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Ulster Preview


By cardiffsteve
March 26 2015

Whisper it, but its still possible to save this season. Automatic qualification for the Champions Cup has passed us by. In fact it looked done and dusted a couple of months back. But, 7th place and a go at the play offs is still possible. And then theres the Challenge Cup of course.

Champions Cup rugby as Challenge Cup holders next season is still a possibility. No Ive not been drinking.

 

But, if this little pipe dream has a chance of coming true. it really has to start tomorrow night. 

 

An away win in Belfast would obviously be huge. Ulster have lacked consistency but remain fairly impregnable at home.

 

But even a positive performance in defeat could still have an impact on the rest of our season. It important to not be going into the quarter final on the back of a beating.

 

This is also a game which could have a huge bearing on the futures of Paul John and Dale Mcintosh as coaches. The two matches since they took over from mark Hammett have been much needed victories. But, I have to say the performances weren't that inspiring. The defensive problems remain and whilst the end of the Connacht game was exciting, its fair to say we rode our luck just a little.

 

After a two week break, a good display in Belfast could set the tone for the rest of the season and start to make an argument for retaining them past this season. Or not, as the case may be.

 

One reason we came into this season with a little optimisim was the way we finished last season. Performances certainly lifted after the departure of Phil Davies. And, that little run did begin with a game against Ulster. At CAP, where I remember a rolling maul set the tone for the game and suddenly gave supporters and players a bit of belief. A repeat would be nice. Although, Ulster in Belfast is obviously a different prospect.

 

And, to take a break from the what ifs and take a cold hard look at the stats....

 

We haven't won over in Belfast since 2010. Since then we've been beaten fairly comprehensively as Ulster have progressed on and off the field whilst we.... havent. Gong by recent history we can expect to be beaten by 15-20 points. A lot of trends need to be reversed if we're to start saving the season tomorrow night.

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Ulster Preview
Discussion started by theArmsPark.co.uk , 26/03/2015 11:13
theArmsPark.co.uk
26/03/2015 11:13
What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
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tant
26/03/2015 17:51
Looks like pretty much our strongest team, Paul and chief have had a while with them now so hoing for a good performance, the Dragons beat them last round. But they've put a pretty fearsome team out, can't miss tackles like we have all season against the likes of Nick Willaims.

cardiff_steve
26/03/2015 17:54
The thing is, our defence has been so porous this season I cant imagine it being fixed in just a fortnight. Huge effort needed tomorrow.

Cardifflose
26/03/2015 17:56
Although I believe we will win next Saturday, I fear a real thumping Friday and I mean a real thumping

cardiff_steve
27/03/2015 22:23
Quote:
Cardifflose
Although I believe we will win next Saturday, I fear a real thumping Friday and I mean a real thumping


Wasnt THAT bad.

Cuthbert, the odd moment where he's trying to force it aside, has raised his game.

Now conceded 46 tries in 18 league games. Thats nearly 2 and a half a game. You cant get up the table when youre doing that.

Conversely, we're the top try scoring Welsh side and two nice ones again.

Caardiffian
27/03/2015 22:50
To be fair the last try was an obvious forward pass and the previous one looked offside but neither merited comment from the all knowing Mr Charvis. And what do you need to do to get a red card? Who was the tmo? Oh right.

Cardifflose
28/03/2015 08:08
If you re-watch the TMO bit the ref is clearly about to suggest a red card but the IRISH TMO jumps in to say no swing arm, ref said yellow card unless you have anything further!
Also some pointed out on Twitter last night the turnbull none try which was a try before half time the TMO said they had no more angles yet at half time TV should it form angles the ref didn't get to see!
But it's better we just need direction and structure individuals are playing really well it collectively that's the issue

binman
28/03/2015 09:14
Agree the ref bottled the Patchell decision. The thing that confirmed it for me was the sheer look of intent from the ulster player when he took patch out.

Disgusting act, definite red

southcoast5
28/03/2015 11:41
There is a real issue here about the ref and due punishment. Williams effectively had no sanction. It simply meant that he was kept on the pitch for 10 mins more in the second half than would normally be the case.
I do hope he's cited.

robin58
28/03/2015 11:52
Ohe law for one side not the other definate red he should be cited

capsgon
28/03/2015 12:38
Ulster play like thugs - as usual
Irish TMO - supports Irish team, as usual
Pro12 ref - cops out, as usual
Poor decision making by Cardiff e.g. not kicking first half penalties - as usual
Cardiff lose - as usual



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:03:28:12:41:32 by capsgon.

Rayerker
28/03/2015 20:09
The patchell incident really upset me. I found it hard to watch the replays. He was out of it before he hit the ground. I think it was the worst refereeing decision I have ever seen in thirty years of watching rugby and the reason I say that is because unlike years ago this refs had the chance to watch it numerous times on the screen. It was a vile act designed to take out a prone player. To make matters worse the media today is full of George norths concussion and the rightful red his opponent received and no headlines regarding a pro twelve match and that dreadful decision.
While I never want rugby to go down the football route somebody somewhere should have highlighted this. Cardiff should have played most of the game against seven forwards and their eight should have been off with a court case pending.

Caardiffian
28/03/2015 22:51
Absolutely. The officials should be ashamed of themselves. One of them is too weak and the other must have ulterior motives.
Thankfully Patch would seem to be ok, but that doesn,t mean that the thug shouldn,t be cited.
I am not holding my breath that justice will be done though.

ATTR
30/03/2015 16:31
Williams / Patchel:

The ref called it "DANGEROUS" not reckless or careless but DANGEROUS: That for me is RED.

Turnbull Try:

No way could you give a try there.

Penultimate Try:

No way can you say: "...the previous one looked offside" the receiver is out of shot when the ball is kicked. The kick does not go far. I very much doubt it was off-side.

Final Try:

Pass may be an inch or two forward. If it was a Cardiff Try no one here would be saying we got away with a forward pass and theree would be plenty of moaning were it to be called back. Again to claim: "To be fair the last try was an obvious forward pass" is looking at the game through blue tinted glasses.

Certainly from the view of the ref and AR you can't be sure of it. I would be more concerend wit hasking !"What was cuthbert doing?"

bloogoo
30/03/2015 20:22
Quote:
capsgon
Ulster play like thugs - as usual
Irish TMO - supports Irish team, as usual
Pro12 ref - cops out, as usual
Poor decision making by Cardiff e.g. not kicking first half penalties - as usual
Cardiff lose - as usual

Pretty much

Caardiffian
30/03/2015 22:41
My mistake for expressing a Cardiff fan's opinion on this message board.
I look forward to an educated discourse on the technicalities of the forward pass at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

Cardifflose
31/03/2015 08:13
Quote:
ATTR
Williams / Patchel:
The ref called it "DANGEROUS" not reckless or careless but DANGEROUS: That for me is RED.

Turnbull Try:

No way could you give a try there.

Penultimate Try:

No way can you say: "...the previous one looked offside" the receiver is out of shot when the ball is kicked. The kick does not go far. I very much doubt it was off-side.

Final Try:

Pass may be an inch or two forward. If it was a Cardiff Try no one here would be saying we got away with a forward pass and theree would be plenty of moaning were it to be called back. Again to claim: "To be fair the last try was an obvious forward pass" is looking at the game through blue tinted glasses.

Certainly from the view of the ref and AR you can't be sure of it. I would be more concerend wit hasking !"What was cuthbert doing?"

As always ATTRACT I tip my hat to your knowledge

ATTR
31/03/2015 09:14
Quote:
Caardiffian
My mistake for expressing a Cardiff fan's opinion on this message board.
I look forward to an educated discourse on the technicalities of the forward pass at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

Of course you are entitled to an opinion. However,if you post opinions on a chat room you must expect them to be challenged.

I sorry (not really) if that offends you.

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