certain try.
Ulster were now exhibiting superb flair, playing a brand of rugby that had echoes of
their early season brilliance. And the performance was capped on 76 minutes, when
venerable stalwart Neil McComb scored his first try for his province.
Scott Williams did score a deserved consolation on 80 minutes, but this was definitely
Ulster's night. Five tries, some entertaining rugby, and Mark Anscombe's men will
resume their European crusade next week in fine fettle.
Ulster’s fairytale season has continued in the Heineken Cup, with a four try
rout of Northampton Saints. Ulster’s magnificent league campaign has been
extended to Europe’s premier competition, to the delight of their supporters.
Rarely can the English giants have been so thoroughly outplayed and
outclassed at their famous citadel
Ulster started the game in determined fashion, and their well marshalled
forward pack demonstrated that they had come to lay down a marker to their
esteemed Premiership opponents. Indeed the opening few minutes were
characterised by intensity that bore the hallmarks of a test match.
Northampton just shaded the opening exchanges, and were rewarded for their
efforts with a penalty on ten minutes. Fly-half Ryan Lamb missed the
consequent kick, however. Typifying their glorious season thus far, it was the
ambitious visitors that opened the try scoring. With their forwards beginning to
achieve some ascendancy in the game, Paddy Jackson put through a sublime
chip which was gratefully finished by Ireland winger, Andrew Trimble.
Andrew Trimble Try
Jackson missed the conversion, making it 5-0 to the visitors. By now, Ulster
had gained the upper hand in the scrum, and the tight forwards appeared to
have the measure of their English counterparts. Moreover Ulster’s superbly
drilled defence ensured that rare Northampton incursions into the Ulster 22
failed to yield points. Defensive excellence has been a constant feature of
Ulster’s progress this season, and kudos must be extended to defence coach
Jonny Bell, who has clearly done a magnificent job. Ulster’s defensive effort
was personified by Paddy Wallace, who put in some tremendous hits. Lamb,
meanwhile, was having a dreadful game with the boot and missed another
eminently kickable attempt on 12 minutes. Jackson failed to extend Ulster’s
advantage with a missed kick on 16 minutes. Lamb did finally make amends
for his earlier jitters on 21 minutes, when he belatedly opened the Saints’
account. Jackson landed another kick on 23 minutes to make it 8-3 to the
Ulstermen, following a magnificent Ulster maul. Ulster’s backs had now hit
their stride, and Tommy Bowe marked his 50th Heineken Cup appearance
with a 34th minute try.
Tommy Bowe Try
Lamb narrowed the gap to seven on 41 minutes, however. Ulster picked up
where they left off in the second half, and the accuracy of their efforts seemed
to have left the Saints shell shocked. Indeed man of the match, Jared Payne
seemed to have made a decisive intervention on 44 minutes, when he swept
through the Northampton cover to score. Payne’s finish had been preceded
by some beautiful counter attacking rugby.
Jared Payne Try
Ulster proved the smarter of the two sides, and were adept at keeping the ball
in Northampton territory. The only blight on their performance was captain
Muller’s removal from the fray with an apparent knock. Northampton
desperately tried to seize the initiative, but time and again they were repelled
by Ulster’s granite defence. The home team were offered a ray of hope on 71
minutes, when the outstanding Iain Henderson was sin-binned. But 14 man
Ulster held on. Tuohy even secured the elusive bonus point on 79 minutes to
complete this most comprehensive of victories.
Dan Tuohy Try
Ulster undoubtedly have serious ambitions in this season’s Heineken Cup.
After this evening, anything is possible.
Report by Rory McGimpsey
Planet Rugby readers are never short of an opinion and our mail box is
seldom empty. This week, one of our readers questions the wisdom of Declan
Kidney's selection policy.
Got an opinion? We'd like to hear it, so why not send us an email HERE.
Win or bust for Kidney?
By Rory McGimpsey
Ireland coach Declan Kidney has at last revealed his hand for Saturday's Six
Nations curtain raiser at the Millennium Stadium.
Bearing in mind Ireland's fairly mediocre record in recent championships, this
season's campaign is of cataclysmic significance for Kidney's tenure as
coach. Put in stark terms: failure during this season's Six Nations would surely
signal the end of Kidney's five-year reign as national supremo. And for those
of us who follow Ireland's progress with expectation, the early signs are
ominous.
In recent seasons, Kidney has developed a reputation as a conservative and
pragmatic coach. The overriding feeling within Irish rugby is that in terms of
both team selection and performance, the Cork man has tended to err on the
side of caution.
While this ethos was initially successful; delivering two Heineken Cups for
Munster and Ireland's first Grand Slam in 60 years, it is equally apparent that
Kidney's conservative philosophy is now an intrinsic part of the current
malaise.
What makes this state of affairs all the more frustrating is that for the first time
in a decade, Ireland have unearthed some genuine young superstars who
have the potential to enrich European rugby for years to come. In Luke
Marshall, Simon Zebo, Cian Healy, and Craig Gilroy, we can witness an
emerging generation who possess not only supreme talent, but also a biggame mentality that epitomises the fearlessness of youth.
In this transition season for Irish rugby, which could herald the international
retirement of Brian O'Driscoll, the time was surely right for Kidney to roll the
dice and give youth its chance. What did we get instead? More of the same:
conservatism galore.
Let's start with the backline. While it is fantastic to see the return of Rob
Kearney to international rugby, and the merited selection of young tyros Gilroy
and Zebo, it is monumentally depressing to see Gordon D'Arcy togging out
again at inside-centre. D'Arcy was arguably never a natural in the role in any
case, but given his lacklustre performances in recent years, it is utterly
depressing to see him occupy the position.
The injured Luke Marshall represents what a dynamic, modern number 12
should typify, but even the experienced Paddy Wallace would have been a
better option for this opening encounter. The predicament is even more
galling in the replacements, where Ronan O'Gara again provides fly-half
cover. ROG has been a magnificent servant to Irish rugby for many years, but
how can young starlets such as Ian Madigan and Paddy Jackson gain the
requisite experience when the ancient O'Gara clings onto his place in the
squad?
There are some equally bemusing selections in the forwards. How Peter
O'Mahony can keep Chris Henry out of the back row is a source of complete
bewilderment. O'Mahony is a promising prospect, but Henry has been an
open-side sensation in Europe this season.
Against a poacher as accomplished as Sam Warburton, the expedient route
would have been to select Henry alongside Sean O'Brien. Although it is
heartening to see Declan FitzPatrick occupy the reserve tighthead spot, I fail
to see how Dave Kilcoyne can be chosen ahead of Tom Court.
Court has been one of the most destructive loose-heads in Europe this
season, annihilating virtually every prop he has some into contact with. His
regal form should, at the very least, have been rewarded with a place on the
bench. I would also love to have seen young Iain Henderson or Devin Toner
preferred to veteran second-row, Donnacha O'Callaghan among the reserves.
Balancing the twin objectives of Six Nations' competitiveness and building for
the World Cup is never an easy task, but it is hard to resist the conclusion that
Kidney has got the chemistry wrong.
With his position openly being called into question, the moment was rife for
Kidney to experiment. Give youth a chance; is all we are saying. Regain the
equilibrium, and Ireland could be embarking on a new era driven by its
talented youngsters. Get it wrong, however, and it will definitely be adios for
Mr Kidney.
Six Nations Preview: Ireland’s hopes high but expectations low
By Rory McGimpsey
Ireland begin their annual Six Nations quest against Wales on Saturday high
on hope, but low on expectation.
Since capturing only their second Grand Slam in 2009, Ireland’s
performances in the championship have been decidedly patchy.
Several renowned exceptions notwithstanding, the Irish rugby team has been
maddeningly inconsistent since the halcyon days of 2009.
The last four years have provided no evidence to suggest that Ireland can
repeat those exploits, and deliver another Grand Slam.
And yet for all the early championship realism, there remain grounds for
optimism.
The most promising portent is derived from the fixture-list itself.
Ireland had good record when playing the big guns at home
Traditionally, Ireland have fared best when facing Six Nations’ superpowers,
France and England at home.
Thus it was four years ago, when the two largest European rugby-playing
nations were put to the sword in Croke Park.
It is widely assumed in Irish rugby circles that the best prospect of success
occurs when France and England are hosted in Dublin.
Such logic is contradicted, however, by the fact that Wales have emerged in
recent years as the dominant force in Europe.
Although beset by their own injury and form problems, Wales in Cardiff are
always a formidable prospect.
Saturday’s Six Nations’ opener, therefore, already bears the hallmarks of a
seminal contest.
Wales will be supremely motivated to upset the party, all the more so given
the fact that interim coach Rob Howley has lost the majority of his games in
charge.
As skipper Sam Warburton reveals:
“It didn’t go as well as we’d have liked in the autumn campaign or the summer
tour, but what we’ve got to do now is play with confidence…That’s the biggest
message we can take forward into the Six Nations.”
If Ireland can overcome Wales on Saturday, they can attain a momentum that
will carry them through the remainder of the championship.
As always, the key factor is consistency.
Under Kidney, Ireland have proven themselves capable of producing
intermittent performances of genuine quality.
Coach Declan Kidney has difficult decisions to make
They have been singularly incapable, however, of producing such
performances on a consistent basis.
November’s superb victory over Argentina demonstrated what the team are
capable of, and it is imperative that they capitalise in the championship.
Ireland begin the Six Nations in unsettled fashion; the news that Johnny
Sexton will not be renewing his contract having shaken the team to its core.
Although disappointed, the team must not let the announcement detract from
their preparations. Other grounds for hope include the emergence of the
young talent that will underpin Irish rugby for the next decade.
Craig Gilroy, Iain Henderson, Simon Zebo, and Luke Marshall demonstrated
against Fiji that the future is bright for the next generation.
The Six Nations provides the perfect platform for young guns to display their
talents.
This championship could also herald the Six Nations’ swansong for Brian
O’Driscoll.
Declan Kidney made a big call when taking the captaincy from Brian
O’Driscoll
Having effectively been deposed as captain, O’Driscoll will have a
monumental point to prove.
With a final Lions’ tour also on the horizon, a recovered O’Driscoll will have
every incentive to discover his best form. O’Driscoll has always been the
ultimate big-game player.
Ergo, expect the former captain to have a massive Six Nations. Having been
given the definitive vote of confidence from his coach, skipper Jamie Heaslip
owes Kidney some big performances.
With only two and a half years to the next World Cup, Heaslip must acquire
the leadership skills and experience to captain at the highest level.
Kidney has spoken of the need for his team to “hit the ground running.”
Although Ireland must respect Six Nations’ titans Wales, a combination of
injuries to key Welsh players, and the emergence of their young tyros has
opened up a massive opportunity for this Irish team. Win well on Saturday,
and Ireland are entitled to dream of Six Nations glory.
Six Nations Weekend One Analysis:
Talismanic O’Driscoll Leads from the
Front
February 4, 2013
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By Rory McGimpsey
What superlatives are there left to describe Brian O’Driscoll?
In a captivating Six Nations encounter on Saturday, the erstwhile Irish captain
was mesmeric. Having been controversially relieved of the captaincy,
Ireland’s most valuable player delivered the ultimate riposte to his coach.
Saturday’s Six Nations’ opener was a breathtaking game, played a breakneck
speed. The chilling efficiency of Ireland’s first half performance was almost
eclipsed in the second half by a dynamic Welsh team, intent on completing
the most spectacular comeback since Lazarus.
But it was O’Driscoll who dominated Saturday’s match. From the opening
minutes when he smashed into the Welsh masses, to his sublime pass for
Simon Zebos’ try, to his leading of the defensive effort; O’Driscoll was at the
epicentre of everything his team did well.
Clearly inspired by his demotion, Ireland’s iconic centre proved his point in the
most emphatic manner. At every stage of this pulsating game, O’Drisoll’s
leadership skills were evident, not least in the crucial final quarter when 14man Ireland were incredulously clinging onto to a game they should have
wrapped up half an hour earlier.
Although no longer the nominal leader of this team, O’Driscoll remains its
most essential and critical component. If he follows through on his hint to
retire at the end of the season, he will leave an irreplaceable gap in Irish
rugby. For the remaining duration of this championship, however, Ireland are
in the enviable position of having two captains: namely new skipper Jamie
Heaslip and the de facto captain, O’Driscoll.
It may be a well-worn cliché, but this was the quintessential game of two
halves. At the end of a thoroughly absorbing first half, Ireland fans must have
thought they were dreaming. Having out-played and dominated the Grand
Slam champions throughout the first period, Ireland entered the interval 23-3
to the good. It was a score-line that barely seemed plausible. But Ireland were
well worth their lead.
In fact, the visitors had dominated the opening period with a precise and
clinical destruction of their Welsh hosts. The performance bore all the
hallmarks of a Declan Kidney team, and attested also to the influence of
Anthony Foley in the coaching staff. For this was territorial, ruthless Munster
rugby at its most efficient.
But the ability to convert pressure into points revolved around O’Driscoll. For it
was the former captain who sliced though the Welsh cover in trademark
fashion, before unleashing a perfectly timed pass to set Zebo up for the first
try.
Indeed for all the talk of Welsh creativity, it was Ireland’s superstars who
provided the cutting edge. They may hail from different rugby generations, but
Zebo and O’Driscoll are players who possess the ability to genuinely
captivate.
If this campaign does signify the swansong for O’Driscoll, at least we have
witnessed the anointing of his successor as creative lynchpin. The
champagne moment in the build-up to Cian Healy’s try, when the Munster
wing exhibited footballing skills Lionel Messi would have been proud of, will be
gracing television replays for years to come. Ireland have unearthed another
superstar.
If the first half was good, the second half was even better.
When O’Driscoll characteristically touched down on 48 minutes to give Ireland
a 30-3 advantage, a rout seemed inevitable. But a Welsh comeback was
always predictable.
George Hook loquaciously questioned the ‘moral fibre’ of the Welshmen at
half time. The hosts spent the majority of the second period demonstrating
that nothing was further from the truth.
In a sensational reversal of fortunes, Wales’s backs ran the Irish defence
ragged. Wave after wave of Welsh attack started to find holes that hadn’t
hitherto existed.
Ireland’s cause wasn’t aided by their indiscipline; with Rory Best and Conor
Murray both subjected to needless spells in the sin-bin. When Craig Mitchell
scored on 76 minutes, Ireland were barley clinging onto their lead.
Endless credit must go to Wales for refusing to yield, and salvaging some
pride from a cause that had looked forlorn at half time. Ireland’s resolute
defensive effort, therefore, was just as crucial to the outcome as the flair of
the first half.
In the context of this supreme rearguard effort, Sean O’Brien and O’Driscoll
were simply immense.
O’Brien’s tackle count in particular bore witness to a monumental effort.
Despite drinking in the last chance saloon Kidney’s selections were, on the
main, justified. O’Mahony was excellent in the back row, while Craig Gilroy
had a more than creditable Six Nations’ debut.
There will need to be changes for next week, however. England will assuredly
target Ireland’s set piece as they did at Twickenham last season.
As such, Tom Court must come into the reckoning as a replacement for his
scrummaging prowess.
I also think Chris Henry offers the perfect counter-balance to the attritional
English back row. England will themselves have been galvanised by their
emphatic victory over Scotland.
As good as Ireland were on Saturday, they will need to be much better next
week. For Declan Kidney and his squad such considerations can wait,
however. For now, it seems appropriate to bask in the glory of a magnificent
Six Nations’ win, accomplished as part of a quite thrilling game of rugby.
The catalyst for this success was once again the talismanic Brian O’Driscoll.
He may not be around for too much longer, but at least for the moment we
can still marvel at the unparalleled genius of Ireland’s greatest player.
Six Nations Analysis: Error-Prone
Ireland Pay the Price
February 12, 2013
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By Rory McGimpsey
Rory McGimpsey provides his thoughts on Sunday’s disappointing game
against England.
So, the seminal game of this year’s Six Nations from an Irish perspective has
come and passed, and already Ireland’s Grand Slam ambitions lie in tatters.
The chariots of England emerged victorious in an intensely physical encounter
that leapfrogged the red rose into the commanding position in this year’s
championship, while leaving Ireland frustratingly playing catch up.
It didn’t need to be this way.
Having outclassed Wales for much of their bruising encounter last week and,
given the fortuitous nature of a fixture list that placed the men in green at
home to England and France, Ireland were perfectly primed for their best Six
Nations since 2009.
Although England were irrefutably the better team, it is apparent that Ireland’s
inability to live up to such aspirations, was as much self-inflicted as anything
else. Indeed this was an Irish performance that was continually undermined
by a plethora of unforced handling errors.
Much has been made of the disruptive and inclement weather that ensured
the match was never going to be aesthetically beautiful.
But the weather had been ubiquitously predicted to such an extent that it must
surely have formed an intrinsic part of Ireland’s preparations.
Of all rugby playing nations, Ireland would expect to be most adept at wetweather rugby. It is also obvious that the conditions affected both sets of
players.
It is a truism in rugby that in difficult playing conditions, the team that makes
the fewer mistakes wins.
England made substantially fewer mistakes on Sunday, and therefore won. It
really was as straightforward as that.
Ireland’s task in the first half was not made any easier by the enforced
withdrawals of Jonny Sexton and Simon Zebo.
Lions prospect Zebo was especially unfortunate to have sustained a broken
foot that will keep him out of action for up to ten weeks.
But it was Ireland’s complete inability to cope with these setbacks that rankled
the most.
The statistics reveal that Ireland made as many as nine handling errors in the
first half. Even accounting for the miserable conditions, it was an error count
that was too high to sustain. It was these errors that ultimately undermined
Ireland’s attacking platform.
Conor Murray failed to establish any control at the base of the scrum, Jamie
Heaslip mishandled a series of routine catches, while the abiding memory of
the first half was second row Mike McCarthy losing control on numerous
occasions in England’s 22.
Even the brilliant O’Driscoll showed his fallibility. Although having just become
a father hours earlier, Ireland’s celebrated centre could be forgiven for his
lapses.
The rest of the team had no such excuses.
It is unquestionably difficult to control possession is such appalling conditions,
but it was hard to resist the conclusion that the metronomic Owen Farrell
punished the hosts for their profligacy. The young fly-half was superb
yesterday, an epitome of composure and control. Farrell is emerging as a
player of unfettered potential, and he will have done his Lions credentials no
harm with his assured performance.
Along with the English pack, Farrell established a solid foundation the home
side could only dream about. The English back row were exceptional, both
out-muscling and out-thinking the Irish at the breakdown. It was an area that
England had clearly targeted, and Lancaster’s brains’ trust had certainly done
their homework on their Irish counterparts.
Ireland did regroup in the second half, but lacked the cohesion and strategic
nous to unsettle the visitors’ ascendancy. Early in the second period, Mike
Ross began to exert considerable pressure on his opposite number Joe
Marler.
The scrum was the one area where Ireland excelled all afternoon, and their
efforts began to yield dividends.
When Haskell was sin-binned for illegally playing the ball on 57 minutes,
Ireland had given themselves a lifeline. O’Gara converted the resultant
penalty and suddenly Ireland were restored to parity.
But the hosts failed to capitalise on their fortune. Instead it was Farrell who
struck next and, when Kearney surrendered a penalty to increase the deficit to
six points, the contest was over.
Ireland continued to squander good possession, and lacked accuracy with
their kicking.
England’s young guns showed immense maturity to close out the game,
however.
For Ireland, the nature of the reverse poses more questions than answers.
The men in green will need to reflect on a lack of discipline that undermined
their chances.
The match was played in a rancorous and febrile atmosphere, but there can
be no excuse for Cian Healy’s appalling stamp that justifiably earned him a
citing.
Declan Kidney is under renewed pressure to deliver after Sunday’s game
Ireland were disjointed and fragmented on Sunday; their basic execution
letting them down time and again. Yet again, Irish fans were left to ponder
why their team were unable to replicate last week’s good performance. It has
been a recurring feature of Kidney’s tenure.
Inconsistency has become a hallmark of this team. Even the much-maligned
Eddie O’Sullivan could string more than one effective performance together.
For a resurgent England, this match represented another milestone in their
quest to become the predominant team in Europe.
For Declan Kidney and his coaching lieutenants, however, there is an urgent
need to arrest the malaise. I am a huge admirer of Kidney and his coaching
achievements, but the Corkman is rapidly running out of time to redeem
himself on the international stage.
Ulster number eight Robbie Diack ran in two tries in a comfortable 26-3 victory
over Zebre in the RaboDirect Pro12 on Friday.
The league leaders needed to regain the winning habit following their reverse
of last week. It was imperative; therefore, that Ulster re-established their preeminence in this top versus bottom encounter.
Ulster started the game in determined fashion, displaying much improved
levels of continuity from last week. The home side went through a multitude of
phases early on, and exerted considerable pressure on the Italian visitors.
This dynamic approach earned its reward on 7 minutes, when young wing
Chris Cochrane was denied a try in the corner when the TMO adjudged that
he had a foot in touch. But Ulster refused to allow the opportunity to be
wasted.
From the ensuing lineout, Zebre recklessly overthrew their arrow and hooker
Rob Herring bustled over for the opening try of the evening. Pienaar added
the conversion to make it 7-0 to the Irish side.
Ulster were quantifiably better from their lacklustre efforts of seven days ago,
displaying a fluidity and incisiveness that had been conspicuously lacking
against the Ospreys. As such, Ulster were unrecognisable from last week's
performance.
Despite the increased effectiveness of Ulster's efforts, they were unable to
breach Zebre's rearguard for the majority of the first half. In terms of
organisation and physicality, Zebre were superb and exhibited excellent line
speed that unsettled the host's patterns.
Ulster were displaying impressive flair and creativity, but Zebre proved to be
very durable opposition indeed. The impressive Daniel Helangahu reduced
the deficit for his team on 33 minutes, as Zebre went through a litany of
phases.
By this stage, Zebre were very much back in the game and their aggressive
approach was disrupting Ulster's rhythm. But it was the hosts who ended the
half more strongly. Following an impressive accumulation of phases, Robbie
Diack bulldozed over for the second try of the match. Pienaar was
uncharacteristically inaccurate with his conversion, however.
The second half heralded increased levels of intensity from the home side,
who sought to turn their advantage into a five-point margin. Losing Helangahu
to injury, moreover, did not assist Zebre's ambitions.
His replacement seemed to disrupt the impetus of the visitors, whose midfield
organisation appeared to be impaired as a consequence. Suddenly, Darren
Cave and Andrew Trimble were able to exploit holes in Zebre's resistance.
The defence of the Italians continued to be thoroughly redoubtable, however.
Ulster were beginning to grind down their opponents, with the hugely
influential John Afoa making a considerable impact in both the tight and loose
exchanges.
Ulster were now playing with a dynamism that has been missing during their
recent outings. Iain Henderson was particularly effective in the back row,
testing the fringe defence of the Italian franchise. Indeed the young blindside
nearly added to his team's tally, but the TMO adjudicated that he had been
held up at the post.
Ulster did manage to break down Zebre's stoic resistance on 56 minutes,
when Diack competed his brace of tries by touching down under the posts.
For all their lack of penetration, the hosts were now within a whisker of that
crucial bonus point. Ulster laid siege to the Zebre line, but a series of handing
errors in Zebre's 22 denied them the opportunity to seal the victory.
Zebre's defensive organisation was truly magnificent. A plethora of chances
went begging, before Ricky Andrew put the expectant home crowd out of its
palpable misery. The rookie full-back secured the elusive bonus point on 73
minutes, after clinging onto a neat pass from replacement Michael Heaney.
Given the emphatic nature of Glasgow's victory in Rodney Parade, that try
could prove very significant indeed. Pienaar added the conversion, but it was
the fifth try that enraptured the home crowd. An unglamorous victory it may
have been, but this result has restored Ulster to winning ways and earned
them some breathing space at the top of the table.
Can a depleted team salvage some pride from this truly forgettable campaign
on Saturday?
By Rory McGimpsey
Inside Ireland reviews Saturday’s slug against the French at the Aviva and
asks can a depleted team salvage some pride from this truly forgettable
campaign on Saturday?
It was no way for it to end. At the finale of a glittering career that has
enraptured Irish rugby, Brian O’Driscoll’s home Six Nations experience
concluded in an injury-induced daze.
Despite one Ireland’s best first half performances of this campaign,
O’Driscoll’s Six Nations Aviva swansong ended with agonising stalemate.
Brian O’Driscoll’s Irish contract expires at the end of the season, so there is
no doubt that this campaign has heralded the final fling of Ireland’s so-called
golden generation
The end of an era
It wasn’t meant to finish this way.
For all the venerated centre has contributed to Irish rugby, he deserved to
sign off with a victory.
At the end of a gloriously physical game, it was difficult to avoid the
conclusion that we had just witnessed the end of an era; a seminal changing
of the guard in Irish rugby.
Given the fact that O’Driscoll’s Irish contract expires at the end of the season,
there is no doubt that this campaign has heralded the final fling of Ireland’s
so-called golden generation.
A Championship that never got off the ground
This will be remembered not so much as a nearly campaign, as a
championship that never got off the ground from an Irish perspective.
For all the tangible sense of regret within the Irish camp, this was a Six
Nations campaign in which Ireland fundamentally failed to deliver.
Ireland’s complete inability to produce an 80-minute performance has
destroyed their Six Nations hopes
Although this team possesses enough talent to justify genuinely lofty
aspirations, you cannot expect to contend for a Grand Slam when your team
is constrained by inexplicable inconsistency.
Ireland’s complete inability to produce an 80-minute performance has
destroyed their Six Nations hopes.
Despite much endeavour and artisanship, the men in green have only
managed thus far to produce two halves of test standard rugby: namely the
barn-storming first half against a ragged Wales, and the opening 40 minutes
on Saturday.
In the final analysis, such an inconsistent and incoherent effort was never
going to be sufficient to challenge for the championship.
Ireland started against France like a team possessed
Ireland started Saturday’s game like a team possessed.
The steely determination of the early exchanges betrayed a mindset focused
on making amends for a disappointing championship.
The Irish pack brought an impressive physicality to their game, with the back
row exploiting weaknesses in France’s defensive organisation. Ireland’s
mauling game was particularly efficient, as evidenced when Heaslip
negotiated his way over the line for the opening try.
Jackson’s subsequent acute conversion typified a composed and collected
performance from the young fly-half.
Considering the crescendo of criticism that followed his effort against
Scotland, Jackson’s performance betrayed wonderful mental fortitude. Two
more well taken penalties by Jackson secured a significant ten-point
advantage for the home side at half time.
With the score at 13-3, Ireland seemed perfectly placed to secure a muchneeded victory. But inconsistency has blighted this Irish campaign.
Morgan Parra, having assumed kicking responsibilities from the lamentable
Michalak, reduced the deficit to seven points on 54 minutes, and Ireland’s
prospects suddenly looked ominous.
If the change in half back placed France on a firmer footing, it was the
ascendancy of their scrum that underpinned the visitors’ comeback.
Ireland have proved incapable of producing an 80 minute performance this
campaign, and the French resistance had an air of inevitability about it.
When the unfortunate Eoin Reddan exited the field with a broken leg, the
Aviva Stadium resembled a casualty unit rather than a rugby ground
Injuries
When O’Driscoll and Luke Marshall succumbed to simultaneous injuries,
Ireland’s midfield defence was decimated.
There was a touch of predictability when Toulouse number eight Louis
Picamoles earned his side a deserved draw. When the unfortunate Eoin
Reddan exited the field with a broken leg, the Aviva Stadium resembled a
casualty unit rather than a rugby ground.
But if this was indeed O’Driscoll’s Dublin swansong, the erstwhile captain was
determined to exit the stage with his dignity intact.
Despite suffering a dead leg and possible concussion, Ireland’s veteran
warrior returned to the field to a deafening ovation.
For O’Driscoll at least, it was a case of je ne regrette de rien.
Another missed opportunity
But Kidney and his team will rue another missed opportunity.
Quite why the coach replaced the superb Conor Murray with 20 minutes to go
I cannot begin to fathom. Instead of securing mid-table respectability, Ireland
enter the final round of matches, battling it out with Italy and France to avoid
the dreaded wooden spoon.
Can a depleted team salvage some pride from this truly forgettable campaign
on Saturday?
Quite possibly; but as O’Driscoll hobbled off the Aviva pitch at the weekend, it
was hard to resist the conclusion that this team faces a long road back to the
Six Nations summit.
Edinburgh stop the rot
22nd March 2013 21:32
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Edinburgh finally brought their 11-match losing streak to an end after edging
past Ulster 14-8 at Murrayfield on Friday.
Under the tutelage of interim coaches Stevie Scott and Dunacn Hodge
Edinburgh produced a stoic defensive display to halt the advancements of the
out-of-form Ulster.
The Irish region slipped off top spot recently and a fourth defeat in their last
five games dents any hopes of a home semi-final.
Given the catastrophic weather conditions that have been pummelling the
British Isles for the last 24 hours, it was a minor miracle that this game even
went ahead. A match that was crucial, therefore, to Ulster's aspiration of
securing a home semi-final was played in horrific conditions.
As it was, the match got off to a decidedly scrappy start. Both teams struggled
to adapt to the inclement conditions, and quality possession was at a
premium. The opening quarter witnessed a litany of handling errors, as the
players struggled to retain the ball.
Considering the disruptive effect of the Six Nations and the catalogue of
injuries afflicting both teams, such profligacy was perhaps to be expected.
Despite a clear intent to play rugby, the ambition of the teams was hindered
by the horrendous weather.
Although Ulster made every effort to inject width into their game, they
continually came unstuck, and were fundamentally too loose in their
approach.
It was Edinburgh, therefore, who adapted better to the playing conditions.
Their endeavour earned its reward on 16 minutes when Piers Francis slotted
a penalty to secure a 3-0 lead.
Taking into account the intensity and efficiency displayed by the hosts, it was
the least they deserved. Ulster tried desperately to assert themselves and
establish an attacking platform, but were undone time and again by a series of
handling errors. Francis deservedly augmented his team's advantage on 30
minutes by landing another well-taken penalty.
By this stage the attacking impetus was assuredly with Edinburgh, and the
Scottish side were showing a level of composure that belied their inconsistent
league form. In fact, the hosts were unlucky not to be entering the interval with
a substantial lead. Instead it was Ulster who struck on the cusp of half time,
with Jackson converting a penalty to reduce the deficit to 6-3.
The second half commenced with increased levels of application and intensity
by Ulster, who seemed determined to make amends for a fairly woeful first
half effort. It was the away side that made the better start to the second
period, driving at the hosts' defensive wall. They were rewarded with a penalty
attempt on 42 minutes, but Jackson was inaccurate with the kick.
If his miss disheartened the young fly-half, he was afforded an opportunity to
earn redemption two minutes later, but again scuffed the kick from
considerably further out. Ulster were now exhibiting much improved levels of
continuity, but were scuppered by an inability to convert territorial ascendancy
into points.
Jackson had another chance to reduce the arrears further on 52 minutes, but
was once again unable to convert the opportunity. This latest miscue was
particularly calamitous as it occurred straight in front of the posts. Following
on from an average kicking performance in the Six Nations, Jackson's boot
has been very much under the microscope. I am afraid that the effort by the
number ten will have done little to silence his detractors.
Edinburgh's ascendancy was copper fastened on 55 minutes, when a loose
ball emerged from an Ulster scrum and number eight Netani Talei swept it up,
before off loading to Stuart McInally to score. Edinburgh's back row had been
extremely effective all evening, with Ross Rennie comprising a fantastic
triumvirate.
Ulster laid siege to the Edinburgh half thereafter, but were continually repelled
by a superb Edinburgh defence. Ulster did give themselves a lifeline, when
Andrew Trimble touched down on 65 minutes, following a deft kick by the
returning Jared Payne. Jackson was remiss with his conversion, making it 118 to the hosts.
Francis extended the lead on 75 minutes, to seal a thoroughly deserved
victory for incoming coach Scott. Ulster, on the other hand, have much soul
searching if they are to salvage a modicum of hope from a league campaign
that once promised so much.
Planet Rugby: 12/04/2013
Ulster marched to the top of the PRO12 standings on Friday with a dominant
31-5 victory over the Dragons at Ravenhill.
Following the season-defining reverse at the hands of Saracens last
weekend, the encounter represented an opportunity for a demoralised Ulster
to salvage their domestic season. For the lowly Dragons, meanwhile, the
game signified a chance to regain some pride from what has been a
disappointing campaign thus far. For the restored Tommy Bowe in particular,
this was part of a last-gasp mission to secure a coveted place on the Lions'
plane to Australia.
As it was, Ulster got off to the worst start imaginable. Paul Marshall badly
misjudged a box kick in the first minute that went out on the full. From the
ensuing line-out, the hosts conceded a penalty but Tom Prydie was off target
with his kick.
The visitors' back row drove superbly around the fringes in the opening
skirmishes, with Welsh international Toby Faletau particularly prominent. It
was the visitors, assuredly, who made the better start.
Rookie Ulster tighthead Ricky Lutton, moreover, was under acute pressure
from the Dragons' Aaron Coundley. As the half progressed, Pienaar began to
get his backline moving, with the hosts displaying some crisp passing in
midfield.
The South African fly-half also mixed his game up with some deft kicking. A
combination of handling errors, and stoic Dragons' defence disrupted the
hosts' continuity, though.
The game opened up on 23 minutes, however, when an incisive break from
Marshall in the visiting 22 unleashed Bowe to score in the right-hand corner.
Pienaar converted to give his side a 7-0 advantage.
Dragons impressive start dissipated further on 28 minutes when Sam Parry
conceded a penalty for hands in the ruck. The concession proved even more
costly when Dan Evans was subsequently yellow-carded for dissent. Pienaar
duly added the three points.
The hosts made the hitherto impressive Dragons suffer further when Olding
squeezed over on 34 minutes in the left, as the 14 men struggled to plug the
gaps. Pienaar again converted. Darren Cave compounded the visitors' misery
when he danced through to touch down on 37 minutes. Ulster were now 24-0
to the good.
Ulster commenced the second half in similar fashion, pummelling the Dragons
22 through the behemoth, Nick Williams. Their ascendancy was copperfastened on 44 minutes, when Marshall evaded the Dragons cover to score.
Pienaar nailed the conversion to make it 31-0.
Man-of-the-match Olding nearly jigged his way through on 52 minutes, but
was whistled back for a knock on. With the Dragons replacing both props,
Ulster's scrum was utterly dominant, and the visitors' pack began to look
somewhat beleaguered.
Indeed it was only Ulster's own errors that prevented them from amassing a
cricket score. Although the raft of substitutions undoubtedly disrupted the
rhythm of the match, the Dragons' defence was immeasurably better in the
second period.
Ulster continued to keep the Dragons pegged in their own half through the
twin boots of Pienaar and Marshall.
But Dragons were not finished. Prydie finished off a neat passage on 68
minutes, following some terrific counter-attacking. But Ulster resolutely closed
out the game.
Although his team's resistance will have heartened Dragons coach Edwards,
this loss cements their place as second from bottom of the Pro12. For Ulster,
this thoroughly decent victory propels them back to the league summit, and
keeps the side on course for a home semi-final.
Planet Rugby: 19/04/2013
Tommy Bowe's late try sealed a 34-18 bonus-point victory for Ulster against
Connacht in Galway on Friday.
Ulster marched on towards a home semi-final thanks to five tries from Andrew
Trimble, Stuart Olding, Rory Best, Bowe and Jared Payne.
This was a splendidly entertaining Irish derby that was much closer than the
scoreline suggests.
Although Ulster led throughout the encounter, Connacht were never less than
competitive, and played superb rugby for much of the match. The men in
green have emerged as a real force in this tournament, and Eric Elwood will
bid farewell at the end of the season with his head held high. For Ulster, the
win puts them firmly in the Pro12 box seat.
The game got off to a ferociously physical start, as the opening two minutes
yielded a welcome penalty for the vastly experienced Connacht front row at
the expense of Ulster loose-head Tom Court.
From the ensuing kick, Connacht established field position in the visitors' 22,
permitting powerful number eight George Naoupu to canter over for the
opening try of the evening. Unfortunately Dan Parks missed the subsequent
conversion.
It was the hosts who had made the more productive opening, and the onus
was very much on the league leaders to respond, therefore. On the 5-minute
mark, Ulster full-back Jared Payne was taken out clumsily in the air. Pienaar
was remiss with the ensuing penalty, however.
Ulster were now beginning to find some attacking impetus, and their efforts
were rewarded on 8 minutes when Stuart Olding finished off some intricate
rugby as Ulster's backs secured front foot ball.
The visitors's pre-eminence was extended 3 minutes later when Andrew
Trimble touched down in the right hand corner following majestic counterattacking rugby.
Ulster were now 12-5 ahead. The breakdown was being fiercely contested,
with Connacht extremely proficient in the physical exchanges. The western
province struck again on 17 minutes, when Fetu'u Vainkolo touched down in
the corner following poor Ulster defence.
Parks converted to equalise the scoreline at 12-12. Connacht have not lost at
the Sportsground all season and their formidability at the venue was very
much in evidence. Parks restored Connacht's lead on 23 minutes, thereby
establishing a 3-point cushion for his side.
Connacht were establishing a definite parity of performance, but Ruan
Pienaar kept his adopted province in touch on 28 minutes to level the score.
The away team emphatically regained the momentum on 31 minutes when
captain Rory Best emerged at the bottom of a superb maul. Peinaar
converted to make it 15-22.
The second half got off to a similarly frenetic start, with Ulster pressurising the
Connacht 22. It was Ulster who secured a penalty on 46 minutes, and they
opted for a five-metre scrum.
Nick Williams failed to control at the base, however. Connacht reduced the
deficit to four on 48 minutes, when replacement Miah Nikora slotted a penalty.
As Ulster gained some much needed territory, they were impeded by a
tendency to concede penalties in the red zone.
Connacht, meanwhile, were achieving superiority in the contact area. It was
Ulster who struck next, though, on 71 minutes, when Tommy Bowe finished
off a barnstorming run by substitute flanker, Iain Henderson.
Payne secured try number five two minutes later, making it 18-34. Connacht's
brilliant home run has come to an end, therefore, but it was Ulster who moved
tantalisingly closer to a home semi-final.
Inside Ireland.ie: 30/04/2013
By Rory McGimpsey
Rory McGimpsey writes about the recent selection of the British and Irish
Rugby Lions and argues that victory in Australia remains a tall order, but in
Sam Warburton the Lions have a leader and player with all the skills to bring
home the bacon.
So Warren Gatland finally put the British and Irish rugby playing fraternity out
of its collective misery on Tuesday, by naming the chosen few selected to
make history down under this summer.
While the irascible Kiwi may have broken some hearts in his selection
process, it is equally true that he will have made the season for the 37 lucky
souls name-checked by Andy Irvine earlier this week.
The squad will travel to Hong Kong for one match and spend the rest of June
in Australia
Notable Missing
Much of the media commentary has been fixated on the surprise omission of
Lions legend Jonny Wilkinson, but his absence appears to be as much selfenforced as anything else.
It remains to be seen whether Wilkinson will have an 11th hour change of
heart, and join up with the squad after the conclusion of the Top 14 final.
Certainly the ten game tour seems a gruelling itinerary for Jonny Sexton and
Owen Farrell, the two fly-halves named.
While Wilkinson’s absence has dominated the headlines, the more important
announcement has been somewhat neglected.
It is my view that the confirmation that 24 year-old Sam Warburton will lead
the touring party significantly increases the likelihood of Test match success.
Warburton is right man for the job
Warburton is emphatically the right man for the job. Previous captains, Brian
O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell had been widely tipped beforehand, but the
erstwhile Welsh captain is undoubtedly the more expedient choice.
It is a pre-requisite for all potential Lions skippers that they must be a
guaranteed starter in the Test side.
While O’Driscoll and O’Connell cannot currently assert such a claim with any
degree of certainty (Gatland confirmed as much on Tuesday), the same
cannot be said of Warburton.
The final match of the Six Nations demonstrated that the lynchpin of the
Welsh back row is back to his destructive best.
Sam Warburton’s leadership skills helped propel Wales to Grand Slam glory
last year, and the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2011
An openside in the best poaching traditions, Warburton is equally proficient at
blindside, and also played number eight at under-age level.
Even without the unfortunate David Pocock, Australia are masters at the
breakdown, and the Lions will need to use all Warburton’s guile and expertise
to compete.
Michael Hooper has proved a more than adequate replacement for his
illustrious colleague, and Warburton’s selection as captain confirms that the
Lions are superbly equipped to deal with the Aussie threat in the contact
areas.
Leadership skills
But it is not just technical proficiency that earmarks this modest young man as
the ideal choice as captain.
Despite his relative inexperience, Warburton has displayed a precocious
ability to lead from the front.
The young openside’s leadership skills helped propel Wales to Grand Slam
glory last year, and the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2011.
Although not the most vocal and demonstrative of skippers, Warburton
exudes a quiet authority, and clearly commands the respect of his peers.
The Welshman certainly has a presence and charisma that few young players
possess.
It is indeed telling that Wales’s early season demise coincided with him
stepping down as national captain. The last Lions group to achieve Test glory
was Martin Johnson’s 1997 vintage.
And Warburton’s promotion evokes memories of Johnson’s selection as
skipper. Like Warburton, the Englishman was not the captain of his country,
and more relevantly, Johnson also possessed an innate leadership that belied
his age.
It is a truism in rugby that teams are more effectively captained from the
forwards. The choice of Warburton as captain, therefore, indicates that
Gatland intends primarily to attack the Aussies up-front.
Lions Test victories are monumentally difficult to achieve.
But it is obvious that, of all touring destinations; Australia offers the best
prospect of success.
The Wallaby scrum has long been regarded as a potential weakness and
despite their public utterances, Australia’s forwards will not be relishing the
thought of tackling what their media has already dismissed as “red slabs of
meat.”
Under Warburton, the Lions possess not only the power, but also the skill to
make history in Australia.
Although the Aussies are always a formidable force on their own soil, in truth
the men in gold have been in decline for some time.
Warburton’s Lions, therefore, have a real opportunity to secure a rare Test
victory, and restore some pride to the beleaguered northern hemisphere.
In Warburton and Gatland, the Lions have enlisted leaders who have a proven
track record of leading innovation in Wales.
Can Lions do it?
Not only winning, but also winning with style and panache.
And the young Osprey will have the unprecedented luxury of being able to call
upon two recent skippers of the calibre of O’Driscoll and O’Connell.
That fact alone will unsettle the Aussie titans. 2001 was undoubtedly a missed
opportunity, but Australia has happy memories for Lions teams.
Ian McGeechan’s tourists in 1989 showed what is possible for a Lions team to
achieve down under.
And Finlay Calder, also a tenacious openside who was not the skipper of his
national side, led that team.
A positive omen, perhaps?
Victory in Australia remains a tall order, but in Sam Warburton the Lions have
a leader and player with all the skills to bring home the bacon.
Inside Ireland.ie: 10/05/2013
Ulster reached the final beating Scarlets on Friday night
The home team got off to a promising start, exhibiting some efficient passing
and lines of running. But the fluency of their play was hampered by some
messy handling errors.
As it was, it was the Scarlets who opened points-scoring proceedings on four
minutes, through a well-taken kick by late replacement, Owen Williams.
Frenetic start but disruptions followed
Pienaar levelled the scoreline two minutes later, through his ever-dependable
boot.
The match began rather frenetically, with both sides appearing
understandably nervous in the opening exchanges.
Both teams exchanged a fair quotient of penalties, serving to further disrupt
the impetus of the game.
Williams had a golden opportunity to increase the Scarlets’ advantage on 16
minutes, but his well-struck effort careered off the woodwork.
Ulster marched down field, thereafter, through a rampaging counter-attack by
Jared Payne.
Both sides were unnecessarily impeded on 18 minutes, when Andrew Trimble
and Liam Williams were yellow-carded for a scuffle.
The disruption unquestionably benefited Ulster more, as the hosts camped
themselves in the visiting 22.
After a series of Scarlet infringements, Ireland winger Tommy Bowe squeezed
in at the corner on 23 minutes. Pienaar duly converted to make it 10-3.
Ulster now make the final at the RDS in two weeks
Although the Scarlets were competing ferociously in every facet of the game,
it was hard to resist the conclusion that Ulster were achieving ascendancy in
this phase of the game.
That promise was delivered on 34 minutes when South African blindside
Robbie Diack crashed over for the second try of the evening. Pienaar missed
the subsequent conversion, however.
Ulster deserved their lead
The hosts’ scrum was now putting the Welshmen under all sorts of pressure.
One such effort extended Ulster’s lead on the cusp of half-time, as Pienaar
slotted a penalty on the 40-minute mark to make it 18-3. Few could deny that
the Irish province, although scrappy, were well worth their lead.
Injuries
The hosts started the second half in similar vein, pressurising the Scarlets’ 22.
Their intensity yielded dividends on 43 minutes, when Irish international loosehead Tom Court bulldozed over from close range. Piennar nailed the
conversion, making it 25-3 to the Irish team.
The Scarlets effort was not assisted by a couple of injuries at the outset of the
second period. Let’s hope that neither was as serious as they initially looked.
The match now took on an altogether more ragged complexion, as the
conditions began to deteriorate under foot. Both sets of kickers resorted to a
round of territorial ping-pong.
But it was the Scarlets that broke the monotony on 60 minutes when Gareth
Davies elegantly danced through the Ulster cover to score. The Welshmen
undid their good work two minutes later by conceding a penalty straight in
front of the Ulster posts.
Pienaar punished the visitors for their profligacy to make it 28-10.
As the second-half progressed, the game receded quite dramatically in terms
of spectacle. The Llanelli based club made significant inroads into Ulster
territory, but were repelled time and again by a resolute Ulster defence.
It has to be said that the Welsh visitors displayed remarkable tenacity, and
definitely were the superior team in the final quarter.
Replacement Sione Tiani scored a thoroughly deserved consolation on 78
minutes, with his effort being converted by Owen Williams. But the hosts
clung on to secure the final berth they coveted so much.
Prior to the game, Mark Anscombe commented on Ulster’s hard earned
position at the summit of the league:
“There’s no silverware for finishing first, so it means absolutely nothing .”
Tonight’s hard fought victory ensures that his team will have one more
opportunity to lift the Pro12 trophy.
Planet Rugby: 25/05/2013
Leinster claimed their second trophy this year thanks to a 24-18 victory over Irish rivals Ulster in the
PRO12 Final at the RDS in Dublin on Saturday.
Just a week after clinching the Challenge Cup, Leinster erased memories of last season's lost final by
leading from start to finish on home soil.
Tries on either side of half time from Shane Jennings and Jamie Heaslip saw a classy Leinster side
secure a deserved domestic and European double.
Ulster responded manfully through the boot of Ruan Pienaar, but a sizeable error count handed the
initiative to their provincial rivals. In truth, the boys in blue were the better side.
For Leinster, this superb performance copper fastens their status as one of the pre-eminent forces in
Europe, delivering the elusive league title they so craved, and giving Joe Schmidt a worthy send off.
It was an energetic start from both sides, but a poor kick from Paddy Jackson immediately handed the
momentum to Leinster on the three-minute mark. From the ensuing line-out, a pick and go from the
Leinster back row saw Jennings drive over for the opening try. Jonathan Sexton converted to give
Leinster the perfect start.
The Challenge Cup champions were assuredly in the ascendancy, and the departing Sexton
compounded Ulster's misery on seven minutes, when he slotted a penalty to make it 10-0 to the
Dubliners.
But Ulster responded as they desperately needed to. A series of scrums on the Leinster five-metre line
saw John Afoa turn the screw on Cian Healy. The Ulster pack seemed to have the Leinster line at their
mercy, but Nick Williams failed to control at the base and Ian Madigan was able to clear Leinster's lines
to avert danger.
Ulster appeared to have settled their palpable nerves by the 15 minute mark, and began to secure parity
in terms of possession. Robbie Diack seemed to have squeezed in at the corner on 17 minutes, but
Sexton did really well to hold him up.
For all Ulster's endeavour, Leinster seemed very much in control, but were certainly assisted by Ulster's
profligacy. Pienaar reduced the deficit on 23 minutes to make it 10-3 to the erstwhile European
champions.
Leinster by now were exhibiting superb line speed in defence, and proved extremely efficient and
physical in the contact area. Sexton extended Leinster's lead on 33 minutes, when he converted a
magnificent penalty from over the half way line.
But the breakdown contest was descending into a free for all, and Leinster conceded a penalty a minute
later, allowing Pienaar to reduce the arrears to seven. The back row battle, as expected, was being
ferociously contested, and the penalty count was accumulating for both teams. Sexton extended
Leinster's lead even further on 39 minutes, when Ulster conceded yet another penalty at the breakdown.
The second half began with Ulster urgently trying to regain the momentum, and assert themselves. But
Leinster continued to dominate the breakdown battle. Leinster's tangible superiority witnessed Sexton
extend the advantage even further on 45 minutes, making it 19-6 to the southern province.
Simultaneously Ulster's cause was damaged further when Diack was dismissed to the sin-bin.
Leinster's lead was beginning to look unassailable at this stage. Ulster did respond on 47 minutes when
a sublime break by Jackson carved open the Leinster defence, and the young fly-half was somewhat
unfortunate not to create a try. Pienaar converted the ensuing penalty to make it 19-9.
The nominal hosts were beginning to claw back the lead, however, and reduced Leinster's advantage
further on 51 minutes when Pienaar slotted another penalty following an infringement by Madigan.
Although Leinster were undeniably the better side, Ulster were tenaciously re-establishing a foothold in
the game.
And the penalty count was starting to negate the Blues' supremacy. Thus it was Pienaar who scored
next, when he continued his flawless kicking effort to reduce the lead to four points.
But Leinster responded as champion teams do. The Irish kingpins marched ominously into the Ulster
half, and launched a succession of drives.
From there, Leinster camped themselves in Ulster's 22, and the team from Belfast's rearguard struggled
desperately to hold on. But they found themselves stretched and, with the referee playing advantage,
Heaslip scored Leinster's second and decisive try.
Pienaar rekindled Ulster hopes on 69 minutes to make it 24-18.
But Leinster held on to seal victory, and cement their reputation as the greatest Irish province of the
modern era.
The scorers:
For Ulster:
Inside Ireland.ie: 03/06/2013
SUCCESSFUL SEASON OR STILL NEARLY MEN?
As the disappointment subsides on another trophy-less season at Ulster,
the moment has arrived to analyse and assess Mark Anscombe’s first
season in charge. On the back of another end of season reverse against
provincial rivals and Irish kingpins Leinster, the question can reasonably be
asked: have Ulster improved in a quantifiable way during the Kiwi’s maiden
season as Ulster supremo?
At first glance, it could be argued that having lost the Pro12 showpiece to
the Blues, and endured a catastrophic reverse against Saracens in the
quarter-final of the Heineken Cup, the Ravenhill outfit have not made any
tangible improvement from last season’s near miss.
The Ulster squad have ‘undeniable structure and shape’ thanks to the New
Zealander Anscombe
Such an opinion is not only misguided, it ignores the discernible
improvement that Anscombe has delivered to his adopted red hand
province in terms of both results and performances.
Firstly, anyone who has witnessed Anscombe’s Ulster this season, will
surely testify to the undeniable structure and shape the New Zealander has
brought to the Ulster squad.
Following on from the considerable groundwork and foundations laid by
predecessor Brian McLaughlin, the erstwhile All Black under-20 coach has
taken Ulster rugby to heretofore unseen levels.
The consistency of performance delivered during his tenure has been
marked. For all Ulster’s palpable improvement during the McLaughlin era,
there remained a tendency for the squad to scale heights of brilliance on an
infrequent basis.
Traditionally, the Ravenhill men have not been accomplished performers
week in week out, and suffered from a particular inability to secure
significant victories away from home. That unwelcome trend has been
virtually eradicated by Ulster’s Kiwi coach, who has masterminded regular
wins away from their Ravenhill fortress, including a long overdue first
Heineken Cup victory on French soil.
Ravenhill, Ulster’s fortress
Moreover, under Anscombe, the white knights have achieved levels of
performance unprecedented from an Ulster side. October’s away win in
Cardiff, and March’s superb destruction of Leinster, are particular
favourites of mine. Especially pleasing has been the transformation of the
forwards.
The Ravenhill pack has dominated all before them this season, whilst the
all-international front-row of Court, Best, and Afoa has been a
personification of excellence. Ulster’s scrum has annihilated virtually all
opposition this year, and is testament to Anscombe’s technical proficiency
and rugby knowledge.
Above all else, what Anscombe has delivered is a typically hard-edged Kiwi
attitude, a stubborn refusal to accept anything less than the highest
standards. The New Zealander is only interested in attaining levels of
excellence in his side. He has banished the excuses culture; if the team
has performed badly, he will acknowledge that, if a player has suffered a
poor game, the coach will demand an improvement. Such candid
assessments are typically Kiwi, but are still very much a novelty in this part
of the rugby world.
But, what of those heartbreaking setbacks?
There remains a tendency within the side to lose the biggest games. From
the European Cup final in Twickenham last season, to the emphatic loss
against Saracens in the same venue this year, to last Saturday’s humbling
by a streetwise Leinster, the Ulstermen have lost virtually all the critical
encounters they have been involved in. For this supremely talented side to
fulfil its undoubted potential, the playing squad must learn how to translate
those near misses into successes.
When all is said and done, the hallmark of any successful side is the
silverware and medals it collects. Indeed for all Ulster’s considerable
evolution this season, they remain some way behind fellow Irish provinces
Leinster and Munster in this respect. Looking forward, it is essential that
this young squad takes the next step and collects a much-coveted trophy.
Injury epidemic
And yet, there is mitigation for the disappointments. The injury epidemic at
the turn of the year destroyed the team’s momentum just as they were
entering the crucial stage of their season. Such was the chronic disruption
to the spine of the side prior to the Heineken Cup quarter-final; it made it
fiendishly difficult to affect an away victory against a robustly physical
Saracens side.
In hindsight, it is hard not to regard that fateful December encounter with
Northampton, as the seminal moment of Ulster’s season.
Tommy Bowe sustained ligament damage in a game which kept him out for
the next 3 and a half months
Had Tommy Bowe evaded the Saints’ cover and scored the match winning
try, not only would Ulster have secured the desired home quarter-final,
Bowe would have avoided the serious injury that kept him out for the next 3
and a half months.
Such are the fine margins in sport.
David Humphreys has done a terrific job of recruiting overseas and
indigenous talent in recent years. The Ulster icon may need to strengthen
the squad further in order to take them to the next level. At times during the
injury crisis, it felt as if Ulster needed to augment their already
unprecedented playing depth.
Recruiting experienced fly-half
Personally, I would love to see the signature of a creative centre to
complement the homegrown talents of Cave, Marshall, and the precocious
Stuart Olding. There is also a strong argument for recruiting an
experienced fly-half as a foil and understudy for Paddy Jackson, allowing
Pienaar to focus exclusively on the pivotal scrum-half position he excels in.
Such considerations can wait, however. For now, Anscombe is entitled to
glean some quiet satisfaction from a creditable first season in charge.
For a campaign that began with unspeakable tragedy, culminated in the
pinnacle of the Pro 12 league, and his side coming within a whisker of the
trophy.
Will Ulster experience some Heineken Cup glory next season?
Following McLaughlin’s exit, many commentators felt that his successor
had an impossible act to follow; that only by securing a Heineken Cup
could Anscombe eclipse the feats of his venerable predecessor.
But the Kiwi strategist has indeed taken Ulster to even greater heights.
While silverware may have eluded them, this Ulster squad possess the
talent and pedigree to enrich European rugby for years to come.
And, as the Ravenhill hierarchy reflect on an excellent season, they can
rest safely in the knowledge that they have the right man at the helm.
Inside Ireland.ie: 27/06/2013
As the Second Test approaches in the Britiah and Irish Rugby Lions tour of
Australia, Rory McGimpsey is getting excited about a possible Lions
Victory and argues that the Lions tours remain the summit of rugby,
surpassing even World Cups.
With the British and Irish Lions on the cusp of an historic series victory, it
seems appropriate to celebrate the unique brand that is Lions rugby.
A glorious myriad of history and tradition, Lions tours are the embodiment
everything that is wonderful about rugby union football. They may be
something of a sporting anachronism, a relic of a bygone age, but the Lions
are representative of the best and most noble values in sport.
Corinthian, sporting, rooted in tradition, and yet still indicative of the most
vibrant elements of professionalism: namely elitism, performance, and the
quest for perfection. Lions tours are indeed extremely precious.
The Lions is the pinnancle for fans and players alike
Witness Brian O’Driscoll’s heart-felt testimony this week that the Lions
jersey is very special to him, as an illustrious affirmation of the mystical
nature of the hallowed badge. Modern Lions tours clearly mean just as
much today, therefore, as their counterparts of yore, where players typically
undertook a six-month odyssey by boat to sample the honour of
representing the cream of British Isles’ rugby.
Awe and wonder
In this unsentimental age of hardheaded professionalism, how have the
Lions managed to preserve this unmistakeable sense of awe and wonder?
The enduring success of the Lions brand derives primarily from the
esteemed greats who have made the Lions’ name so iconic.
From Willie John McBride, to Phil Bennett, to Martin Johnson and Keith
Wood, all the true greats of the game in this part of the world have graced
the cherished red garments of the Lions.
When it comes to the real giants of the game, the legends have not only
played for the tourists, but also sampled victory in the red shirt.
Earliest memories
My earliest memory of the Lions is the 1989 tour to Australia. I was only
about ten at the time, but I can still vividly recall Finlay Calder, Gavin
Hastings, and Jeremy Guscott locking horns with Wallaby greats Lynagh,
Campese, and Farr-Jones.
The memories are indelibly marked in my mind; watching truncated
highlights of the tourists’ attempts to cement their place in history. I was
instantly captivated by the sheer spectacle, and sense of occasion. My
affection for the Lions was emphatically confirmed eight years later when
Guscott’s perfectly aimed drop-goal secured victory against the Springbok
world champions.
What struck me most was the same aspect that delights me to this say: the
sense of unity that is created among disparate elements of rugby.
Unity
What else in the sporting world unites Celtic sports fans in harmony, finding
common cause with English supporters they normally enjoy a fervent
rivalry with?
Where else can Irish flags fly with English ones in a sense of unity?
That fact alone makes the Lions something to be truly cherished and
celebrated. And in what other context do you see British and Irish fans
united in comradeship?
The glorious sight of British and Irish flags waving in unison must be
completely unprecedented outside Lions games. On Lions crusades,
political schisms and national partisanship are sacrificed for the common
good.
Just like the halcyon McGuigan fights of the 1980s, Lions matches serve to
unite rather than divide.
Endurance despite success
One of the most remarkable facets of Lions tours is that they endure
despite a pronounced lack of success. As befits a scratch side
amalgamated together to compete against the elite of the southern
hemisphere, Lions sides tend to lose more often than they win.
One of the reasons we remember the marvellous victories, is that they
occur so infrequently. The perpetual appeal of the Lions is illustrated by the
fact that the fans’ love affair remains despite a lack of tangible success. For
British and Irish rugby fans, however, Lions tours are still the ultimate.
An English pal of mine jetted down under recently, and I am not afraid to
admit that I am positively green with envy and jealousy.
For like most real rugby fans from these islands, I would like nothing more
than to experience the delights of a Lions tour, travelling to the other side of
the world to cheer on the heroes of British and Irish rugby against the foes
of the southern hemisphere.
So like many other like-minded souls, I will be rising early on Saturday
morning to support the tourists in latest phase of their expedition. Times
are changing in the commercially obsessed world of professional sport, but
Lions Tests are still supremely special occasions.
This is why I, and so many others, am still in love with this antiquated
notion.
Victory is as elusive as ever, but the pride of 2013 has a gilt-edged
opportunity to etch their names into the record books.
It is heartening to think that even in the modern era, Lions tours remain the
summit of rugby, surpassing everything else the sport has to offer,
including World Cups.
For the best rugby players in the British Isles, the Lions are unmistakably
the peak of their achievement and ambitions, but it is not just players for
whom the Lions are the pinnacle.
As the Second Test approaches in the Britiah and Irish Rugby Lions tour of
Australia, Rory McGimpsey is getting excited about a possible Lions
Victory and argues that the Lions tours remain the summit of rugby,
surpassing even World Cups.
With the British and Irish Lions on the cusp of an historic series victory, it
seems appropriate to celebrate the unique brand that is Lions rugby.
A glorious myriad of history and tradition, Lions tours are the embodiment
everything that is wonderful about rugby union football. They may be
something of a sporting anachronism, a relic of a bygone age, but the Lions
are representative of the best and most noble values in sport.
Corinthian, sporting, rooted in tradition, and yet still indicative of the most
vibrant elements of professionalism: namely elitism, performance, and the
quest for perfection. Lions tours are indeed extremely precious.
The Lions is the pinnancle for fans and players alike
Witness Brian O’Driscoll’s heart-felt testimony this week that the Lions
jersey is very special to him, as an illustrious affirmation of the mystical
nature of the hallowed badge. Modern Lions tours clearly mean just as
much today, therefore, as their counterparts of yore, where players typically
undertook a six-month odyssey by boat to sample the honour of
representing the cream of British Isles’ rugby.
Awe and wonder
In this unsentimental age of hardheaded professionalism, how have the
Lions managed to preserve this unmistakeable sense of awe and wonder?
The enduring success of the Lions brand derives primarily from the
esteemed greats who have made the Lions’ name so iconic.
From Willie John McBride, to Phil Bennett, to Martin Johnson and Keith
Wood, all the true greats of the game in this part of the world have graced
the cherished red garments of the Lions.
When it comes to the real giants of the game, the legends have not only
played for the tourists, but also sampled victory in the red shirt.
Earliest memories
My earliest memory of the Lions is the 1989 tour to Australia. I was only
about ten at the time, but I can still vividly recall Finlay Calder, Gavin
Hastings, and Jeremy Guscott locking horns with Wallaby greats Lynagh,
Campese, and Farr-Jones.
The memories are indelibly marked in my mind; watching truncated
highlights of the tourists’ attempts to cement their place in history. I was
instantly captivated by the sheer spectacle, and sense of occasion. My
affection for the Lions was emphatically confirmed eight years later when
Guscott’s perfectly aimed drop-goal secured victory against the Springbok
world champions.
What struck me most was the same aspect that delights me to this say: the
sense of unity that is created among disparate elements of rugby.
Unity
What else in the sporting world unites Celtic sports fans in harmony, finding
common cause with English supporters they normally enjoy a fervent
rivalry with?
Where else can Irish flags fly with English ones in a sense of unity?
That fact alone makes the Lions something to be truly cherished and
celebrated. And in what other context do you see British and Irish fans
united in comradeship?
The glorious sight of British and Irish flags waving in unison must be
completely unprecedented outside Lions games. On Lions crusades,
political schisms and national partisanship are sacrificed for the common
good.
Just like the halcyon McGuigan fights of the 1980s, Lions matches serve to
unite rather than divide.
Endurance despite success
One of the most remarkable facets of Lions tours is that they endure
despite a pronounced lack of success. As befits a scratch side
amalgamated together to compete against the elite of the southern
hemisphere, Lions sides tend to lose more often than they win.
One of the reasons we remember the marvellous victories, is that they
occur so infrequently. The perpetual appeal of the Lions is illustrated by the
fact that the fans’ love affair remains despite a lack of tangible success. For
British and Irish rugby fans, however, Lions tours are still the ultimate.
An English pal of mine jetted down under recently, and I am not afraid to
admit that I am positively green with envy and jealousy.
For like most real rugby fans from these islands, I would like nothing more
than to experience the delights of a Lions tour, travelling to the other side of
the world to cheer on the heroes of British and Irish rugby against the foes
of the southern hemisphere.
So like many other like-minded souls, I will be rising early on Saturday
morning to support the tourists in latest phase of their expedition. Times
are changing in the commercially obsessed world of professional sport, but
Lions Tests are still supremely special occasions.
This is why I, and so many others, am still in love with this antiquated
notion.
Victory is as elusive as ever, but the pride of 2013 has a gilt-edged
opportunity to etch their names into the record books.
It is heartening to think that even in the modern era, Lions tours remain the
summit of rugby, surpassing everything else the sport has to offer,
including World Cups.
For the best rugby players in the British Isles, the Lions are unmistakably
the peak of their achievement and ambitions, but it is not just players for
whom the Lions are the pinnacle
Inside Ireland.ie: 08/07/2013
By Rory McGimpsey
In this week’s comment piece, Rory argues that although Wales’s
favourite Kiwi spectacularly accomplished his mission by breaking
Wallaby hearts in the Third rugby test in Syndey, it was a pity he broke
the heart of an Irish icon in the process.
So as the dust settles on a quite marvellous and historic series victory for
the British and Irish Lions that at once keeps this noble tradition alive and
safeguards the concept from illegitimate attacks, there is one burning
question that has been dominating Irish rugby for the majority of last week:
was Lions supremo Warren Gatland right to jettison Brian O’Driscoll for
Saturday’s deciding Test?
Prior to last Wednesday’s announcement, the mere suggestion of dropping
O’Driscoll would have been tantamount to sacrilege and heresy amongst
Irish rugby followers.
Warren Gatland made a big call when he kept out Brian O’Driscoll from the
last test
In 15 glorious years as a professional, Ireland’s icon and talisman had
never been omitted from Leinster, Ireland, or Lions sides.
Such had been the unfettered brilliance of Ireland’s greatest player, there
simply had never been the slightest hint of justification for dropping the
standard bearer and leader of Ireland’s golden generation.
Polarised Opinion
The contentious selection has polarised opinion throughout the rugby
world, and it is hard to think of any other topic that so engaged the Irish
sporting public. The only contemporary parallel that even comes close in
terms of public interest and emotion was Roy Keane’s infamous walkout
from Saipan prior to the 2002 soccer World Cup.
Gatland’s decision was seismic, and the shockwaves are still being felt
throughout an incredulous rugby world. It is difficult to conceive of a
sporting selection that has divided opinion so emphatically, while
O’Driscoll’s demotion for the final Test evokes Jimmy Greaves’s failure to
make the England football squad for the 1966 World Cup final.
So, while Gatland should be revelling in a thoroughly deserved triumph,
one that represents the highlight of a distinguished and decorated coaching
career, the Kiwi master has instead provoked the ire of rugby fans
throughout the island.
Shooting Bambi
Gatland has been placed in the invidious position; therefore, of being
simultaneously the man who delivered the Lions first series win in 16 years,
but did so by shooting Bambi. It didn’t need to be this way. So, was
Gatland right to abandon the greatest centre of this generation?
Well, as phenomenal a player as O’Driscoll is, this
selection had been coming. Despite the erstwhile Irish captain’s unrivalled
status within the game, there was always the underlying feeling that
Gatland’s first choice centre partnership was the one that has brought him
such notable success with Wales, namely Jonathan Davies and Jamie
Roberts.
Once Roberts had won his battle to regain fitness following the hamstring
tear that threatened to prematurely end his tour, it was always probable
that the Lions’ coach would revert to the tried and tested combination that
had starred against the Waratahs. It must be remembered that following
the demoralising reverse in the second Test, Gatland was a coach under
acute pressure.
With the series hanging in the balance at 1-1, and the momentum having
seemed to have shifted inexorably towards the Wallabies, the New
Zealander’s Lions legacy was looking very precarious indeed.
As such, the irascible Kiwi retreated to what he knows best: Welshmen.
With an unprecedented ten Welsh players being selected for the
denouement of the tour, the Irishman was simply the most high-profile
casualty of Gatland’s decision to revert to type.
Was it the correct call?
In so doing, the former Waikato hooker displayed a hardheaded
ruthlessness completely devoid of sentiment and affection. The selection
was unquestionably brave and bold, but the question remains, was it the
correct call?
O’Driscoll’s demotion robbed the Lions of their most experienced and
intelligent player just when they needed him most.
As such, the change was wholly unnecessary.
Lions’ legends such as Willie John McBride and Keith Wood have been
united in their unequivocal condemnation of Gatland’s selection.
In spite of the evidence of Saturday’s splendid demolition of the Aussie
hosts, I also believe Gatland made the wrong choice. While it is undisputed
that Jonathan Davies was scintillating at outside centre, I can see no
evidence that the team would have been any less effective with the Lions
legend in the role.
No Justification
As the incumbent who had been the defensive lynchpin for the first two
Tests, there needed to be a compelling reason to drop the celebrated
centre.
No such reason existed and, as such, the switch was without justification.
“Nor does the emphatic nature of the Lions victory necessarily
vindicate Gatland’s surprise omission. For who can say that the
superiority wouldn’t have been just as pronounced with O’Driscoll in
situ?”
As well as the sublime attacking instincts the Irishman brings to any team,
he offers physicality at the breakdown that Davies simply cannot match.
And O’Driscoll as a natural captain would also have filled the considerable
vacuum in leadership created by the unfortunate injuries suffered by Paul
O’Connell and tour skipper, Sam Warburton.
I contend that for all the marvellous efficiency of the Roberts-Davies
partnership, the Lions would have won just as handsomely with O’Driscoll
in the side.
At the very least, the great centre deserved a place on the bench for all he
has contributed to the Lions’ cause. His defensive and leadership attributes
alone should have guaranteed his position in Saturday’s squad.
It is indeed a shame that it was Alan Wynn-Jones who hoisted the Tom
Richards trophy with Warburton, rather than Ireland’s superstar.
British & Irish Lions beat the Qantas Wallabies in the Third and final test on
July 6, in Sydney
For all Gatland’s inspiration and achievement on this tour, his management
has been riddled with bizarre and eccentric excesses.
The arrival of 36 year-old Shane Williams from the backwaters of Japanese
club rugby represented a particular nadir. And it is hard to resist the
conclusion that the Lions would have wrapped up the series considerably
sooner if they hadn’t been constrained by such a limited game plan.
The decision to omit the Irishman from Saturday’s 23 is just the latest in a
string of questionable calls.
The Lions were fantastic at the weekend. The performance of the forwards,
and the scrum in particular, was as impressive a demonstration of
superiority as you will ever witness as this level.
Corbiesero was phenomenal at loose-head, while Gatland’s other changes
(in particular Toby Faletau at number eight) introduced the dynamism and
impetus that had been so conspicuously missing a week earlier.
The weekend’s awesome victory, a stunning combination of pace and
power, was achieved through this forward ascendancy. The introduction of
Roberts in the centre, although undeniably successful, had a negligible
impact on the outcome. For this was a victory fashioned by forward power
and precision.
Saturday’s Test was never going to be won or lost by virtue of the make-up
of the centre combination, further highlighting the needless nature of
O’Driscoll’s demotion.
Saturday’s superb victory was undoubtedly Gatland’s finest hour, a
culmination of years of hard work that assuredly guarantees his place in
the coaching pantheon.
Wales’s favourite Kiwi spectacularly accomplished his mission by breaking
Wallaby hearts at the weekend.
It’s just a pity he broke the heart of an Irish icon in the process.
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Ulster fight back in Wales
04th October 2013 20:55
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18 points: Paddy Jackson
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Ospreys
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Comfortable win for the Dragons
Treviso cruise past Connacht
Ulster fly-half Paddy Jackson kicked six unanswered penalties in the
second half to give the Irish side an 18-12 win over the Ospreys in
Swansea.
It was a tale of two kickers at the Liberty Stadium, where the magnificent Jackson booted Ulster to a
superb away win.
Dan Biggar was equally prolific for the former champions, landing four kicks of his own. The Ospreys led
throughout the early stages of this bruising encounter, but fell victim to a ferocious second half
onslaught from the Irish visitors.
It was the Welsh kingpins who made the superior start, and the hosts were assisted by early Ulster
indiscipline.
A very experienced and physical Osprey pack, including Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones making his
150th appearance for the club, made initial inroads; with big forwards driving intently at the Ulster
defence.
But the visitors weathered the early storm and settled well, and responded with some decent continuity
of their own that witnessed big ball carriers like Nick Williams and Chris Henry testing the defence of the
Welsh region.
The Irish province's cause was not helped by the withdrawal of fullback Craig Gilroy before the 15minute mark. The Ospreys looked the livelier of the sides; with new signing Tito Tebaldi particularly
impressive.
Consequently it was the home side that secured the first points of the evening when fly-half Biggar
slotted a penalty on 20 minutes. The game descended into a rather turgid spectacle thereafter; with both
sides struggling to inject any fluidity into their game.
This phase of the game was characterised by a succession of handing errors and spilled balls.
But it was the Ospreys who seemed in control of proceedings, and Biggar extended the lead on the
cusp of half time when he nailed a superb penalty to make it 6-0. By the end of the half, therefore, the
pacesetting Welshmen were undeniably worth their lead.
The second half started in a similar vein. Paddy Jackson tried to launch his side downfield with a
purposeful kick on 41 minutes, but winger Michael Allen was caught offside. The metronomic Biggar
made no mistake with the ensuing penalty.
At 9-0, the hosts were dominating the match, and Ulster had left themselves a mountain to climb against
the in-form Welsh side.
The Ospreys' number ten punished the Irishmen further three minutes later when he converted another
penalty to earn his team a 12-point advantage. Jackson clawed back the arrears on 48 minutes when he
landed a well -taken kick.
Gradually Ulster were regaining a tenuous foothold in the game, and Irish international Jackson
narrowed the gap further on 51 minutes to make it 12-6.
At last, the visitors' pack began to give them a platform, and Ulster's scrum secured another penalty
attempt on 56 minutes. Jackson maintained his accomplished kicking display to bring the Ulstermen
within three points.
Their retinue of substitutes galvanised the visitors further, and they were rewarded for a patient build up
when Jackson levelled the scoreline at 12-12 on 64 minutes.
The youngster followed that up on 72 minutes when he gave his team an improbable lead considering
Ulster's lethargic start to the game.
Replacement prop Aaron Jarvis handed the match to the Irishmen on 76 minutes when he gave away a
costly penalty, and was sin-binned for his misdemeanour. Jackson sealed the win with another wellstruck penalty to make it 12-18.
The Ospreys desperately tried to salvage the game in the final minutes, and laid siege to the Ulster line
with breathtaking intensity - but Ulster clung on to achieve an excellent victory.
This win was just reward for a vastly improved second half performance from the Ravenhill men. The
Belfast team will now enter the Heineken Cup with renewed confidence. For a chastened Ospreys,
however, this will be viewed as the one that got away.
Planet Rugby: 11/10/2013:
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_8968550,00.html
Planet Rugby: 19/10/2013:
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_8980718,00.html
Planet Rugby: 25/10/2013:
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_8991459,00.html
Planet Rugby: 03/11/2013:
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3825_9005774,00.html
InsideIreland.ie: 09/11/2013:
http://insideireland.ie/2013/11/08/opinion-decent-start-to-a-new-era-a-priority-for-irelandcoach-102766/
Planet Rugby: 30/11/2013:
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3825_9050473,00.html
Planet Rugby: 14/12/2013:
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_9073284,00.html
Planet Rugby: 03/01/2014:
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_9100591,00.html
Planet Rugby: 10/01/2014:
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_9110279,00.html
InsideIreland.ie: 31/01/2014:
http://insideireland.ie/2014/01/30/could-those-tricky-away-ties-put-paid-to-irelands-lofty-6nations-ambitions-104957/
Planet Rugby: 07/02/2014:
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_9155428,00.html