Ulster sizzled as Scarlets fizzled in a power packed display at Fortress Ravenhill on Friday night.
A twenty minute burst in the second half saw Ulster bag the bonus point as Ulster turned up the heat ahead of their European Cup campaign and while here was much to be admired about this performance it is important to note that there is still substantial room for improvement.
The first half was a scrappy affair with the lead changing hands several times. Despite an early try from Willie Faloon, Ulster failed to settle their nerves and kept a limited Scarlets team in the game with a succession of penalties.
There were some exciting handling moves from the Ulstermen but ultimately Ulster had to rely on the boot of Ian Humphreys to eek out a meagre 16 – 12 lead.
Ulster upped their game at the start of the second half and a brace of tries from Trimble either side of a showboating finish by Nagusa put the game beyond doubt and wrapped up the bonus point. It was great to see both these players get on the score sheet. Trimble certainly needed a run of luck and hopefully this will be a stepping stone on his way back to International honours. Nagusa is just getting better and better with each game and with his increased confidence he is quickly becoming one of the most exciting wingers in European rugby. Some of his lay-offs were quite simply superb.
The final fifteen minutes were a bit messy but, despite a brace of tries from Jonathan Davies, Ulster never looked in any danger. An interception try by Whitten, on for Cave, knocked dead any hopes of a Scarlets comeback and gave the scoreboard a true reflection of Ulster’s dominance.
With Bath coming up next Friday the Coaching team now have an exciting set of selection dilemmas for the match day 23. For what it’s worth here’s my pick.
Front Row.
Botha has his place nailed down with D Fitzpatrick having one of the bench spots, but whether to start Young or Court, Kyriacou or Brady, very very difficult and with the extra front row requirement they’re all going to be in the squad but I’m going to start Young, Brady and Botha as this is our best scrum option.
Second Row.
Caldwell had his usual aggressive game on Friday but it’s difficult to overlook his three penalties, several handling errors, and a lack of clarity when receiving re-starts. This match is coming up too quickly for Caldwell to start and, if fit, Tuohy deserves the spot along side O’Donoghue. Caldwell to bench.
Back Row.
Hard to look past Ferris, Faloon and Diack in what is growing into a superb back row. It’ll be a scrap between Henry and Anderson for the bench but, again if fit, I’d go with the match wise Henry over the abrasive Anderson in a tough call for the affable TJ.
Half Backs.
Can’t look past Boss and Humphreys. Boss is back to his superb best now the pack has stepped up and Humphreys has worked hard on his defence and kicking to help complete his gifted package. Not too sure about the beard though!
Centres.
Wallace and Cave are also forming a formidable partnership and are bound to start. Whitten is going to have to be satisfied with a bench spot this time round.
Back Three.
Schifcofske is now the player we all thought he was when he was signed and he is getting better and better with his extended run. Nagusa has improved so much he’s like an extra signing and is playing way beyond expectations. The big decision here is the resurgent Trimble or the classy Danielli. Very tough call, but I think, again if fit, that Danielli offers just that little bit more.
Bench.
I’ve already benched Court, Kyriacou, D Fitzpatrick, Caldwell, Henry, Whitten and Trimble. To this I’ll add Marshall to complete the match day 23. Tough, tough calls but, to tell the truth, if my picks go the other way it’s not going to make a great deal of difference.
Isn’t it fantastic that we’ve now got a team and a half of first team starters.
More match day pictures from Colin at Rugby Picture here.
Vote for your Ulster Man of he Match here.
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2 Responses to “Ulster 45 Scarlets 24”
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Yeah – its good to see Andy Trimble start to show some of the international form of a few years back. Thought he was very aggresive all over the park on fri night both in defence and attack. It was also good to talk to Mrs Nagusa and friends on the prom after the game as she throughout the game she had been shouting advice mostly in Fijian albeit, but it obviously worked. Overall I thought a good solid performance, clinical finishing, but a laspe in concentration to allow the Scarlets a score at the end. Bring on Bath !!!
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I hope Nagusa’s family and friends had a good time. Glad they made it to the game.
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