Aug 132012
We have a look at the big, the bad, the not so big and the sometimes brilliant of Ulster’s squad for next season and I must say I think it’s the best squad we’ve ever put together. It looks strong pretty much everywhere with second row the only area where we look lightweight behind the front liners.
There will be interesting battles at out half, centre and the back three, but there are several permutations for exciting back line combinations.
The players are rated using the world leading FRU Stars system which measures their current and potential influence on the side.
Prop
Ulster are truly blessed with their selection of props for next season. While they may not be the prettiest bunch they all know how to operate at the coal face and, to date, all have added that “little bit more” round the park with New Zealand import John Afoa leading the way.
| John Afoa: Played 17, Points 5 | |
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Big bad John has been an excellent acquisition for Ulster. Great in the tight and fantastic in the loose, the 29 year old New Zealander had added a new dimension to forward play. Surprisingly he hasn’t been included in the All Black squad this season so expect to see a lot more of his rampaging runs at Ravenhill, and more time in the paddock can only have a beneficial effect on Ulster’s young props. FRU Stars ***** |
| Callum Black: Played 9, Points 0 | |
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Despite appearing in only nine games for Ulster last season, it did seem like more, USA born Black seldom failed to impress when he made an appearance. Looked sound in the tight and added a real aggressive edge in the loose the 26 year old will be pushing for more games this time round. Definitely has the right attitude and we’re putting him down as one to watch for the coming season. FRU Stars *** |
| Tom Court: Played 99, Points 40 | |
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It was a traumatic season for Tom having being found wanting at tighthead in the International arena. To his credit, the intellectual Aussie (if that’s not an oxymoron) stormed back with impressive performances at loosehead to end the season in good form. Afoa’s presence has inspired Court to add much to his open play. Now aged 32 Court should be hitting his peak seasons in the front row. FRU Stars **** |
| Declan Fitzpatrick: Played 64, Points 10 | |
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The oft injured Fitzpatrick still managed to play 12 games for Ulster last season despite missing four months due to injury. In spite of the lack of game time it could be regarded as his breakthrough season, ending as it did with Heineken Cup Semi Final and Final appearances as well as a couple of senior Ireland Caps. Still looks pudgy and out of shape, and definitely needs to add a bit more round the park, but the 29 year old could be a huge boost for Ulster if he gets in shape and stays injury free. FRU Stars **** |
| Ricky Lutton: Played 0, Points 0 | |
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Don’t know much about Lutton but anyone who can put in a year of rugby in New Zealand and return to become the “Player of the Season” for Ulster’s most successful senior club side, Belfast Harlequins, deserves to be given a chance. Will probably struggle to see much action for the senior side this season and a prop cum hooker is worrying at this level, such is the required specialisation, but it will be an interesting year in development for the Quins man and at 26 he still has a chance to develop. FRU Stars ** |
| Adam Macklin: Played 21 Points 5 | |
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Macklin clocked up 21 appearances for Ulster last season and I must say, as a converted No 8, he has taken to the front row like a duck to water. He appears to have mastered the skills of the front row but the 23 year does still looks more comfortable in open play. Still a bit to go for the youngster but he is a great prospect for the future if he continues to develop. He only averaged just over 10 minutes per outing in his debut season but I expect to see him used fully tested this year. FRU Stars *** |
| Paddy McAllister: Played 44 Points 0 | |
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A truly exciting prospect 23 year old McAllister will now be going into his third season as a professional player with Ulster. He came through that difficult second season with flying colours last year and if he continues to push on he has the potential to become one of the greats for Ulster and Ireland. He needs to get his play in the tight to the same level as his contribution in the loose and if he can cut that in this season he should be well on target for international honours. FRU Stars **** Note: McAllister has now been ruled out for most of the 2012-13 season due to injury. |
Hooker
With one of the world’s “Best” in the middle of the front row Ulster are a match for any side in the scrum. This season should see an interesting battle between Niall Annett and Rob Herring to see who is capable of stepping up. In the mean time “Mr Reliable” Nigel Brady is available to fill in for all but the most extreme of circumstances.
| Niall Annett: Played 2, Points 0 | |
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Annett is nearly the complete package, a proven leader at all international age grades, a fantastic never say die attitude on the pitch and all the necessary skills for a hooker, but, and it’s a pretty big but in my book, he hasn’t yet managed to add the physical presence to go with his great athleticism. Nearly left his beloved Ulster this season in an attempt to develop the physical side but events conspired to keep this true Son of Ulster with his home side. Still only 21 Annett is a huge prospect if he can mix it at this level, but don’t expect too much too soon. FRU Stars *** |
| Rory Best: Played 126, Points 55 | |
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Despite racking up 62 caps for Ireland, Best dragged round the reputation, on the international scene, of struggling when the pressure came on. His 2011 World Cup performances blew that out of the water with Ireland forced to rely on the Ulsterman he was not found wanting, coming out of the tournament ranked as one of the best hookers in World Rugby. His outstanding form has continued at club level and as he enters his thirtieth year Ulster and Ireland should reap the benefits of one of the games true greats. FRU Stars ***** |
| Nigel Brady: Played 110, Points 10 | |
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The epitome of Mr Reliable, 33 year old Brady has been a great servant of Ulster Rugby. Many expected the underrated Hooker to retire this year but true to form he answered Ulster’s call in their time of need and has re-signed for another season following the departure of Kyriacou to Cardiff. More than a reliable replacement to Best, Brady is a talented player in his own right and can be regarded as unfortunate not to have received an Ireland cap. FRU Stars **** |
| John Burns: Played 0, Points 0 | |
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A converted back row now looking to ply his trade at hooker, 22 year old Burns comes into the squad on a development contract. It will be a development year, or two, for the Ballymena youngster as I can’t see him getting much game time ahead of the others. The expectation is that he’ll be fighting it out with Herring to see who takes over from Brady at the end of the season. FRU Stars ** |
| Rob Herring: Played 0, Points 0 | |
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Rated as a under age and student level player the 22 year old South African has not yet made the step up to senior rugby. Like Annett, there has to be concerns over his physical presence as they are fairly similar in build and, by all accounts, playing style. Following his time with London Irish and Western Province Herring would be slightly more experienced at this level and it will be an interesting battle with Annett to see who eventually challenges for Best’s crown. FRU Stars ** |
Second Row
The performance of the second row could define the season for Ulster as beyond Muller and Tuohy we are looking fairly pedestrian. Henderson isn’t the answer just yet and I suspect he’ll see more action in the back row so we are really looking for season defining seasons from McComb and Stevenson. Are they up to it?
| Iain Henderson: Played 2, Points 5 | |
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As one of our original Four to Follow I’m slightly concerned to see Henderson designated as a second row in the official Ulster team listing. The classification may be more in hope than in expectation, due to the dearth of young strapping second rows coming through the Academy, as I still see Henderson as a back row option with huge potential. In his limited appearances for Ulster and his many appearances for Ireland U20 the 20 year old has shown tremendous ability in the loose and I hope he doesn’t suffer due to his versatility. Huge stamina, surprising pace and a good eye for the game, Henderson is a great prospect if they can get his position sorted out. FRU Stars **** |
| Neil McComb: Played 16, Points 0 | |
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Despite only playing in five senior games last season, McComb has progressed steadily over the last three seasons and has added a harder edge to his game. With the retirement of Barker he should see more game time this season, but at 29 his time is running out and while a sound operator in the lineout and a willing work horse round the park he does lack that explosive burst to make it at the highest level. A reliable performer non the less. FRU Stars ** |
| Johann Muller: Played 44, Points 5 | |
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I suppose “shrewd” is the best description of Johann – a shrewd operator at the highest level. Never too spectacular in anything he does, but you always get a warm fuzzy feeling when you see him lead out the team. A devout christian, Muller brings his own definition to the term “muscular Christianity”, though really I’d like all of that stuff kept well clear of the workplace! However, you cannot fault the composure and confidence he has brought to the pack and, with this expected to be his last season with Ulster, big Johann is one of those players who will only really be appreciated in full after he is gone. I suspect we’ll be talking about the “Muller era” for years to come. FRU Stars ***** |
| Lewis Stevenson: Played 25, Points 0 | |
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It wasn’t till I started researching this that I discovered that Stevenson was a Larne man, which is a big plus in my book! Though I see he went to Ballyclare High which is maybe a bigger minus! I can’t ever remember being beaten by any Ballyclare sides at any level, in any sport, but I suppose that was before Stevenson’s time! Now aged 28, you would have hoped that Lewis would have commanded a starting position by now and while he did play in 25 games last season the combined total of 3 minutes in the Heineken Cup Semi Final and Final will have been a big blow to his aspirations. A hard player who will always give 100% but, ultimately just lacking that something extra. FRU Stars *** |
| Dan Tuohy: Played 69, Points 25 | |
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It is more than likely due to the fact that I have very high expectations for Tuohy that I am often left a little bit disappointed from many of his performances. I just cant get over the feeling that he tends to coast in the “lesser” games but usually comes up with something special in the “big” ones and while the same can be said of many players I would have hoped that at 27 he would be doing less coasting and more controlling. He certainly has all the attributes to be more than a bit part player with Ireland but he’s still got to sort it out in his own head first! It’s a big season for Dan and one where hopefully he will make a permanent move into the international arena. FRU Stars **** |
Back Row
There’s still a few if’s and but’s before we can truly say that Ulster have a wealth of talent in the back row. If Diack finds the form we all know he’s capable of and if Williams can get himself fit then the strength in depth will be impressive but if they don’t we may struggle to generate front foot ball without Ferris and Henry.
| Ali Birch: Played 6 Points 0 | |
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Always a big fan of Birch when I watched him play for Dungannon. Bit of pace and hard as nails but I didn’t think he had the bulk to make the next step, especially given Ulster’s preponderance for bulky back rows over the last few seasons! Glad that 24 year old Birch got his second chance with Ulster last season and delighted that he grasped the opportunity with both hands with a Man of the Match display against Leinster over the Christmas break. Though limited to a few cameo’s for the remainder of the season 24 year old Birch kept his standards consistently high and it’ll be interesting to see what chance he is given to develop in the coming season. If Birch gets more than a few run outs then Ulster are playing the right style of rugby. FRU Stars *** |
| Robbie Diack: Played 79, Points 20 | |
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If 26 year old Diack lives up to his undoubted potential Ulster could end up with one of the most potent back rows in the Northern Hemisphere, however he has a long way to go if he’s not going to disappoint. Big, athletic and wonderful hand’s just aren’t going to cut it these days so the South African has to add a bit more smash and bash to his game. Not too much now, as it’s be a shame if he became another grunt merchant, but he needs to do enough to consolidate his place in the starting line up. If he does this at the start of the season we may just see some spectacular play by the time the season’s out. FRU Stars **** |
| Stephen Ferris: Played 98, Points 60 | |
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What can you say about Ferris that hasn’t already been said. One of the players of his generation, and the Front Row Union Player of the Year in 2008-09, the big man brought an added maturity to his game last season making him a much more consistent performer. Now aged 27 he’s coming into the best years of his career but it’s all dependant on how his dodgy knee holds out. The level of success Ulster achieve is reliant on how the big man performs this season but, with the unfinished business of a Lions Tour on the horizon, Ferris will be pushing himself to achieve unprecedented heights. If he stays injury free it could be another exciting season for Ulster. FRU Stars ***** |
| Chris Henry: Played 84, Points 20 | |
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28 year old Henry went through a bit of a transition last season, making the move from a good player to a great player and more impressively he made this transition while playing out of position. I didn’t rate him as a 7 at the start of the season but he made the position his own and, surprisingly for someone who is such a pleasant young man off the pitch, he brought a real annoying and niggly edge to his game that really got under the skin of his opponents. Could be a big season for Henry and he really should make the move up to international level this season if there is any justice. Ireland’s gain will be Ulster’s loss in the PRO12 but if he continues to improve at the rate he did last season he could just be the final piece in Ulsters jigsaw for World Domination! FRU Stars **** |
| Mike McComish: Played 8, Points 0 | |
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Despite only appearing in eight matches last season 28 year old McComish showed enough to be rated as a valuable squad member. A hard working member of the back row with an unerring ability to put his body in places others wouldn’t and can be relied upon to give it his all. Unfortunately he just lacks that explosive power or pace to take him to the level of a stand out player. Won’t let anyone done but he needs others around him to make the difference. FRU Stars ** |
| Nick Williams: Played 0, Points 0 | |
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The much maligned Williams is a much better player than most people think. If he gets fit and stays injury free the 28 year old can add an abrasive and explosive edge to the second string back row. At his best he is a top quality operator in the PRO 12 and he should be able to fill in more than adequately for Ferris or Henry when they are away on international duty. Should be a vital component in Ulster’s league campaign. FRU Stars *** |
| Roger Wilson: Played 116, Points 55 | |
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Wilson was the first player to be twice voted the Front Row Union Player of the Year, picking up the trophy on 2006 and 2007 before leaving for Northampton. Now aged 31 Wilson still has a lot to offer and his return will more than make up for the departure of the talented but overrated Wannenburg. One of the most consistent performers in the modern game Wilson will be a huge asset for Ulster in the League and the Cup and while lacking that explosive pace that would have pushed him to the next level Wilson can be relied upon to make the hard yards and will give Ulster an unprecedented amount of front foot ball. FRU Stars **** |
Scrum Half
The wonderfully gifted Pienaar is such a classy operator at scrum half that others pale by comparison. However we have some useful young players coming through and if they continue to learn at the feet of the master it could be happy days for Ulster for years to come!
| Michael Heaney: Played 0, Points 0 | |
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Heaney took a gamble last season by taking up a spell with Doncaster and it appears to have paid off with the 22 year old Belfast Harlequins player being called into the Ulster squad as short term cover for Pienaar (international duty) and Marshall (injury). I haven’t seen enough of Heaney to make a call on his prolonged future, but he has covered quite a few positions for Quins, including scrum half and full back, he has a good boot and obviously has the desire to get to the top. FRU Stars ** |
| Paul Marshall: Played 78, Points 40 | |
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There will be few that will begrudge 27 year old Marshall his success last season, but despite his explosive pace and his eye for the break he still lacks that vital component of a scrum half, namely a reliable pass. It’s a real pity as there couldn’t be a more hard working and committed player for Ulster but it appears that his destiny is to be a super sub, brought on to speed up the game or to snipe that vital score. If he did ever find that elusive reliability in his pass he would be the complete player. Oh yeah he would need to cut out the head rushes as well! FRU Stars *** |
| Blane McIlroy: Played 2 Points 0 | |
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Missed out on the Under 20′s World Championship two seasons ago due to minor disciplinary issues but the 20 year old appears to have knuckled down and put that behind him. A good scrum half who can control the game with astute kicking, he’ll be a valuable asset to Ulster if he can continue to control his temperament. I don’t expect him to get much game time once Marshall and Pienaar return to the fold but he should have a few early season chances to lay down a marker. FRU Stars ** |
| Ruan Pienaar: Played 42, Points 305 | |
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Surprisingly there are quite a few things that Pienaar doesn’t do that well! He doesn’t like to tackle, hasn’t got a great burst of pace and he doesn’t get that involved with the rough stuff round the pitch. However, the 28 year old is one of the best controllers of a game there is with a fantastically smooth pass, good with the boot off both feet and a great eye for a break. Undoubtedly a class act, his presence allows the rest of the team to play better which is why he’s picked up the last two Front Row Union Player of the Year awards and he’ll be there or there about next season. A true Ulster legend, if Mr Silky Smooth can inspire other half backs as much as he has inspired Paul Marshall, Ulster could be reaping the benefit for years to come. FRU Stars ***** |
Out Half
The battle between O’Connor and Jackson will likely be the talking point for Ulster supporters this season as, in truth, it is no forgone conclusion. While Jackson is, in all likelihood, the future number 10 for Ulster and Ireland, O’Connor will be relishing the opportunity of playing behind an impressive pack.
| Patrick Jackson: Played 16, Points 43 | |
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Another of the Front Row Union Four to Follow, 20 year old Jackson has been on our radar for a few years now and his progress to date is everything we expected, culminating in Heineken Cup semi final and final appearances last season. We have yet to see the full range of his skills at senior level. He still has a bit of work to do to get up to speed with the professional game, but when he makes that breakthrough he is going to be a very exciting player indeed as he has a real attacking flare. However I see this year as a consolidation year and he is going to be put under pressure for his position by the underrated O’Connor, but in the seasons to come he will undoubtedly become the No. 1 choice for Ulster and Ireland. FRU Stars **** |
| Niall O’Connor: Played 51, Points 212 | |
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Delighted to see the return of 25 year old O’Connor to the Ulster fold this season. A much underrated player, he has a lot more to offer than his big boot and sound defence as he can really open up defences with his exquisite pass. He does however struggle to control a game when Ulster are on the back foot, but if Ulster can provide him with front foot ball and he can rediscover his confidence I think we’ll see a different player this season. It’ll be an interesting battle between O’Connor and Jackson this season to see who commands the starting spot. FRU Stars *** |
Centre
Oh! I am excited about seeing young Luke Marshal playing at inside centre this season, especially if he lines up with Jackson at out half as that pair can do extraordinary things with the ball. However I still expect Wallace and Cave to line up for the big games but Marshall, Spence and maybe even Farrell will be snapping at their heels!
| Michael Allen: Played 1, Points 0 | |
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A tidy player with a bit of pace 22 year old Allen has been awarded a development contract for the coming season. From what I’ve seen of him, both at centre and on the wing for Belfast Harlequins, he does have natural pace and is a good finisher choosing clever lines to beat defences. He’ll be under pressure this season to get a start in a highly competitive mid field. It’s a big season for him to see if he can make the step up. FRU Stars ** |
| Darren Cave: Played 80, Points 95 | |
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Despite his tender years, 25 year old Cave has quickly become the defensive linchpin of the team. His ability, and willingness, to organise the defence marked out his performances last season as a key leader on the field. Unfortunate not to be blessed with natural pace, something that may blight his fledgling international career, his 95 points to date point to his unerring ability to be in the right place at the right time. One of those players that every team needs in that his influence on those around him far outweighs his own natural talents, and believe you me he’s plenty of talents! A big player for Ulster, I can’t wait to see him playing with our exciting back three. FRU Stars **** |
| Luke Marshall: Played 11, Points 5 | |
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An injury strewn season saw the former “Golden Child” of Ulster Rugby slip down the pecking order in Ulster’s competitive midfield. We’ve been talking about Marshall’s potential for so many years that we sometimes forget that he is still only 21 and he’s still only learning his trade. That said, he is the most naturally talented and gifted player in the Ulster squad. If he can be encouraged to showcase his sublime skills he could possibly take Ulster’s back line play to a whole new level. The big, big, bonus for Ulster however would be if Jackson and Marshall could rediscover the natural empathy they exhibited as they came up through the age grades – World Domination would then really be on the cards, though lets give them a season or two to settle! FRU Stars **** |
| Nevin Spence: Played 42, Points 25 | |
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Bit of second season syndrome for 22 year old Spence last year. Niggling injuries and used primarily as a crash ball specialist saw him struggle to push on from an impressive 2010-11. A victim of his own athletic ability and his lack of fear, the willing Spence has much more to offer than what was asked of him but I find it difficult to see where he’s going to fit in long term as a nailed on starter? An extremely valuable squad member he should still see plenty of action, whether the action will be in the right position for Spence to push for a first team place remains to be seen. FRU Stars *** |
| Paddy Wallace: Played 173, Points 434 | |
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Those people who are badmouthing O’Connor are more than likely the same limited visioned twats who gave Paddy Wallace a hard time throughout his career. Wallace rose above the doubters to become one of Ulster’s most gifted centres and, quite simply, the back line does not play as well without him. Good with the boot and one of the best line breakers around at the moment Wallace worked hard on his defensive skills to make this facet of the game one of his greatest strengths. Now aged 34 Wallace doesn’t have that many season left, especially considering what he puts his body through, but he will remain a vital component in the Ulster set up for a while yet. FRU Stars **** |
Back Three
Potentially one of the classiest back three combinations around. At full strength it’s perm any three from Bowe, Gilroy, Trimble and Payne but I expect Peter Nelson to be there or there about at the end of the season.
| Tommy Bowe: Played 91, Points 170 | |
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The return of 28 year old Bowe can only be a huge boost for Ulster in the coming season. The Lions winger has been there, done that, got the tee shirt and sang a few songs in his time away and comes back to Ulster as one of the best offensive wingers in the business. Fortunately Ulster has also improved immeasurably in his absence so he returns to an exciting back line that should be able to fully utilise his undoubted talents. A great finisher, Bowe will add a cool and experienced presence to the back three and should further enhance his reputation of one of Ireland’s great players. FRU Stars **** |
| Chris Cochrane: Played 3, Points 10 | |
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Watched plenty of Cochrane during his time with Dungannon. The 24 year old winger has finally been awarded a development contract an on his limited showings last season he ably demonstrated his uncanny ability to find the try line. A great finisher, with a good burst of pace and an unerring ability to pop up in the right place at the right time, he does need to work on his defensive duties. It’s a fiercely competitive back three and I reckon Cochrane’s appearances will be limited, but he’ll be a more than able stand in during the international call ups. FRU Stars ** |
| Adam D’Arcy: Played 50, Points 30 | |
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The affable D’Arcy has many admirers in the Ulster set up and I suppose anyone that travels half way round the world on the promise of a trial has to be admired. He does have an eye for a break and he definitely is an exciting runner but he still makes me feel uneasy in defence, he just seems to lose concentration at important times. Nothing against the 27 year old who has given his all during his time here but, I must admit, I would much rather have seen his 50 caps going to the likes of David McIlwaine and Timmy Seymour. FRU Stars ** |
| Craig Gilroy: Played 43, Points 70 | |
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As the original member of The Front Row Union Four to Follow I must say I’ve been delighted with Gilroy’s progress over the last few years. The 21 year old still has plenty to learn, particularly in defence, but, fuck me, he his such a talented finisher that it’s easy to overlook his failings. He really does score tries that he shouldn’t, tries that very few players would have the confidence to even take on, but he continues to defy logic. A natural showman he thrives in the big match atmosphere as his try against Munster proved. I likened him to a young David Campese a few years ago an I have no reason to change may assessment. It’ll be a fascinating battle between Gilroy, Bowe and Trimble to see who nails down the starting spots! FRU Stars **** |
| Jared Payne: Played 3, Points 0 | |
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Poor old Payne who only managed to get a couple of games in last season before suffering a season ending injury against Treviso. He’ll need to hit the ground running this season and he really needs to be making the full back berth ihis own or I’ll be grumbling about him taking up the place of Ulster youngsters. I suspect he will as, going on his Super XV experience, he is too classy a player not to make a difference. While Terblanche was a more than adequate replacement last season I hope that Payne can add even more and with with either Bowe, Trimble or Gilroy making up the rest of the back three it should give Ulster a real attacking edge. FRU Stars **** |
| Andrew Trimble: Played 136, Points 210 | |
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Trimble’s career has had more ups and downs than the big dipper at Portrush but the Front Row Union Player of the Year in 2009-10 seemed to recover his form last season. A big bruising winger, sometimes let down by his kicking game both in attack and defence, he is perhaps the least naturally talented but hardest working of all Ulster’s back three players. He suffers occasionally from a crisis of confidence but when he’s on his game you wonder why he hasn’t locked down his Ireland berth. Now aged 28 Trimble will need to be on his game this season if he is to see off the challenge of Gliroy both for Ulster and Ireland, but I suspect his physical play and experience will still give him the edge. FRU Stars *** |
Bubbling Under
Probable academy players who have the potential to move into the senior side this season. All pretty much ready for the move.
| Chris Farrell | |
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Farrell is so much more than a crash ball specialist that his natural bulk and physique would tend to suggest. Yes he can smack into the midfield with some aplomb, taking a few defenders with him, but he can also find space in the tightest of crowds and he has a nice offload which keeps the move going forward. He had an excellent series during the 2012 Junior World Championship where he led the line for Ireland U20s giving Ireland an almost endless supply of go forward ball in their most successful championship ever. An exciting prospect who has physically matured enough to feature in the senior squad this season. |
| Kyle McCall | |
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Unlucky to have picked up an injury prior to this season’s Junior World Championship. It was particularly unfortunate as the young prop appeared to be in the form of his life. Though not the biggest front row forward he is technically gifted and seldom comes under pressure in the set piece. He has an excellent all round game and if he recovers fully and bulks up a little he could be a ready made replacement this season for the unfortunate Paddy McAllister. |
| Peter Nelson | |
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A wonderfully naturally talented player Nelson had an outstanding Junior World Championship for Ireland. He plays a high risk game and is always looking for a chance and while he has an exceptionally high success rate at junior level he may need to reign in his natural instincts at senior level. I hope he isn’t reigned in too much though as he is a truly exciting player and if he’s encouraged to continue to play what’s in front of him we may be seeing some wonderful tries from the hard running full back at Ravenhill for years to come. |
| Stuart Olding | |
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Heard report after report about Olding “ripping up the form book” at Academy training last season but I always had the nagging worry that he was going to be too small to make it at the highest level. However he appears to have bulked up and did very well to force his way into a fairly settled, and fairly impressive, Ireland U20′s side during the 2012 Junior World Cup. Though he’s failed to feature with any regularity in his chosen position of out half for the U20′s I expect this to be his break through season and I think quite a few will be talking about this youngster this time next season. |
One Response to “Ulster: Squad for 2012-13”
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Only in improvement I can think of would be to include in the top line with games and points year of birth and remaining term of current contract and possibly no of seasons with Ulster. That said I like the format and content.
Star Ratings some questionable — such as Paddy Wallace would have **** a couple of seasons ago but I think he maybe only *** star now and could fine his position less assured under a new coach who will be uninfluenced by past performances and who could have an All Black appreciation of the role of inside centre.
This consideration could also affect Luke Marshall’s rating which given the number of times he has worn an Ulster Jersey looks over rated at ****
While Spence ( and I admit I like him as a player ) looks under rated with ***
granted he had a hard time last season with injuries and playing both inside and outside centre in a back line which frequently crabbed playing a flat back line. I feel he was misused and abused and misunderstood by many on the terrace.