Match Review: Ulster 22 Aironi 15

7 responses to “Match Review: Ulster 22 Aironi 15”

1. junty

   September 14, 2010

   A_Fan – I agree with your comment on the young back 3. Yes they made mistakes Seymour knocking on a couple of times under the high ball fo example, but overall no more that any of the other players as the match was riddled with fumbles and spills.

   Regarding the line out – In my opinion Rorys weakness is his ‘darts’, and whenevre Nigel B or Andi K come on the lineout always improves and with Muller, Barker and Diack all on form we should be challenging on the opposition’s throw and winning some of these balls too. The front row has struggled to dominate and whether this is down to the interpretation of the ref or not i’m not sure. The ‘bear’ came on and won a penalty at his first scrum only to give away a penalty shortly after. In all the games so far this season all the props have not taken an immediate bind and have put their hands on the ground which = penalty but the ref’s have not always dealt with this.
   Fri night will be another good test against a useful Emburr pack. We need to ensure that we dominate in this area and start to use the ball out the backs to score a few tries. STFTU

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2. A_Fan

   September 13, 2010

   Pleased with the result, although the game became a struggle, all because the side where not clinical enough, especially during the periods when the opposition were down to 14 men.

   I think some people need to get off the case of the young trio at the back, the moans of inexperience will not change unless they get game time – if they aren’t given the chance how are they going to gain that experience?? Personally, I thought all 3 had much better games compared to last week against the O’s, and with more time on the pitch their confidence will improve along with their play as an attacking unit. Plus its always good to see a winger following up his own kick and smashing Mercier, leaving him on the ground for about 5 minutes, so the signs are looking promising for the future!!

   Also pleased the see the forwards having another solid game, glad to see some progress at scrum time, and the lineout was looking alright too, despite the absence of Rory.

   Can’t wait to get to Ravenhill again and see what will be a tough game again Edinburgh, no doubt they’ll have plenty to work on in the paddock this week!

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3. glynncommando

   September 13, 2010

   Rugby Rambler (another RR???)
   Couple of points – this was an Italian team at home – making their debut in the competition having recruited God knows how many grizzled veterans of the game….it was never going to be anything OTHER than a scrappy affair with the ball slowed at every opportunity and a sheer “arm-wrestle” of a match.
   Personally i’m delighted to see another four points on the board and a 2 from 2 success rate.
   Further, i am also delighted to see the likes of McIlwaine etc continue to add to their education and experience….squads win league competitions – not 1st XV teams. Undoubtedly Trimble and Danielli are our two first choice wingers – but in the interim – hats off to the youngsters.
   Agree totally with the Raven – other teams will struggle here and NOT sneak a win. We got the points – onwards and upwards. Stand Up!!!
   GC

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4. garibaldi

   September 13, 2010

   A bit harsh, methinks, a lot of teams will battle at this venue. A work in progress, improvement required I’ll agree.

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5. junty

   September 13, 2010

   RR – good shot of you and Mr. Penny on the internet/TV just after the Ulster try. We also reckon we heard you singing ‘Cheerio’ at one of the sin binnings.

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6. Raging Raven

   September 12, 2010

   A fair enough report if you watched the match via the internet but what that medium can’t get across was the heat in Viadana and the influence of a partisan crowd on the officials. A lot of teams will go to Aironi and struggle.

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7. the mote

   September 12, 2010

   The selected XV were always going to have a hard time in this game and will continue to do so until the Ulster starting XV contains two experience wingers.

   Ulster’s back 3 consisted of a full back ( 2nd cap ) a centre playing on wing (2nd cap Dev contract) and a full back on the other wing (2nd Cap Academy contract) not really a combination to inspire a coach to instruct his outhalf to open the ball up .

   There are those on the UAFC Mboard who as usual have the knives out for NO’C complaining the backs never got going the truth is that Ulster were never in a position to get the backs going.

   Firstly they were seldom in their opponents 22 and for the reason stated above never going to attack via the wingers from deep ( outside the 22 )

   Secondly Aironi were totally committed to slowing the ball down at every breakdown loose maul and ruck ( which of course gave rise to 2 yellow cards ) which failed to ensure quick release.

   Aironi seem to have adopted the Glasgow approach to the game — defend well kick your penalties and attempt the drop goal when in front of the posts.with an outhalf who will kick those points.

   They will of course find life hard against teams with a good back line like Leinster Cardiff and the Ospreys but Ulster yesterday didn’t have the backline to try to do it. The game was always going to be a grind

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