What the Papers Say 2016/2017

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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

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Friday 2nd December 2016


Image MATCH DAY 9 .........AGAIN


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Ulster feel the Payne as full back sidelined
The Ireland international will miss the next three months through injury while Andrew Trimble is also out for a couple of weeks
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Inpho
It was not the news they were hoping for when Jared Payne was withdrawn at half-time in Ireland's game against the Wallabies last weekend, but it was today confirmed that Ulster will be without their full-back for the next three months.

Payne was a doubt to face the Australians, but did play the first 40 minutes before failing to reappear for the second half, replaced by Kieran Marmion.

Today it was announced the New Zealand-born back is a major doubt to play any part in the Six Nations due to a kidney problem.

He is guaranteed to miss the opening three fixtures against Scotland, Italy and France and is in a race against time to make it back for the final two games away to Wales and home to England.

Ulster co-captain Andrew Trimble will also join him on the sidelines with a tendon injury in his foot, however he is only expected to be out of action for a couple of weeks.

That means he is more than likely to miss Ulster's European clash at home to French giants Clermont Auvergne next week, but could return for their trip to the Stade Marcel-Michelin a week later.
http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/rugb ... k-12258872


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Ulster's Jared Payne out for three months with kidney injury
Jared Payne will be out of action for both Ulster and Ireland for the next three months, the club have confirmed.

The centre suffered a kidney injury in the game against Australia at the weekend.

It had been thought Payne suffered a fractured rib after taking a heavy knock during the 27-24 victory at the Aviva.

He will miss Ulster's pivotal Champions Cup double header against Clermont Auvergne this month.

Payne recently signed a two year deal with Ireland and Ulster to keep him at the Kingspan until 2018.

However, Andrew Trimble looks set to return to action in the coming weeks after suffering a tendon injury.

He limped off the Aviva pitch in the first half of Saturday evening's game.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 60261.html


Jacob Stockdale confident Ulster can turn corner in Cardiff
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In the shambles of last month's visit to Edinburgh, when Ulster signed off for the break with a truly horrible third straight PRO12 defeat, Jacob Stockdale stood pretty much alone as someone who emerged largely untarnished by the affair.

Of course the versatile 20-year-old, who can play wing, centre or full-back, only experienced the second half at Murrayfield, after being sprung from the bench with Ulster already looking dead and buried, but he had still managed to inject some urgency into what was a grim evening's work by the squad.

His power and pace made their impact and helped put Ulster back on a slightly sounder-looking footing, and it was hardly surprising when the former Wallace High School pupil also bagged a try during the attempted, but ultimately forlorn, comeback which saw the vistors score 14 points towards the end of the game.

Stockdale was then picked to start against Zebre only for yet more misfortune befall Les Kiss's squad as the weather intervened to bring about the late cancellation of what was meant to be last week's return to action.

"Coming off the bench (in Edinburgh) I just said to myself 'I really need to go hard from the start'," says Stockdale of that attention-grabbing performance which was his first game since suffering a toe injury against Treviso in September.

"I think I did that well (coming off the bench) for the team but obviously it is quite hard to look back at a game you lost in a positive way.

"But on a personal note I thought I did well and made an impact when I came on."

Edinburgh was four weeks ago, and thanks to the Zebre situation Ulster haven't played since. Not only that but they simply have to get their season up and running again by doing it the hard way, namely dodging a potentially season-wrecking fourth straight league defeat while away at Cardiff tomorrow.

"It never really occurred to me the game might be off," Stockdale recalls of last Friday evening.

"It was unfortunate it was called off so late but we had to try and give it every chance because we wanted to play so badly," he adds.

"We had kind of looked at Zebre at home, after a three-week break, as a really good opportunity to kick-start our season and it's frustrating now that we have to go to a place that is much more of a challenge.

"Cardiff away is not an easy place to play but at the same time we knew this game was coming so there is no reason why we can't go out and do a good job."

It's an artificial surface, of course, but then Ulster had no issue with that against Glasgow back in late September when they won and produced what was actually their last consistent performance.

But the pressure is now very much on them to recover ahead of a massively challenging block of games in December which take in the back-to-back European clashes with Clermont and then two straight interpros at home to Connacht and away to Leinster on New Year's Eve.

Continue to trip up and Ulster's season - both in Europe and domestically - might well look shot to pieces before 2017 has dawned. Stockdale reacts to that worrying notion by playing it with as straight a bat as possible.

"We've lost three (league) games on the trot (but four from five if Europe is included) and for us that is not good enough.

"We have aspirations to win the Pro12 and Champions Cup, but we need to get a run of games where we're winning and that is incredibly important for us," says Stockdale

Stockdale admits he has a batle on his hands to tie down a regular slot in Ulster's starting line-up but has a clear determination to make an impact when those opportunities arise at Ulster.

"I need to make sure I am playing as much rugby as I can and that is what I intend to do," he added.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 61705.html


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Ulster relishing battle with Cardiff after layoff
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Oliver Mc Veigh
Ulster bid to hit the ground running against Cardiff tomorrow after a longer than expected layoff.

The international window, and the late postponement of last Friday’s Guinness PRO12 clash with Zebre, means the northern province have been out of action for four weeks. But Ulster assistant coach Allen Clarke insists his side will not be caught cold on their trip to Cardiff Arms Park (5.15pm, Sky Sports).

“It’s been a month since we played, and the boys are professional in the way they go about things and they want to put the last game at Edinburgh behind us. I believe they can, there’s been a real energy about how they’ve prepared and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Cardiff’s attacking midfield threat and the quality of its back-row unit are the areas Ulster must counter according to Clarke.

“The Blues play with real tempo, they like to play with the ball, and they have Rey Lee-Lo and Willis Halaholo available and these are top players. I have no doubt we cannot just match them but provide and even sharper cutting edge in our back division.

“And no matter the combination in the back-row it’s always been a strength, so we have to be on top of our game at the breakdown, set the pace and if we can play anything close to our potential then we can get what would be a vital win and reset our season.”

Ulster will wait until midday today to make decisions on the fitness of flanker-gum-lock Iain Henderson, the Irish international released to his club but nursing a shoulder knock picked up in the win over Australia last weekend.

“He is really keen to play, but we’ll look at his situation carefully,” said Clarke, who is hopeful international centre Stuart McCloskey could return after a foot fracture, possibly to partner Luke Marshall in midfield.

Brett Herron will deputise for Paddy Jackson at out-half, and Rob Herring steps in for hooker Rory Best and skippers the side which will be without two other Ireland casualties, winger Andrew Trimble and centre Jared Payne. But with Louis Ludik, Tommy Bowe, Charles Piutau, Craig Gilroy and Jacob Stockdale ‘in the mix’ the Ulster backline has strength and quality in depth.

Up front Dan Tuohy’s imminent move to Bristol means Franco van der Merwe will partner Peter Browne or Alan O’Connor at lock, while Chris Henry’s long-awaited return to the back row offers new energy at the breakdown.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugb ... 33291.html
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

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Friday 2nd December 2016


Image MATCH DAY 9 - TEAMS .........AGAIN


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Squad named for Cardiff tussle
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Les Kiss has named a strong Ulster team for the trip to play Cardiff Blues in the Guinness PRO12 on Saturday (5.15pm).

Stuart McCloskey will make his first appearance for the Province since September, after overcoming a foot injury he sustained in the PRO12 win against Glasgow.

The Bangor man will be joined in midfield by fellow Irish international Luke Marshall, while Ruan Pienaar and Brett Herron will continue their half back partnership. The experienced trio of Tommy Bowe, Craig Gilroy and Charles Piutau will occupy the back three positions.

Chris Henry will make his first appearance of the season following his selection at openside flanker. Iain Henderson, who featured prominently in Ireland's success in the November series, is selected in the number 6 jersey. Sean Reidy is the other loose forward included by Kiss, meaning all three back row players are capped by Ireland.

Pete Browne and Franco van der Merwe have been paired together in the second row, with captain Rob Herring set to be joined in the front row by props Kyle McCall and Wiehahn Herbst.

John Andrew, Andy Warwick, Rodney Ah You, Kieran Treadwell and Clive Ross will provide forward cover from the bench, while Paul Marshall, Louis Ludik and Darren Cave are listed as the backline replacements.

Ulster team and replacements to play Cardiff Blues, Saturday 3rd December, BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park (kick-off 5.15pm):
(15-9): C Piutau, T Bowe, L Marshall, S McCloskey, C Gilroy, B Herron, R Pienaar;
(1-8): K McCall, R Herring (capt), W Herbst, P Browne, F van der Merwe, I Henderson, C Henry, S Reidy;
Replacements (16-23): J Andrew, A Warwick, R Ah You, K Treadwell, C Ross, P Marshall, L Ludik, D Cave.
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/fixtures/154 ... EF3f2BvjIU


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Preview: Cardiff Blues v Ulster
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Gethin Jenkins and Sam Warburton return to the Cardiff Blues starting line-up to face Ulster at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday.

The duo are two of five changes to the side that slipped to a frustrating defeat to Connacht in Galway last weekend.

Blaine Scully switches to full-back in the absence of Dan Fish with Alex Cuthbert coming into the starting line-up. Lloyd Williams also returns from international duty.

Up front Taufa'ao Filise steps up from the bench to join Jenkins and Warburton in the pack. Wales' Capital Region won the corresponding fixture last season and face an Ulster team that has lost their last three PRO12 encounters and saw last week's fixture against Zebre postponed.

Blues head coach Danny Wilson said: "We beat Ulster at home last season in quite an exciting game and I envisage something similar on Saturday evening.

"They would have wanted that game last week and are coming into this after three weeks off but they have a star-studded team and their internationals back. They have some real quality.

"We're disappointed we didn't pick up anything in Connacht, we certainly created enough opportunities and dropped the ball twice over the line which could have won the game.

"But one thing we improved was our defence. We've spent a lot of time on it in the last couple of weeks and we defended extremely well.

"If we can see that at home and add to our attacking game on our surface it should be an exciting game."

Meanwhile, Ulster boss Les Kiss named a strong matchday squad for this encounter.

Stuart McCloskey will make his first appearance for the province since September, after overcoming a foot injury he sustained in the PRO12 win against Glasgow.

The Bangor man will be joined in midfield by fellow Irish international Luke Marshall, while Ruan Pienaar and Brett Herron will continue their half back partnership. The experienced trio of Tommy Bowe, Craig Gilroy and Charles Piutau will occupy the back three positions.

Chris Henry will make his first appearance of the season following his selection at openside flanker. Iain Henderson, who featured prominently in Ireland's success in the November series, is selected in the number six jersey. Sean Reidy is the other loose forward included by Kiss, meaning all three back row players are capped by Ireland.

Pete Browne and Franco van der Merwe have been paired together in the second row, with captain Rob Herring set to be joined in the front row by props Kyle McCall and Wiehahn Herbst.

John Andrew, Andy Warwick, Rodney Ah You, Kieran Treadwell and Clive Ross will provide forward cover from the bench, while Paul Marshall, Louis Ludik and Darren Cave are listed as the backline replacements.

Form: Cardiff Blues have won just one of their last five PRO12 matches: 34 – 28 in Treviso in Round 8. The Blues have lost their last two home games in the Championship, to Leinster and to Scarlets, but have not lost three in a row in the Championship at Cardiff Arms Park since the start of the 2014/15 campaign. Ulster have lost their last three PRO12 fixtures and have not been defeated in four successive matches in the Championship since 2011. The Ulstermen have not won away from home since defeating Glasgow at Scotstoun at the end of September. The Ulstermen have won their last four encounters with Welsh Regions. Each side won its respective home game when the two teams clashed last season whilst Ulster have been successful in Cardiff on two of their last four visits.

The teams:

Cardiff Blues: 15 Blaine Scully, 14 Alex Cuthbert, 13 Rey Lee-Lo, 12 Willis Halaholo, 11 Tom James, 10 Steve Shingler, 9 Lloyd Williams, 8 Josh Navidi, 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Ellis Jenkins, 5 Josh Turnbull, 4 George Earle, 3 Taufa'ao Filise, 2 Kristian Dacey, 1 Gethin Jenkins (c)
Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Rhys Gill, 18 Scott Andrews, 19 Jarrad Hoeata, 20 Macauley Cook, 21 Tomos Williams, 22 Nicky Robinson, 23 Matthew Morgan

Ulster: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Luke Marshall, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Craig Gilroy, 10 Brett Herron, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Sean Reidy, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Iain Henderson, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Pete Browne, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Rob Herring (c), 1 Kyle McCall
Replacements: 16 John Andrew, 17 Andy Warwick, 18 Rodney Ah You, 19 Kieran Treadwell, 20 Clive Ross, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Louis Ludik, 23 Darren Cave

Date: Saturday, December 3
Venue: Cardiff Arms Park
Kick-off: 17:15 GMT
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: Sean Gallagher (Ireland), Aled Evans (Wales)
TMO: Charles Samson (Scotland)
http://www.planetrugby.com/news/preview ... -ulster-9/


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Ulster boosted by Henry and McCloskey return for Cardiff trip
http://www.the42.ie/mcclsokey-henry-uls ... 4-Dec2016/


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Ulster squad named for Cardiff Blues Guinness Pro12 clash
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 62852.html


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Ulster boosted for Cardiff clash by McCloskey return
The Ireland centre has recovered from a foot injury and will start against the Cardiff Blues tomorrow as Ulster look to end a two-match losing streak
http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/rugb ... y-12263507


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Shock Gareth Anscombe injury blow as Nicky Robinson named matchday in squad
Shock Gareth Anscombe injury blow as Nicky Robinson named matchday in squad
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Huw Evans Picture Agency
Gareth Anscombe is set to undergo groin surgery and will be out of action for up to six weeks but Sam Warburton has been declared fit for Cardiff Blues’ vital Guinness Pro12 battle with Ulster.

Anscombe started at outside-half for Wales as they stuttered their way to victory over Japan a fortnight ago but wasn’t in caretaker coach Rob Howley’s match-day 23 against South Africa last weekend.

The former Chief Super Rugby star has suffered a long list of injuries since arriving at the Blues two years ago and the jury remains out on his worth as an international.

His absence means veteran Nicky Robinson, who has come out of retirement to help the region where he made his name , is among the substitutes against Ulster with Steve Shingler starting at No.10.

Wales captain Warburton has made a rapid recovery from the shoulder knock which kept him out of last weekend’s Test victory over South Africa to feature in a back-row made up of openside flankers, with Ellis Jenkins and Josh Navidi also in it.

Veteran prop Gethin Jenkins, who skippered Wales in the absence of Warburton, has recovered from illness to lead the Blues into battle at the Arms Park.

They are a point and a place behind sixth-placed Ulster in the table and are desperate for a win which would put them back into a qualification spot for next season’s European Rugby Champions Cup.

The Blues opened their Pro12 campaign with four victories but have won just once in their last five outings to slide down the ladder.

The return of Warburton and Jenkins are among five changes made by coach Danny Wilson in the wake of last weekend’s defeat at champions Connacht.

Alex Cuthbert, who had a torrid autumn with Wales, comes in at wing with United States international Blaine Scully switching to full-back in the absence of hamstring injury victim Dan Fish, Matthew Morgan having slipped down the pecking order.

Lloyd Williams, who partnered Anscombe at half-back against Japan, returns while veteran Tau Filise starts at tight-head prop.

Ulster possess perhaps the strongest squad in the Pro12 but have lost three in a row and had last week’s fixture against Zebre postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Hooker Rory Best, who led Ireland to an historic victory over New Zealand and glory against Australia, and outside-half Paddy Jackson are rested following their exploits on the international stage.

Fellow international Stuart McCloskey makes his first appearance for Ulster since September, after overcoming a foot injury, while coach Les Kiss fields a dangerous back-three in Tommy Bowe, Craig Gilroy and Charles Piutau.

Ireland back-rower Chris Henry starts for the first time this season while Iain Henderson, who featured prominently in Ireland’s success in the November Test series, is at blindside flanker.

Blues coach Danny Wilson is expecting a rip-roaring encounter, saying: “We beat Ulster at home last season in quite an exciting game and I envisage something similar on Saturday evening.

“They would have wanted that game last week and are coming into this after three weeks off but they have a star-studded team and their internationals back. They have some real quality.

“We’re disappointed we didn’t pick up anything in Connacht. We certainly created enough opportunities and dropped the ball twice over the line, which could have won the game.

“But one thing we improved was our defence. We’ve spent a lot of time on it in the last couple of weeks and we defended extremely well.

“If we can see that at home and add to our attacking game on our surface it should be an exciting game.”
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugb ... m-12263643
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

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Sunday 4th December 2016


Image MATCH DAY 9 - The Result

Cardiff Blues 22 - 35 ULSTER


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Bonus point win for Ulster on the road
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DicksonDigital.com
Man of the match Ruan Pienaar inspired Ulster to a bonus point victory over Cardiff at Arms Park.

The win lifts Ulster to fifth in the table as they scored five tries on the artificial surface in the Welsh capital.

Ulster started brightly with a line break by Sean Reidy, Les Kiss side worked the ball through 11 phases before losing it in midfield.

The Blues broke the deadlock on four minutes with a penalty from out half Steve Shingler.

Charles Piutau came to Ulster's rescue on nine minutes with a try saving tackle on Blues winger Tom James.

Ulster scored two tries in four minutes with Cardiff having a man in the sin bin.

Ulster won a penalty and kicked to touch, the forwards won the lineout and set up a driving maul, Ruan Pienaar broke from the back and following a jinking run was stopped short, Blues fullback Blaine Scully was yellow carded for killing the ball.

Ulster took a quick tap penalty working the ball patiently through 11 phases to create space for Piutau to finish off with Pienaar converting.

Stuart McCloskey making his first appearance since September got Ulster's second try on 28 minutes.

Craig Gilroy carried into the Blues 22, Pienaar fed his centre and McCloskey glided through a non-existent defence to go under the posts making the conversion a formality for Pienaar.

Pienaar was instrumental in Ulster's third try on 36 minutes, the South African scrumhalf charged down his opposite number Lloyd Williams attempted cleared, Scully won the ball but Ulster were able to turn the ball over and prop Kyle McCall barged over from close range with Piennar converting.

Cardiff reduced Ulster's advantage at the break to 21-8, when hooker Kristian Dacey went over from close range for an unconverted try following eight phases.

Ireland flanker Iain Henderson was sin binned on 42 minutes for a high tackle on Blues winger Alex Cuthbert.

Cardiff kicked the resulting penalty to touch from the driving maul they dropped the ball but Williams gathered and sprinted over in the corner but the tried was chalked off for a knock on.

Despite having Luke Marshall in the sin bin Ulster sealed the bonus point with a fourth try on 62 minutes.

Prop Rodney Ah You forced a turnover, Peter Browne led the charge out of defence before offloading to Tommy Bowe, the Ireland wing went close before being stopped, Pienaar spun the ball to Gilroy and he fed Chris Henry and the flanker, in his first appearance since last season's semi final against Leinster at the RDS, was able to hold off two defenders to ground the ball with Pienaar converting.

Cardiff set up a grandstand stand finish with two tries in four minutes.

Kiwi Willis Halaholo was first to cross on 68 minutes when his footwork allowed him to go under the posts with Nicky Robinson converting.

Robinson cut through the Ulster defence four minutes later before popping the ball to Cuthbert to go under the posts with the out half converting.

Louis Ludik put the result beyond doubt when he charged down Robinson's kick and pounced on the loose ball to score Ulster's fifth try which Pienaar converted.

Full time score: Cardiff Blues 22 - 35 Ulster Rugby.

Cardiff Blues:
B Scully, A Cuthbert, R Lee-Lo, W Halaholo, T James; S Shingler, L Williams,
G Jenkins, K Dacey, T Filise, G Earle J Down, J Turnbull, E Jenkins, J Navidi.
Replacements:
M Rees, R Gill for Jenkins 54 mins, S Andrews for Filse 54 mis, S Lewis-Hughes M Cook for Down 63 mins, T Williams for L Williams 68 mins, N Robinson for Shingler 60 mins, M Morgan for James 52 mins

Ulster:
C Piutau, T Bowe, L Marshall, S McCloskey, C Gilroy, B Herron, R Pienaar,
K McCall, R Herring, W Herbst, P Browne, F van der Merwe, I Henderson, C Henry, S Reidy.
Replacements:
J Andrew for Herring 65 mins, A Warwick for McCall 65 mins, R Ah You for Herbst 52 mins, K Treadwell for van der Merwe 52 mins, C Ross for Gilroy 62 mins, P Marshall for Herron, L Ludik for 68 mins , D Cave for L Marshall 68 mins
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/fixtures/155 ... ERlmmBvjIU


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PRO12: Cardiff Blues 22-35 Ulster
Ulster ended a run of three PRO12 defeats with an emphatic bonus-point win away to Cardiff Blues.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/38171096

Tuohy's imminent Ulster exit surprises BBC pundits :banghead:
http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/38201867

Herring: Ulster needed victory over Cardiff
http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/38198124


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Pienaar directs one-way traffic
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/g ... 65983.html


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Ruan Pienaar pulls the strings as Ulster have too much for Cardiff
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/p ... -1.2892488


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Ruan Pienaar leads Ulster to victory at Cardiff
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 65894.html


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Ulster Rugby secure win over Cardiff Blues
http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/rugb ... r-12269480


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Ulster too strong for Blues
http://www.planetrugby.com/news/ulster- ... for-blues/


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Ulster bring Pro12 losing run to an end with bonus-point victory in Cardiff
http://www.the42.ie/cardiff-22-35-ulste ... 9-Dec2016/
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

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Monday 5th December 2016


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Pienaar turns attention to Clermont challenge
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Ulster's Louis Ludik scores a try during the match against Cardiff Blues in Cardiff. Sportsfile
Ruan Pienaar believes Ulster are primed and ready to tackle a formidable Clermont Auvergne side after getting back to winning ways against Cardiff Blues.

The Springboks scrum-half delivered a virtuoso performance to orchestrate a 35-22 bonus-point triumph in the Welsh capital.

A first-half blitz with tries from Charles Piutau, Stuart McCloskey and Kyle McCall had the game wrapped up before the break.

Kristian Dacey kept the hosts in it, but Chris Henry bagged the bonus point before Louis Ludik ensured his men would rise above Glasgow Warriors to fifth place in the Guinness Pro12.
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Sportsfile

Arms Park favourite Nicky Robinson led a late comeback to set up Alex Cuthbert and Willis Halaholo, but the damage had already been done by the Belfast side.

"We're right up for the Clermont game now," said Pienaar.

"It's always a privilege to play at the Kingspan Stadium but it adds extra spice being in Europe. They are a really good team and we know how tough it is, but these are the games you want to be involved in as a rugby player."

Sam Warburton was a late withdrawal due to illness, but the hosts looked to have found the remedy as outside-half Steven Shingler landed a penalty to send his side into a 3-0 lead.

But with Pienaar playing the role of conductor, Ulster were soon ahead. The Springbok scrum-half darted past Shingler at the side of a ruck to take his side to within 10 metres of the Cardiff line.

The pressure eventually told and Blaine Scully was sin-binned for slowing the ball at a ruck, and Les Kiss's men showed their clinical edge to utilise an overlap and send Piuatu over.

It got even better for the visitors when the ball was worked into midfield, and McCloskey hit a devastating line to breeze past Tau Filise and Alex Cuthbert to dive in at the posts.

Pienaar landed the conversion, before they crossed again to all-but seal the victory before half-time.

Lloyd Williams attempted to clear his lines with a box-kick, but Pienaar was there to smother, and loosehead McCall somehow smuggled the ball away from Scully to score.

However, Blues hooker Dacey burrowed over after Cuthbert went close to narrow the gap to 21-8 at the interval.

Ulster survived 10 minutes without Iain Henderson, who was sin-binned for a high tackle on Cuthbert, before Luke Marshall earned himself a spell in the bin after he went offside at a ruck.

Instead of a Cardiff comeback, Ulster lock Pete Browne charged downfield, before the ball was sent wide to Henry, who barged over to score.

The returning Nicky Robinson set up late scores for Willis Halaholo and Alex Cuthbert.

But replacement Ludik struck late to seal a 35-22 victory.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/u ... 67694.html


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'We have to be expecting to win big games': Clermont a formidable foe in season-defining weeks for Ulster
Tommy Bowe looks ahead to the formidable challenge of facing Clermont in their own backyard.
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WHAT STARTED OUT as a season beaming with brightness has turned to something much more murky and scrappy for Ulster.

Following five straight wins to open the campaign, Les Kiss took his side to Connacht to meet the slow-starting champions. The 80 minutes that followed bordered on classic match levels with better drama and entertainment on show than anyone has a right to expect so early in the season.

The 30 – 25 defeat though was to put the province in a tailspin that brought four defeats in the following five matches. It would have been even worse had Paddy Jackson not dropped a late goal to sneak a win against Exeter Chiefs.

Saturday’s win over Cardiff Blues has at least put a gloss on the formbook as they head back into Europe. But there’s no sugar-coating the task that awaits them over the next two weekends.

Clermont Auvergne — in form and sitting pretty at the summit of the Top14.

There are easier games to set about rescuing your season in, but perhaps the size of the task will provide a shock to the Ulster system, force the very best from them and put them at a pitch to compete for those long sought-after trophies.
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Inpho

“You’ll always be able to get up for a game against Clermont,” says Tommy Bowe when he launched the Coca-Cola designated driver campaign.

“But for the European competition as well, it’s just that step-up in performance that a team needs. We have a squad that we feel can take on the best teams in the league and Europe. So it’s a huge challenge for us.”

When Clermont come calling next Saturday, Ulster will of course have to dismantle them without two of their key international backs after the IRFU medics ruled Jared Payne and Andrew Trimble injured following their first-half withdrawal from the win over Australia though.

If there is one area that Ulster have strength in depth however, it’s the back three. And with Bowe feeling he is almost back to his best, there is undoubtedly still quality for Kiss to work with to ease the growing pressure.
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Inpho

“When you lose four games out of five, there’s always going to be pressure with that. Especially with the facilities, players and the huge fan base that we have, we have to be expected to win big games.

With that is going to come pressure on Les, but as a team we feel confident. We’ve trained well in the couple of weeks off and, not that we owe anything to Les, I don’t think he’d be expecting that, but we owe our supporters a good performance.”

“Les has come in and added so much, so it’s a case of us stepping up to that level. If you really feel you’re going got be serious contenders you have to be able to show it against teams like Clermont.

“Playing them back-to-back is not going to be an easy feat, but one I think the squad will be gearing up nicely for.”
http://www.the42.ie/ulster-clermont-sea ... 1-Dec2016/
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

Post by Mac »

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Monday 5th December 2016

PART II


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Fired-up Ulster finally banish their blues
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Running man: Tommy Bowe takes on Cardiff during the bonus-point triumph
Ulster finally got back to winning ways in the PRO12 with a five-try 35-22 bonus-point victory over Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park on Saturday.

After a spell of poor form and inactivity, it was a first league win since the beginning of October and exactly the preparation Les Kiss would have craved as he gets ready for the first leg of a European double-header with Top 14 giants Clermont this weekend.

Just a second try-bonus of the campaign, and the first on the road since the final day of last season, the victory came courtesy of scores from Charles Piutau, Stuart McCloskey, Kyle McCall, Chris Henry and Louis Ludik.

Three of those who crossed the whitewash - Henry, Ludik and McCloskey - were making their return from injury and they, along with Iain Henderson who was back after international duty, certainly gave Ulster an added tempo after the listless performances of October and November.

The showing was still far from perfect, and both yellow cards dished out to Kiss' side along with how Cardiff reeled back their visitors' substantial second-half lead will no doubt be getting some attention in this week's video review.

But still, having lost three league games in succession coming in, the result was of far greater importance than the performance on a day when Ulster lifted themselves into fifth place in the table.

On a ground where they have enjoyed considerable recent success over the province, Cardiff were on the back foot from the off but a quick turnover saw them earn a penalty and subsequently take the lead after five minutes via the boot of out-half Steve Shingler.

The hosts threatened again soon after but Piutau was able to cleverly marshal Tom James into touch when the Welsh wing looked set to take advantage of the space given to him on the left.

Indeed, despite the high-scoring finale, the game remained 3-0 until as late as the 25th minute when a moment of magic from man of the match Ruan Pienaar opened up the game.

The scrum-half, in the final season of a stellar Ulster career, showed great awareness of the available space to break around the outside and advance his side to within metres of the Cardiff line.

While he was stopped short, the Blues' USA international full-back Blaine Scully transgressed at the breakdown and was shown a yellow card.

Some 11 phases later, all after a more composed looking Brett Herron took the penalty quickly, Piutau rounded the corner and touched down under the posts.

Making the most of their numerical advantage, Ulster quickly exploited more gaps left in the Cardiff defensive line when McCloskey shrugged off some weak tackles to score on his return from a broken foot sustained against Glasgow in September.

And with half-time approaching, Pienaar was heavily involved again in Ulster's third.

Charging down his opposite number, just as he has done with such success throughout his Ulster career, didn't immediately bring reward when Scully got back to cover but the visiting pack swarmed over the ball.

When the turnover came, McCall was the beneficiary and he slipped over from close range for the second try of his career.

Ulster frustratingly failed to hold onto their 21-3 advantage until half-time as hooker Kristian Dacey, who was one of Cardiff's better players, scrambled over following a good period of ball retention just before the turn.

When Henderson was binned for a high tackle in the corner, Cardiff sensed a route back into the game, but Ulster's defence held firm with 14 men for the duration of their numerical disadvantage.

No sooner were Ulster back to a full complement than they were shown another yellow card, this time to Luke Marshall, but again Cardiff could not break through.

Indeed, this time Ulster even extended their lead.

The return of Henry was a big boost for Kiss, and the back-row unit seemed particularly effective for his comeback even if the anticipated battle with Sam Warburton didn't materialise when the 2013 Lions skipper took ill.

And, after good work from Pete Browne, the Malone man capped off his first game of the season with Ulster's bonus score, even if it took the TMO to confirm the grounding.

A period of slight panic ensued in the final 10 minutes when first Willis Halaholo and then Alex Cuthbert were allowed in for quick-fire tries, but substitute Ludik sealed the deal with a charge-down score.

With the Champions Cup double-header coming into focus, the PRO12 moves to the back-burner until Connacht visit Kingspan two days before Christmas.

Against a Clermont side still top of the table in France even after losing to Pau on Saturday, Ulster will need every drop of confidence they can take from this victory.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 67840.html


Triumph over Cardiff is for our number one fan, says Ruan :red:
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http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 67838.html
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

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Tuesday 6th December 2016


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Tuohy to join Bristol
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Ulster Rugby has today confirmed that Dan Tuohy will join English side Bristol Rugby with immediate effect.

The 31-year-old lock, who has recently returned from an injury break, amassed 136 appearances for Ulster after joining the club in 2009.

Tuohy, who was born in Bristol, made his test debut for Ireland against New Zealand in June 2010 and he went on to win 11 international caps.

Commenting on Tuohy's departure, Director of Rugby, Les Kiss said:

"When Bristol made the approach, it was only fair that we considered it and the outcome is very suitable for all parties.

"We are pretty well stocked in the second row with Franco van der Merwe, Iain Henderson, Alan O'Connor, Pete Browne, Robbie Diack and Kieran Treadwell all providing good options for us. We also have young up and coming locks John Donnan and Alex Thompson in our rugby programme.

"We would like to thank Dan for his contribution to Ulster Rugby and wish him well as he embarks on a new challenge with Bristol."

Dan added: "It's been a privilege and an honour to represent Ulster and Ireland for the past seven and a half years. Like any career, it has had its ups and downs, but the continued support of those close to me kept me right when things weren't going my way.

"I wish the players and staff all the best this season and beyond. I'll always be checking the results and hopefully still come to the odd game.

"I have a huge hole to fill on Friday nights now but I can't wait for the new challenges that Bristol presents. I was born in Bristol and raised just down the road, which adds to my excitement of going there.

"To the small group of supporters that I got to know well, thanks for everything. I know you know how much it meant for me to play for Ulster."
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/15509.php#.WEaOAmBvjIU


URTV: Ulster set for Clermont Challenge
This Saturday 10th December European Rugby action returns to Kingspan Stadium as Ulster take on French table-toppers Clermont in Round 3 of the Champions Cup.

http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/15508.php#.WEaOB2BvjIU


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Bristol sign Ireland rugby international Dan Tuohy from Ulster
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 71984.html


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Clermont looking to keep perfect record in Belfast
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Clermont have been soaring in Europe with tries like this one from Wesley Fofana
Top 14 leaders ASM Clermont Auvergne, who travel to Belfast to take on Ulster Rugby in Pool 5 at the Kingspan on Saturday, are the only club with a maximum 10 points after two rounds.

On the one previous occasion in 2011 when Clermont played in Belfast, they lost 16-11. Ulster ended a run of four defeats in five games with an encouraging 35-22 win over Cardiff Blues in the Welsh capital last weekend.

But Les Kiss' side will be without Irish international centre Jared Payne for the final four Pool matches following his kidney injury sustained in the Autumn Test against Australia. He is likely to be sidelined for three months.

Clermont, meanwhile, were beaten 40-35 by Pau in a game of nine tries at Stade du Hameau, yet still held onto the top spot in France. They now lead Montpelier by four points with RC Toulon and La Rochelle a point further back in third and fourth respectively.

The French side have already beaten Exeter Chiefs and Bordeaux-Begles in Pool 5 and have won their last five European outings against Irish sides - four of them against Munster and one against Leinster.

Having already announced the signings of Scotland skpper Greig Laidlaw and Castres Olympique wing Remy Grosso for next season, Clermont have also recruited loose head prop Loni Uhila. He will join from the Hurricanes at the end of Super Rugby 2017.

The 27-year-old, nicknamed 'The Tongan Bear', has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the option of two further seasons after that.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 71984.html
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

Post by Mac »

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Wednesday 7th December 2016


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Herbst pens new deal
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Ulster Rugby is delighted to announce that Wiehahn Herbst has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at Kingspan Stadium until at least the summer of 2019.

The 28-year-old tighthead prop joined Ulster in 2014 from Super Rugby franchise The Sharks and he has since made 42 appearances for the Province.

Commenting on his extension, Herbst said:

"This deal is a great boost for myself and my family. My wife and I are well settled here in Belfast and our son was born here, so it is a special place for us.

"I truly believe that the squad is really starting to develop, with improving depth across most positions. I'm looking forward to competing with the guys for the starting number 3 jersey over the next few years."

Director of Rugby, Les Kiss, added:

"Wiehahn is a great bloke and I'm delighted that he's agreed to stay on with us for another couple of years. The market is becoming increasingly competitive and the retention of our top players is a major focus for Bryn Cunningham (Operations Director, professional team) and myself.

"Wiehahn is still relatively young for a prop and we fully expect that his best years are still ahead of him. I have no doubt that he will continue to be an important player for us.

"He is very powerful in the set piece and this has been a huge weapon for us since his arrival. His work ethic is first class and he is committed to developing his game, while also ensuring that others are too.

"With Rodney (Ah You) also competing for a starting berth, and with Academy prop Ross Kane developing nicely, we are starting to look pretty well stocked at tighthead. We also have Ricky Lutton and Jonny Simpson on the books and it is vital for us to have that strength in depth."
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/15515.php#.WEgLB2BvjIU

http://www.the42.ie/front-row-boost-for ... 6-Dec2016/

http://www.planetrugby.com/news/herbst- ... -contract/

http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/38237549


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Clermont pose the ultimate threat, Kiss warns Ulster
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Backs to wall: Les Kiss has told his Ulster players they must build on last weekend’s win over Cardiff as huge challenges lie ahead
Ulster Director of Rugby Les Kiss has told his players that this weekend's visit from Clermont in the Champions Cup is as big as it gets.

The French giants, who are currently leading the Top 14, come to Kingspan Stadium on Saturday (1pm kick-off) before Ulster make the return journey to the Auvergne eight days later.

With the province having already lost once in this season's competition, the margin for error will be slim against a side boasting the likes of French internationals Wesley Fofana, Morgan Parra and Noa Nakaitaci.

"It's massive," said Kiss. "Clermont at home, it doesn't get any bigger. It's a tough pool and we've to pull together. Hopefully we'll have a few international boys back and see where we go."

Far from a perfect performance against Cardiff, especially when an 18-point lead was cut to just six with less than 10 minutes remaining, the province's 35-22 win last weekend was much improved from their showings during a run of games that had saw them lose four of five.

The returns of Chris Henry and Stuart McCloskey from injury, as well as that of Iain Henderson from international duty, certainly helped matters while Louis Ludik, Rodney Ah You and Darren Cave all made their own comebacks off the bench.

Coming as it did in belated response to last month's loss in Edinburgh, one of the worst performances of his tenure, the win was an encouraging sign for Kiss ahead of the return to Europe.

"We're very satisfied to tell you the truth," he said. "We were very disappointed with what we did against Edinburgh last time out.

"It's been a long month for us but I certainly think we delivered something a lot better.

"The mental approach in transferring a good solid preparation for the kind of physicality you need, I thought we did that.

"The breakdown work, we let them steal a bit of ball, but we were getting better in that area."

Ulster's discipline did provide some cause for concern after both Henderson and Luke Marshall were handed yellow cards in the second half.

While the province actually outscored their hosts during the spell with 14 men, it is not something that Kiss would wish to repeat.

"The two yellows, I wasn't happy with," he said. "But we still had to fight hard and get the points.

"We had to tough out minutes with 14 men and go hard to keep them at bay. There was a lot of good stuff."

The improvement from such a poor run of form will need to continue apace.

The back-to-back with Clermont is just the beginning, with the festive interpros seeing champions Connacht come to Belfast before a visit to Leinster on New Year's Eve.

With a trip to back-in-form Scarlets the first game of 2017, and then the concluding fixtures of the Champions Cup pool stage also to come before a break for the Six Nations, a defining run awaits.

"It's important to keep building," stressed Kiss.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 71044.html


Tuohy a loss but we've plenty of cover in place, maintains Kiss
Ulster Director of Rugby Les Kiss has assured supporters the province is well stocked with second-rows after it was confirmed yesterday that Dan Tuohy has joined Bristol with immediate effect.

News of the 11-times capped Irish international's move to his hometown club emerged over a week ago after the 31-year-old visited Ashton Gate for talks and a medical last Tuesday.

The finalisation of the switch came only yesterday, however, with Kiss describing it as a decision that suits "all parties".

"We are pretty well stocked in the second row with Franco van der Merwe, Iain Henderson, Alan O'Connor, Pete Browne, Robbie Diack and Kieran Treadwell all providing good options for us," he said. "We also have young up and coming locks John Donnan and Alex Thompson in our rugby programme.

"When Bristol made the approach, it was only fair that we considered it and the outcome is very suitable for all parties.

"We would like to thank Dan for his contribution to Ulster Rugby and wish him well as he embarks on a new challenge."

Tuohy added that he was looking forward to linking up with the side who will be coached by Connacht's Pat Lam next year.

"It's been a privilege for the past seven and a half years," he said. "Like any career, it had its ups and downs, but the support of those close to me kept me right when things weren't going my way.

"I wish the players and staff all the best this season and beyond. I'll always be checking the results and hopefully still come to the odd game.

"I have a huge hole to fill on Friday nights now but I can't wait for the new challenges that Bristol presents. I was born in Bristol and raised just down the road, which adds to my excitement of going there.

"To the small group of supporters that I got to know well, thanks for everything. I know you know how much it meant for me to play for Ulster."
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 74413.html


Ulster v Clermont: Humphreys has a very clear vision
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Euro star: Ian Humphreys scores a try against Clermont back in 2011 on a day when he scored all of Ulster’s points
Ian Humphreys believes Ulster's upcoming back-to-backs with Clermont could prove to be the turning point in his old side's season. :roll:

Les Kiss's men welcome the French giants to Kingspan on Saturday (1pm kick-off), with their Champions Cup hopes hinging on the result, before travelling to the Auvergne region next weekend for the re-match.

And Humphreys, who retired from rugby last year, thinks his former team-mates would put a whole different perspective on what has been a difficult campaign so far should they topple the twice-beaten finalists.

Ulster have already lost four times this season, on three occasions in the Guinness PRO12 and at the hands of Bordeaux-Begles in Europe.

"Results haven't been ideal in the last while, far from it," admitted the man who made over 100 appearances for the province as well as turning out for Leicester Tigers and London Irish.

"But you can gradually see that performances now aren't a million miles away. You bring a few key players back into that squad from injury and international duty and they're going to be competitive.

"In a season when they're getting a hard time in the press and from the fans, if you manage to put together two good wins then all of a sudden your season totally changes.

"Momentum is with you, morale is good heading into the big Christmas fixtures, and the sky is the limit."

Having enjoyed plenty of big European nights in Belfast, one area of concern for Humphreys would be the TV-dictated early kick-off.

Just like in 2014 when the then European champions Toulon came to Kingspan, the visit of Clermont will kick-off at 1pm on Saturday afternoon.

"For me, I didn't play international rugby, so European nights were the biggest games that I ever played," said the 34-year-old. "The difference is huge.

"There's a buzz around the squad all week from preparing to be playing against the best players and knowing that you've no second chances.

"In the league, if you lose a game you can always come back from it.

"In Europe, if you lose a game that you shouldn't do, you're done. The players will know that, but it's exciting.

"The last time Clermont came to town, we did a good job on them and probably should have beaten them over there in the second game.

"We were winning that game with 15 minutes to go but we lost momentum after a few changes and that was a big missed opportunity for the squad.

"There's always the reputation that French clubs don't travel well but if you look at Ulster's home record in Europe generally it holds up over the last seven or eight years no matter who we're playing.

"I wouldn't say the fans make it hostile on these occasions, but they certainly give the players a huge lift.

"They really are that proverbial 16th man. The players love being at a full house with that European buzz.

"One o'clock is always an awkward time to play though, especially when you're used to playing at night.

"It's a big change. It's the kind of thing people neglect, or don't understand, but that is one of the biggest things for Ulster.

"They're a good team though and, especially with the Ireland boys coming back in and buzzing after what they've done, I fully fancy them to do a good job."

Saturday will mark just the second occasion that Clermont have come to the Kingspan Stadium with the Ballymena man having fond memories of the first visit some five years ago.

In what was then Ravenhill, and in front of 9,500 fans back in 2011, the hotly-tipped French outfit arrived in Belfast to open a campaign that would end with Ulster in a Twickenham final against Leinster.

The scorer of all of the hosts' points in the 16-11 victory over Les Jaunards was none other than Ian Humphreys.

"Clermont were coming in as a big powerhouse, who just hadn't won the whole thing in Europe yet," he recalled.

"They really were an impressive outfit back then.

"They went through a bit of a lull after that but they're back now as a really strong team.

"There was an element of luck about it, they missed a penalty that would have had them right back in it, but the forwards were absolutely brilliant that night.

"For the try, I just remember Adam D'Arcy handed off Reagan King.

"We'd been doing a 'guns session' in the gym earlier in the week and I remember joking that he wouldn't have been able to fend him off otherwise.

"I was just lucky it wasn't somebody faster coming back at me otherwise I might not have gotten over."

Such occasions are in the past now for Humphreys who is enjoying his new career as a Player Manager at the Esportif International rugby agency where he is under the tutelage of fellow former Ulster player Ryan Constable.

"It's going really well," Humphreys enthused. "I'm enjoying it. Ryan is a great fella. He's a great bloke but he's very switched on too.

"He knows what he's doing so I'm learning from one of the best about and it keeps you involved too.

"Everyone always says that the worst thing about retiring is losing that camaraderie.

"Although I'm not in the dressing room any more it means that I speak to the fellas enough to keep up with them.

"If I'm brutally honest I was never that into the whole rugby thing, I was always more of a family person so it hasn't changed too much in that regard.

"It's nice to wake up in the morning not being as stiff and sore, and certainly having not missed any tackles.

"I've always had a few niggles with my back and stuff, but certainly I don't struggle to get out of bed any more.

"I haven't had to take painkillers in a while which is the best thing... and that's someone who wasn't as involved in the physical stuff as much as someone like Stevie (Ferris). It's nice to waken up and be fresh. Not to have to stretch, or take a few minutes to stand up."

Living in Broughshane with wife Jenny and young daughters Anna and Zoe, Humphreys is eagerly anticipating the first Christmas away from work of his adult life.

"With rugby you're always home by around four and with a day in the week off, so I'm working longer hours but it's great to get to plan a bit more family time," he added. "Getting to spend weekends at home, and getting to plan things in advance, it's great.

"I'm going to have my first ever Christmas off which will be brilliant.

"When you're playing you don't notice it or it doesn't bother you, but it's nice when you retire to say, 'right I'm going to take Christmas off'."

He added: "Don't get me wrong, you do really miss Friday nights at the Kingspan but things are really good at the moment."
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 74410.html
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

Post by Mac »

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Thursday 8th December 2016


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Video: Ulster boss Les kiss sees his team facing a fearsome Euro challenge
Ahead of what he has described as the key game of his side's European season, Ulster Director of Rugby Les Kiss has admitted that preparing for a star-studded Clermont side has been a "reality check".
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/video ... 76861.html

Ulster can triumph in Clermont tie to keep Euro dream alive, says Kiss
Ahead of what he has described as the key game of his side's European season, Ulster Director of Rugby Les Kiss has admitted that preparing for a star-studded Clermont side has been a "reality check".

Clermont, who sit top of the Top 14 table, boast an array of talented internationals in their line-up and have a strength in depth that gives head coach Franck Azema a wealth of selection options.

Indeed many see them as the most likely side to stop Mark McCall's Saracens from retaining their crown come May.

"You look at them and you can't help but be impressed by what they can offer," Kiss said.

"You admire them but it puts the fear of God in you, really.

"I'm not telling anyone anything new here really but we've had a reality check when we looked at the video this week.

"They are a team that can attack you from anywhere. (Morgan) Parra, (Camille) Lopez in the halves pulling the strings, they can shift it wide pretty quick and when you have (Wesley) Fofana, (Remi) Lamerat and (Noa) Nakaitaci, they're a brilliant team to watch.

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"We have to make them not so brilliant on Saturday. That's what Europe is. On this stage, you've got to accept that's what it's about.

"It's a bit of guess work but we think we know what they'll do in the core of their team. Parra and Lopez will be the halves.

"Fritz Lee, if he's not in the back-row, I'd be surprised. (Thomas) Domingo will prop.

"I'd be hard-pressed to see them go past (Nick) Abendenon, (David) Strettle and Nakaitaci in the back-three.

"Fofana will be in there. They've got such depth that they can shift the others around quite easily.

"Maybe they do that for the away game but they'll still be strong."

Kiss will be able to call upon two of his own heavy hitters for the first time in almost two months as Rory Best and Paddy Jackson return from international duty.

Both men took part in three of Ireland's four Tests during November but will return to provincial colours this week.

Craig Gilroy, Stuart Olding, Jared Payne and Andrew Trimble will all, however, miss out through injury.

"Craig won't make it," Kiss admitted after the winger picked up a knock in the victory over Cardiff.

"Trimby will be short too, he won't make the match. That sort of challenges us.

"We know the story with Jared and Stuart Olding too.

"We do have Rory and Paddy back though.

"Those two make a massive difference. We're not relying on that but they're in a great vein of form.

"They had a good November, especially Besty. It was an enormous campaign from him.

"He stood up big and tall and got some real reward."

Having let a lead, and then a consolation bonus point, slip against Bordeaux-Begles in October, Ulster know they are up against it in the pool, even after beating Aviva Premiership side Exeter Chiefs at home.

The back-to-backs with Clermont always figured to be crucial and Kiss admitted that their campaign would be in dire straits should they fail to net the victory this weekend.

"Yeah, I think this is the key game," he admitted.

"When you look around at what else is happening in our game, and the other game in the pool...if Clermont win they're in charge of everything.

"And then we're pretty low in the points to be able to get one of those second-place spots.

"It's pretty important overall."

One thing working in Ulster's favour is their eye-catching record against French sides at home.

They have beaten seven of their last eight visitors from the Top14, and were hugely impressive in seeing off an admittedly abject Toulouse last season.

Kiss thinks Clermont will be a different proposition.

"We've certainly looked at the similarities but Clermont are a bit different, they have a bit of a pragmatic approach," he said. "They're not afraid to kick with Parra's left boot but it can offer you something if you're not afraid to go at them.

"They've scored a lot of points, but there's been a lot of points scored against them too.

"You have to match them in the forward pack to get any leverage against them.

"The similarities are there, but that's where it stops.

"We know that's there but it's up to us to put something together as a collective. The pack really has to be a good eight and the backs have to be buzzing."

Toulon, then in the middle of a run of three straight European titles, were the French victors in that run of eight games, winning 23-13 in 2014.

That, like this clash with Clermont, was a game that kicked off in the 1pm Saturday slot with a flatter than usual atmosphere the result.

"I'd be disappointed if anyone says afterwards that it was the time that did for us," Kiss commented.

"It's different but we have to be able to hit the button and fly at one o'clock and do the business."

Ulster v Clermont, Champions' Cup Pool 5: Kingspan Stadium, Saturday, 1.00pm
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 77487.html


Yesterdays squad news...........

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Ulster’s Andrew Trimble, Craig Gilroy to miss Clermont clash
Injury-hit province strengthened by return of key players Paddy Jackson and Rory Best
Ulster will be without Andrew Trimble and Craig Gilroy for Saturday’s Champions Cup match against Clermont Auvergne at the Kingspan Stadium (1.0). Jared Payne (kidneys) is a long-term injury victim.

Trimble damaged his ankle while playing for Ireland in their victory over Australia while Gilroy picked up an injury in Ulster’s excellent victory over the Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park last weekend.

Both players would be doubtful of regaining fitness in time for the return game in France on Sunday week.

Ulster coach Les Kiss will have the fillip of the returning Paddy Jackson and Rory Best, who were rested for the Cardiff match after their exploits with Ireland. Kiss explained: “Craig Gilroy won’t make it. Trimby will be short too, he won’t make the match. That sort of challenges us. We know the story with Jared. We do have Rory and Paddy back.
Massive difference

“Robbie Diack is fine. Alan O’Connor we’re just monitoring because he had a concussion a few weeks ago so we’re just doing the right thing. Those two [Jackson and Best] make a massive difference. We’re not relying on that.

“The rest have to do their job and make it easy for them. They’re in a great vein of form. They had a good November, especially Besty. It was an enormous campaign from him. He stood up big and tall and got some real reward.”

Ulster’s South African-born prop Wiehahn Herbst, who signed a new two-year contract extension on Wednesday with the province that will keep him there until the summer of 2019, has been drafted into the Champions Cup squad as an additional player having recovered from injury recently.

He replaces short-term signing, Georgian Anton Peikrishvili who was injured throughout his stay before moving on. >burp

Herbst becomes Irish qualified next year.
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/e ... -1.2896899


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Ulster can’t afford ‘arm wrestle’ with Clermont
“You watch Clermont as we have and you’ve just got to be impressed by what’s on offer, admiring too, and otherwise it might put the fear of God in you.” Ulster’s Director of Rugby Les Kiss was certainly not underestimating the task facing his side when the French Championship leaders come to Kingspan Stadium on Saturday for the third pool game in the Champions Cup.

“They can attack you from anywhere on the park, they have Morgan Parra and Camille Lopez pulling the strings at half-back, and they have a galaxy of top players from which to choose.

“They are absolutely brilliant to watch, and it’s our job, which I think we are very capable of doing, to stop them looking so brilliant, to challenge their skillsets, trust in our own players and, importantly, not to get involved in an arm wrestle,” said Kiss, clearly buoyed by the five-try bonus point win in the Pro12 in Cardiff last Saturday.

“After a month with no game, and needing to get a win on the board it was a good evening’s work in Wales, not perfect, but there were a lot of signs that we were back on track, that we were hungry and anxious to restore our own belief as well as that of the supporters.
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“We need to be more disciplined against Clermont, and we have to concentrate for the full 80 minutes, the French will exploit any weakness and picking up two yellow cards as we did against the Blues would be punished far more heavily by the French,” he said. Already without international centre Jared Payne for at least three months Kiss revealed that international wingers Andrew Trimble and Crag Gilroy had “come up just short” in terms of being fit for this weekend.

Stuart Olding, another Irish centre, is also still missing, but he was relatively happy that with Charles Piutau, Tommy Bowe, Luke Marshall, Stewart McCloskey, Louis Ludik, Darren Cave and Jacob Stockdale available, Ulster’s backline would lack neither pace nor firepower.

“Paddy Jackson is back after a fine autumn series with Ireland, and of course Rory Best returns after an enormous campaign, they will be massive for us,” said Kiss, who admits that a European week brings an extra touch of excitement to preparations.

“This is a key game in the pool, and indeed for the competition. Clermont have taken maximum points from two games, scored a lot of points but also conceded a lot, and we need to win at home, and in France next week, to transform the pool and put ourselves firmly in contention for the quarter-finals.

“We have talked about how we were in pretty much the same situation last season when we met Toulouse, back-to-back, and we won both of those matches and came within a whisker of qualification. It’s in our hands, and we’re in good shape physically and mentally.

“We’ve got to be ready to hit the button and play, hard and fast, and I believe that we have the players and the plays to do just that.”

Meanwhile, South African tight-head prop Wiehahn Herbst has signed a two-year extension to his deal with Ulster to stay at Kingspan Stadium until at least 2019. The former Sharks player was recruited from Super Rugby in 2014 but he has been plagued by injury problems and made just 42 appearances in just over two seasons.

“Wiehahn is relatively young for a prop and we fully expect his best days are still ahead of him,” said Kiss.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugb ... 34278.html


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Neil Francis: While Paul Kimmage was giving me chocolate chip cookies at the Aviva, an Ireland star was downstairs p***ing blood
Centre's kidney injury another reminder of inherent dangers in our sport
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Jared Payne suffered a kidney injury during Ireland’s victory over Australia. Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
It is about 6.20pm on Saturday, November 26. I am at the Aviva in the best seats in the house and I am watching a cracking Test match.

Ireland have pretty much owned the ball and are in control of the game. The crowd are buoyed by sparkling play by the home side. Ireland lead 17-7 at half-time, and as Van Morrison said, "wouldn't it be great if it was like this all the time."
Iain Henderson demonstrated why he will play in the Test side when New Zealand host the Lions, and Garry Ringrose taught us that those who stop and watch when a loose ball goes to ground pay the price. Good to be alive on days like this!

As I try to make sense of my notes, I sense Paul Kimmage trudging up the stairs into the press box. He is not in King of the Mountains form today. He has two cups of coffee in his hands and as he approaches my seat he puts one down on my desk: an unsolicited act of kindness and bonhomie.
He looks at me and furtively starts rummaging in his jacket pockets like one of the bag ladies on Moore Street trying to sell illegal fireworks.

He pulls out some biscuits - not just ordinary biscuits but chocolate chip cookies. He lays them out on the desk like a blackjack dealer and says "anything else?"
"A smile would be nice," I answer. A smile breaks out and he scuttles back up to his seat. Paul Kimmage is my Char-wallah and everything is good in the world - just peachy

Fifty metres below me in the concrete labyrinth of the Aviva, though, everything is far from good. Jared Payne is in the medical centre and he is p***ing blood.
As the teams came off the pitch for half-time Payne was not in any visible distress but he had missed the vital tackle in the lead-up to Dane Haylett-Petty's try under the sticks.

It was a straight-up tackle. Payne is one of Ireland's surest and most reliable tacklers but he looked like a novice and he got up from the ground with a grimace. There was something wrong here.
I went back through the game and found that one of Ireland's traditional gambits had been central to what happened. The Choke tackle.

Hold up the runner, stand tall, pack tight, shout to the ref that it is a maul and the defending team get the turnover. Ireland get several in a typical game. Everyone in the team is versed and drilled into the gambit and also, more importantly, recognise when to do it.
Payne was affecting a choke tackle in the 28th minute when he received two hits that caused him serious injury.

The Wallabies had just got hold of the ball and were trying to get some momentum. Off phase play Rob Simmons fed a flat pass off one out and his partner Rory Arnold headed to the gain-line. Payne and CJ Stander were on the mythical line and they both got to grips with the 6ft 10in 20-stone colossus. Against the odds they managed to stop the Australian second-row, and more importantly stop him from going to ground.
There is no classic pose for a choke tackle - a cluster of defenders just hold up the ball-carrier, latch onto the ball and bind tight, and five or six seconds later the ref calls the scrum.

Payne had reversed behind Arnold and Stander had his front and they held the ball tight. It was well executed. Many of Ireland's opponents would be well aware of the tactic and would try to counter it by getting the ball carrier to ground quicker or push numbers into the tackle to get some traction or motion and break the ball or ball carrier free.
Once it is set up it is hard to counter, and really the only option then is to issue a deterrent. As it became obvious that the tackle scene was going to result in a turnover David Pocock came from five or six metres back and timed his charge.

Payne was standing tall and his back was unprotected. Pocock is one of the most muscular players in the game, and certainly one of the most powerful and dynamic. He has muscle packed onto him. He hit Payne below the ribs hard.

Payne, who was concentrating on the job at hand, did not see the charge. But you can be sure that he felt it. The tackle was legal and Pocock was in his rights to do what he did. Michael Hooper a second later hit Payne on the left-hand side of his lower back. Hooper led with his shoulder but the contact was within the laws.
Ireland got their turnover but Payne paid a high price. The quid pro quo here was that Ireland could get their turnovers but the heavy and hard hits would act as a deterrent.

By the very nature of the act of holding up a player, you do leave yourself vulnerable and unprotected to a blind hit. In a situation like this your ribs do not protect your kidneys from blunt force trauma, and particularly blunt force trauma from a man strong enough to kill Joe Soap in a pub fight in 30 seconds.

Ninety seconds later Payne was on the ball attacking down the blind-side, and looking to connect with Josh van der Flier. Bernard Foley was in the way and as Payne tried to connect he got smashed in the back by Henry Speight.
It was a fearsome tackle and Payne lost all control as he was knocked to the ground. Foley nearly intercepted for a try but knocked on. How much more damage did that do?

As Australia got on the scoreboard and half-time blew, Payne must have been in distress. Haematuria - the medical term for p***ing blood - is a sign that you have suffered a serious kidney injury. I half-suspected something was amiss when I looked at the Irish bench in the second half. Payne was nowhere to be seen.

Payne had a surgical procedure and was released from hospital the following Thursday. In terms of convalescence, a conservative approach is implemented. He will have no contact for at least 60 days and will have a battery of on-going tests to check progress.
Payne was unlucky but contact sport decrees that players who engage won't have the sporting gods on their side all of the time.

Yet it is incredible to think that in just three matches Ireland have lost five out of seven of their starting backs with serious injuries. Robbie Henshaw and Kearney (concussion); Andrew Trimble (ligament damage); Johnny Sexton (hamstring) and Payne. That is some casualty list.

The wish is that Payne makes a full recovery and gets back playing. There is always the chance that after this injury he could have a non-performing kidney which would complicate things somewhat. He did suffer a serious injury.
In a study that I read (Renal Trauma - The Rugby Factor), published in PubMed it was stated that "rugby related trauma poses a conundrum for physicians and players due to the absence of clear guidelines and a paucity of evidence."

The study is worth a read. In its conclusion it states that "a survey of the American Medical Society of Sports Medicine Physicians highlighted discrepancies between recommendation and clinical practice. Only 54pc of members would formally advise athletes with a solitary kidney to re-participate in contact sports at school or college level."

It is tough and dangerous game - not that we didn't know. Even doing the simple things in the sport leave you open to danger.
Great days like last Saturday week always come at a cost.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/i ... 77594.html
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

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Thursday 8th December 2016

PART II


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PREVIEW: Ulster ready for 'scary' Clermont test
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Ulster boss Les Kiss knows his team are in for a tough test against Clermont Auvergne
Ulster will hope Ireland captain Rory Best can take the confidence from his country's successful autumn campaign into their vital European Rugby Champions Cup clash with ASM Clermont Auvergne. Best led his country to historic wins over New Zealand and Australia in November, but returns to the Ulster side for this weekend's meeting with the French giants.

The hooker is joined by fly-half Paddy Jackson in returning to action for the Irish outfit but although they're on home turf, it's Clermont who will be firm favourites. The French giants will be looking to maintain their status as Pool 5 table toppers, with Ulster boss Les Kiss admitting the TOP 14 leaders are a side everyone else in Europe fears.

Clermont, so impressive this season, have won both of their European games so far this term to boot, and Kiss said: "You look at them and you can't help but be impressed by what they can offer. You admire them but it puts the fear of God in you really.

"I'm not telling anyone anything new here. We've had a reality check when we looked at the video this week. They are a team that can attack you from anywhere."

Clermont certainly have plenty of attacking weapons in their locker.

Chief among them is France centre Wesley Fofana, with the gifted playmaker showing his undoubted quality in Europe so far. Fofana tops the Champions Cup statistics in terms of defenders beaten (15) and is second on the list of clean breaks (seven), emphasising his danger to Ulster.

Kiss and his players will know full well they'll have to keep a firm eye on the likes of Fofana and half-backs Morgan Parra and Camille Lopez if they are to have any chance of success, while David Strettle and Nick Abendanon both have great try scoring records in Europe.

Despite boasting a large number of internationals in their ranks, Clermont are wary of the threat Ulster can pose too. The return of Best and Jackson makes them an even stronger proposition, but Andrew Trimble, Craig Gilroy and Stuart Olding are all out injured.

On Ulster's main dangers, Clermont's French full-back Scott Spedding said: "It's a team that has many Irish internationals, especially in the backs, who also have a lot of experience in the European Cup. We know this first game is going to be very important for them.

"They will want to put a lot of pressure on us, especially with their half-back partnership of Ruaan Pienaar and Jackson who kick a lot."

On the challenge of playing at the Kingspan Stadium, Spedding added: "I've never played in this stadium before, but I've heard about it. The atmosphere is quite hostile.

"It's up to us to play well in so Ulster can't gain confidence because otherwise we risk having a very long afternoon."
Form Guide
http://www.epcrugby.com/europeanrugbych ... /34094.php


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Herbst is relishing fierce battle for a starting jersey
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Contract season is well and truly upon us with Wiehahn Herbst joining the list of Ulster players to recently ink a new deal at Kingspan Stadium. The South African prop put pen to paper on a two-year extension that will keep him in Belfast until the summer of 2019.

Having recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines - a foot problem followed by a groin injury kept him out of the game for 10 months - the tighthead is looking forward to battling Rodney Ah You for Ulster's No.3 jersey.

"I truly believe that the squad is really starting to develop, with improving depth across most positions," he said.

"I'm looking forward to competing with the guys for the starting No.3 jersey over the next few years."

The 28-year-old admitted that it was a relief for him and his young family to have his future sorted out.

"This deal is a great boost for myself and my family," he added.

"My wife and I are well settled here in Belfast and our son was born here, so it is a special place for us."

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Herbst arrived in Belfast in the summer of 2014, one of the last signings made by then Director of Rugby David Humphreys before the European Cup winner departed for Gloucester.

He enjoyed a strong first season with the province and quickly became popular with fans before an injury-ravaged campaign second time round.

He has made 42 appearances for the side and, with Ah You signing from Connacht in the summer and currently sidelined Academy product Ross Kane having impressed when given the chance, it will be interesting to see how minutes are divided when all three are fit.

Should he wrest control of the starting spot back, Herbst may even still harbour international ambitions given he will qualify for Ireland on residency during the pre-season.

Director of Rugby Les Kiss is thrilled that the province have been able to keep Herbst in Belfast.

"Wiehahn is a great bloke and I'm delighted that he's agreed to stay on with us for another couple of years," the Australian said.

"The market is becoming increasingly competitive and the retention of our top players is a major focus for Bryn Cunningham (Operations Director) and myself.

"Wiehahn is still relatively young for a prop and we fully expect that his best years are still ahead of him. I have no doubt that he will continue to be an important player for us."

Kiss added that Herbst's dedication to his craft means he can still grow as a player at 28-years-old having already established himself as a more than capable scrummager.

"He is very powerful in the set-piece and this has been a huge weapon for us since his arrival," he said.

"His work ethic is first class and he is committed to developing his game, while also ensuring that others are too."

While tighthead was a real problem position earlier in the season when front-liners were injured, Kiss is looking forward to a selection dilemma now that Herbst has been tied down.

"With Rodney (Ah You) also competing for a starting berth, and with Academy prop Ross Kane developing nicely, we are starting to look pretty well stocked at tighthead. We also have Ricky Lutton and Jonny Simpson on the books and it is vital for us to have that strength in depth," he added.

The deal for Herbst follows on from Andy Warwick, Pete Browne and Sean Reidy, who have all inked extensions since the season began.

Between Ulster and the IRFU, there is still plenty of work to be done however with co-captain Andrew Trimble, Paddy Jackson, Chris Henry and Paul Marshall among players whose current deals will end this summer.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 77489.html


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Discipline key for Ulster against Clermont - Henry
Fit-again Ulster flanker Chris Henry urges his side to "keep the penalty count as low as possible" as he emphasises the importance of maintaining discipline in Saturday's European Champions Cup Pool 5 game with Clermont Auvergne.

"This is the closest to Test match rugby you can get - it's a huge test and it doesn't get any bigger than this weekend," said the Ireland back-row player.

"We will have to up our level of intensity but it's a game I am excited about," added Henry.

Video.... http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/38251729

Kiss expects huge challenge from Clermont
Ulster's Director of Rugby Les Kiss expects a tough challenge from French Top 14 leaders Clermont Auvergne in Saturday's Champions Cup Pool Five game at Kingspan Stadium.

Ulster lie third in the pool on four points, while Clermont top the group thanks to bonus-point victories from their opening two fixtures.

Kiss welcomes back Ireland internationals Rory Best and Paddy Jackson for the game, with Best expected to captain the side.

Video.... http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/38251727
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

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Friday 9th December 2016


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HENRY DELIGHTED TO BE BACK IN THE MIX
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Chris Henry made a welcome return for Ulster in last weekend's visit to Cardiff and marked the occasion with a try on route to a bonus point win.

It was the Ulster and Ireland back row's first appearance of the season, and he was delighted to be back on the field of action:

"It felt fantastic to be back. I've obviously really missed it and I hope that showed. It was six months since the (Guinness PRO12) semi-final against Leinster so it's definitely the longest time that I've been out from playing rugby. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't nervous and I know I've still plenty to work on but overall I was happy with my first game back."

Henry got the full eighty minutes under his belt on his return, where he was partnered with fellow internationals Iain Henderson and Sean Reidy in the back row, and the trio worked well against the Welsh opposition. However, Henry knows that none of them can take anything for granted when it comes to team selection:

"Hendy and Reidy are two unbelievable ball carriers and if I can do as much of the grunt work as possible and give them the ball, then that's what I will try to do. Clive Ross has done unbelievably well this season as well, and hopefully Marcell (Coetzee) is going to be available in early January so there's going to be some really tough decisions for the coaches. The depth of the squad is just getting greater so you've got to be right on your game, and as I said, I'm just glad to be back in the mix and hopefully causing a few headaches for the guys making the team selection."

Ulster last hosted Clermont back in November 2011 when Ian Humphreys guided the home side to victory, landing all the points in a 16-11 win. Henry is just one of two surviving members from the pack that day, along with Rory Best, but he admits it isn't something that he has spent much time thinking of this week:

"I hadn't even realised that! I suppose I can take a bit of confidence from those memories, but it's two totally different teams. Ultimately it doesn't what has happened in the past, the past is done. On Saturday we need to make sure that from the very first whistle we're right on it - this isn't a game where we can build into it, it's a game where we come out and show our intent from the very beginning.

While content with his performance last weekend, Henry knows bigger challenges lie ahead, both for himself and the team, and they don't come much bigger than the Top 14 table-toppers:

"This week is obviously another bigger test for me, a step up in opposition. No matter who they line out, numbers 1-23, they are a team of real superstars. This is what playing big games for Ulster is all about, a big French team coming to town. The fans get up for it, we get up for it and already there's a great excitement about the week."

"Our collective is hopefully going to be a big strength for us. We'll work hard for each other, we'll get stuck into them early doors and hopefully they'll realise they're in for a tough game."
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/15522.php#.WEppYPCLTIU


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Ulster hitting form at ideal time, says Malone
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Sportsfile.com
“We have some star players in really good form at the moment, Charles Piutau and Ruan Pienaar were outstanding last week, so I think they’ll have a lot to think about on Saturday.”

Ulster Skills Coach Niall Malone is relishing the visit of Clermont Auvergne to Belfast at lunchtime tomorrow and believes that back-to-back Champions Cup games with the leaders of the French Championship could hardly have come a better time.

“They are a very, very good side, but two wins in the last four games is not what they, or we, would see as success, so this could be the ideal time to meet them, and with two games in eight days against the same opponents, it does mean that the players have been able to prepare for the various threats Clermont pose.

“For me this has been such interesting week, examining their style and working out ways which we think we can beat them, and believe me we do think we can do just that, not just at home but in France on Sunday week,” said Malone, the former Ireland out-half who’s in line to be handed an enhanced coaching role when defence specialist Joe Barakat leaves later this month to take up a senior position at Western Force in his native Australia.

“To qualify for the knockout phase we have to win five matches in my opinion. We’ve lost one already, so it’s pretty clear that this week is a ‘must win’ game. A European week has its own special ‘vibe’ and we’ve all been feeding off that, and we know that we have to be at our very best, and that Pro12 win in Cardiff has given us something solid to build on.”

This week has seen the players concentrate on the tackle and on the support to the tackler. “Like the other French side on our pool, Bordeaux-Begles, Clermont like to carry the ball into contact and then offload, and they do it better.

“One of their strengths is that both forwards and backs are very physical, very mobile, and its players like Piutau, Stewart McCloskey, and Luke Marshall who’ll have a lot of work to do in defence as well as impose themselves as an attacking force,” said Malone.

He regards the return from international duty of out-half Paddy Jackson and hooker Rory Best as very important, and though disappointed that a serious kidney injury suffered against Australia denies the Ulster backline of Jared Payne’s steadying intelligence Malone says the strength in depth at Kingspan will make up for the loss of the centre.

Of the make-up of the French side he admits that all opposition, in whatever competition, is examined closely and a best guess at the formation and personnel does play a part in preparations.

“Clermont made a lot of changes for their high-scoring defeat at Pau last weekend, but interestingly the same line-up has taken the field in each of its first two Champions Cup games, and that may be a bit of a guide to who we face.

“Wesley Fofana, an obvious one to watch in midfield, did pick up a knock with France, and he may not feature, but we know they have dangerous, gifted players in every position, but we’re ready for whatever fifteen takes to the pitch.

“Last year our season was turned around by the back-to-back defeats of Toulouse, who at that point — like Clermont now — were racing ahead in the Top 14, and we delivered two outstanding and disciplined performances to win home and away, so we have ‘form’, if you like,” sais Malone.

“They score a lot of points, but they also concede a lot, with two 30-30 draws already this season. It’s not our plan for them to get the upper hand this weekend, we’re very confident, and in our own Kingspan Stadium we’ll have the support on which the players thrive.”
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugb ... 34445.html


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Ulster can derail Clermont juggernaut - Marshall
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Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile
Luke Marshall reckons Ulster are equipped to tackle mighty Clermont head-on and get the result they require in tomorrow's crunch European tie at the Kingspan Stadium.

Les Kiss' team need a win against the Pool Five leaders in the first of their back-to-back meetings to stay in touch with the Top 14 pace-setters.
"It's high pressure, do or die, but I think these type of games and that pressure brings out the best in teams," said Marshall of third-placed Ulster's chances of causing an upset against a side who have taken maximum points from their two European games.

"It's really win or bust. But we feel that we're a top quality team and hopefully it is going to bring out the best in us.
"We know we have to be at the top of our game but they are beatable. They were beaten in their last game (away to Pau in the Top 14) so we know it's possible."

Meanwhile, Romain Poite will be the man in the middle for Ireland's Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield on February 4.
World Rugby yesterday announced the appointments for the Championship, as well as the retirement of South African official Craig Joubert, who will take up the position of referee talent development coach for the governing body.

Glenn Jackson will referee Ireland's match away to Italy in the second round, while Nigel Owens will be in be charge when France come to the Aviva Stadium.
Wayne Barnes will oversee the trip to Wales, and Jerome Garces has been appointed as referee of Ireland's final game of the tournament, at home to England.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/u ... 80299.html


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LIONSWATCH: CLUB PROFILE ULSTER RUGBY
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When Rory Best made his 100th appearance in an Ireland shirt, it was a proud day for the entirety of Ulster and the only professional team he has ever played for.

Ulster have been regulars in the knockout stages of both the Guinness PRO12 and in European competitions throughout recent times with Kingspan Stadium renowned for its fierce atmosphere.

They reached the quarter finals of the European Cup for the first time since 1999 in 2011 and 12 months later reached the final where they lost to Leinster.

Their most recent domestic final came in 2013 where they were beaten 24-18 again by their Irish rivals Leinster at the RDS Arena in Dublin.

Sky Sports’ Mark Robson has been following Ulster closely over recent years and was impressed by the start to the season made by the team.

“They looked very exciting at the start of the season, they were off-loading well and the back line was functioning,” he said.

“But they have not had the same backline on consecutive weekends, there are three to five changes a week because of injuries and Ireland call-ups.

“Ulster’s game seems to be suited to the 4G surface, that’s where their best performances have been, they like to get their wingers involved and play a high tempo game.”

Lions Contenders
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Ireland captain Best led his side to a famous victory over the Lions’ 2017 opponents New Zealand in November to lay down an early marker with Lions head coach Warren Gatland.

“At 33 he’s playing the best rugby of his career,” added Robson.

“He was magnificent in the November internationals, he’s got his 100 caps and his stats have improved, he’s more accurate and he’s exceptionally good over the ball.

“The players who play around him say the amount of unseen work he does is phenomenal. You have to be on the pitch to realise how important he is.”

Elsewhere Robson expects Iain Henderson to mount a strong challenge for a place on the plane to New Zealand if he can find the kind of form he demonstrated last season.

“Iain Henderson has had some injuries but he was very good last season,” he said.

“He has not got up to speed yet this season and he’s more of a marked man these days. He has huge potential to be a world class player, there’s no question about that.

“He has that versatility and he will have played a lot of rugby at second row and back row, he’s probably equally adept in both positions.”

Bolter Potential

With Ulster making a strong start in the Guinness PRO12 and sitting in a tough European pool alongside Clermont Auvergne, Bordeaux-Begles and Exeter Chiefs, there are certainly chances to impress Gatland and his new coaching line-up and Robson believes Stuart McCloskey or Craig Gilroy could yet catch the eye.
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“If he can get a run of games, Stuart McCloskey, is a big, quick boy and with good hands who off loads well. He would definitely be a Warren Gatland style of player, he could be the new Jamie Roberts.

“He’s just back from injury and scored a try so he needs a run of games.

“The only real outside bolter would be Craig Gilroy, he was joint top try scorer in the Guinness Pro12 last year and he can beat players for fun. He’s phenomenal when he gets space.”

Lions in history

As one of the four Irish provinces, Ulster have made significant contributions to the British & Irish Lions throughout their long history including Jackie Kyle and Syd Millar.

In particular, during the Lions’ historic 1971 series victory over New Zealand, two Ulstermen in Mike Gibson and Willie John McBride shone in the famous red jersey.
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“Mike Gibson, they still talk about him in New Zealand,” Robson explained.

“He played when they won in New Zealand and they had never seen the like of him and he’s still revered there.

“He played ten and was a cross between Barry John and Conrad Smith, you can’t get higher praise than that.

“Willie John McBride was the same for what he brought as a leader. The All Blacks respect players who will stand up and show no fear and Willie John was that kind of guy.”

Ulster Rugby
Captain: Rob Herring and Andrew Trimble
Director of Rugby: Les Kiss
Website: http://www.ulsterrugby.com
Twitter: @UlsterRugby
Home Ground: Kingspan Stadium
http://www.lionsrugby.com/news/lionswat ... EppafCLTIU
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

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Friday 9th December 2016


Image Round 3 - Teams


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ULSTER TEAM NAMED FOR CLERMONT CLASH
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Rory Best and Paddy Jackson are included in Ulster's starting XV for Saturday's Champions Cup fixture against Pool 5 leaders ASM Clermont Auvergne (Kingspan Stadium, 1.00pm).
Tickets for the match against the French giants are still available via ulsterrugby.com/buytickets.

Best and Jackson return to provincial action after contributing so much to Ireland's successful November series. The international pair are 2 of 4 changes to the team that claimed a bonus point 23-35 win over Cardiff Blues last weekend, with Robbie Diack and Louis Ludik also earning starting berths.

Best will captain the side from hooker and he will be joined in the front row by props Kyle McCall and Wiehahn Herbst. Diack and Pete Browne will form a mobile second row unit, with Iain Henderson, Chris Henry and Sean Reidy making up an all-international loose forward trio.

Jackson will partner the influential Ruan Pienaar at half back, while Stuart McCloskey and Luke Marshall will continue in midfield. Ludik, who made a try-scoring return from injury in Cardiff, is named in a back three that also includes Tommy Bowe and Charles Piutau.

Rob Herring, Andy Warwick and Rodney Ah You will provide Kiss with strong front row options off the bench. Exciting young lock Kieran Treadwell and utility forward Clive Ross are also named among the replacements. Paul Marshall, Darren Cave and Ireland U20 star Jacob Stockdale complete the match day squad.

This will be the third fixture between the clubs after they met in the pool stage in 2011/12, when both matches were won by the home side.

Ulster has won 7 of its last 8 home games against Top 14 opposition, with its only defeat in that run coming in Round 2 in 2014, against RC Toulon.

However, on Saturday, they will come up against a formidable Clermont side that has won its last five games against Irish opposition.

Franck Azéma's men have been extremely impressive so far this season as they remain the only team to take maximum points from their opening two European games, and also lead the way in the Top 14, with just 3 losses after 13 rounds.

Ulster team and replacements to play ASM Clermont Auvergne, European Rugby Champions Cup, Saturday 10th December, Kingspan Stadium (kick-off 1.00pm):
(15-9): C Piutau, T Bowe, L Marshall, S McCloskey, L Ludik, P Jackson, R Pienaar;
(1-8): K McCall, R Best (capt), W Herbst, P Browne, R Diack, I Henderson, C Henry, S Reidy;
Replacements (16-23): R Herring, A Warwick, R Ah You, K Treadwell, C Ross, P Marshall, D Cave, J Stockdale.
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/fixtures/155 ... Eqfs_CLTIU


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Preview: Ulster v Clermont
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Rory Best and Paddy Jackson are included in Ulster's starting XV for Saturday's Champions Cup fixture against Clermont Auvergne.

Best and Jackson return to provincial action after contributing so much to Ireland's successful November series.

The international pair are two of four changes to the team that claimed a bonus point 23-35 win over Cardiff Blues last weekend, with Robbie Diack and Louis Ludik also earning starting berths.

Best will captain the side from hooker and he will be joined in the front row by props Kyle McCall and Wiehahn Herbst. Diack and Pete Browne will form a mobile second row unit, with Iain Henderson, Chris Henry and Sean Reidy making up an all-international loose forward trio.

Jackson will partner the influential Ruan Pienaar at half back, while Stuart McCloskey and Luke Marshall will continue in midfield. Ludik, who made a try-scoring return from injury in Cardiff, is named in a back three that also includes Tommy Bowe and Charles Piutau.

Rob Herring, Andy Warwick and Rodney Ah You will provide Kiss with strong front row options off the bench. Exciting young lock Kieran Treadwell and utility forward Clive Ross are also named among the replacements. Paul Marshall, Darren Cave and Ireland U20 star Jacob Stockdale complete the match day squad.

Meanwhile, Clermont make a number of changes to the side who lost away to Pau in the Top 14 last weekend.

David Strettle is the only survivor in the backline outside of the half-backs, as Scott Spedding, Rémi Lamerat, Wesley Fofana and Nick Abendanon all return.

Peceli Yato starts at number eight in place of Fritz Lee, with Alexandre Lapandry also getting the nod in the back row alongside captain Damien Chouly.

Sébastien Vahaamahina replaces Sitaleki Timani at lock, with the experienced Davit Zirakashvili and Benjamin Kayser coming into the front row.

Form: Ulster have won one out of two matches so far in the tournament and are currently third on the Pool Five table behind Bordeaux-Bègles and Clermont, who top the pool with two bonus-point victories. Ulster lost 28-13 to UBB at Stade Chaban-Delmas in their opener before claiming a narrow 19-18 win over Exeter Chiefs at the Kingspan Stadium in Round Two. Clermont's campaign started on a high when they beat Exeter 35-8 at Sandy Park and in their next match, they registered a 49-33 victory over UBB at Stade Marcel-Michelin.

The teams:

Ulster: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Luke Marshall, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Louis Ludik, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Sean Reidy, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Iain Henderson, 5 Robbie Diack, 4 Peter Browne, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Rory Best (c), 1 Kyle McCall
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Andy Warwick, 18 Rodney Ah You, 19 Kieran Treadwell, 20 Clive Ross, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Darren Cave, 23 Jacob Stockdale

Clermont: 15 Scott Spedding, 14 David Strettle, 13 Rémi Lamerat, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Nick Abendanon, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Peceli Yato, 7 Alexandre Lapandry, 6 Damien Chouly (c), 5 Sébastien Vahaamahina, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Davit Zirakashvili, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 1 Raphaël Chaume
Replacements: 16 Yohan Beheregaray, 17 Etienne Falgoux, 18 Clément Ric, 19 Sitaleki Timani, 20 Camille Gerondeau, 21 Ludovic Radosavljevic, 22 Benson Stanley, 23 Alivereti Raka

Date: Saturday, December 10
Venue: Kingspan Stadium
Kick-off: 13:00 GMT
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant Referees: Peter Allan (England), Paul Dix (England)
TMO: Sean Davey (England)
http://www.planetrugby.com/news/preview ... lermont-2/


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Niall's watching brief has found weaknesses to exploit
Niall Malone's work is hugely significant but remains largely unseen and only appreciated by those who directly benefit from it. His job is all about delving deep into video analysis to uncover opponents' weaknesses which can then be exposed by Ulster's game-plan.

It's mostly a world spent staring at a PC screen where the ability to edit clips into digestible packages is key, but you don't envy his most pressing task as the last while has seen Ulster's performance analyst and skills coach putting in his time looking for chinks in Clermont's formidable armour for tomorrow's must-win Champions Cup clash.
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+Video...... http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 79758.html


Rory Best and Paddy Jackson return for Ulster's Clermont Champions Cup clash
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 81361.html


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Ulster re-introduce Rory Best and Paddy Jackson for Clermont clash
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/e ... -1.2899472


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Ulster name Best captain against imposing Clermont outfit
http://www.the42.ie/ulster-clermont-tea ... 4-Dec2016/
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If You Have To Ask....You Don't Understand
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Mac
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

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Monday 12th December 2016


Image Round 3 - The Result

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:red: ULSTER 39 - 32 Clermont Auvergne


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DicksonDigital.com
Ulster's firepower has rarely been more impressive this season as tries from Luke Marshall (2), Iain Henderson, Paddy Jackson and Charles Piutau secured the win against elite French outfit Clermont, whose spirited comeback in the final quarter saw them leave Kingspan Stadium with two bonus points.
Les Kiss's side now sit second in Pool Five on nine points at the half-way stage, three behind leaders Clermont - who they will face again next Sunday in what is sure to be another colossal clash at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

The province welcomed Jackson and Rory Best back into the fold after their successful autumn international series with Ireland, and while some big names were missing - among them Jared Payne, Andrew Trimble and Craig Gilroy - the starting XV still comprised 11 full internationals.

Two other changes from last weekend's bonus-point victors in Cardiff brought Robbie Diack in at flanker and Louis Ludik at wing, with the rest of the backline unchanged with Piutau at full-back, Tommy Bowe on the right wing, Marshall and Stuart McCloskey in the centre and Ruan Pienaar at scrum-half.

Up front Kyle McCall and Wiehahn Herbst propped either side of Best, with Pete Browne at lock alongside Diack while the triumvirate of Henderson, Chris Henry and Sean Reidy continued in the loose forward berths.

Top 14 league leaders Clermont wasted no time in stamping their authority on the match, Number Eight Peceli Yato brushing off two tackles just short of the line to dive under the posts within ninety seconds after Ulster had fumbled the visitors' kick-off.

But a sharp lay-off from Jackson to Marshall after good work from Reidy, followed by the out-half's conversion, had Ulster on level terms within seven minutes and rendered their strong travelling contingent somewhat less vociferous.
A Parra penalty soon raised the decibel level once more, as did a virtuoso midfield from Wesley Fofana until Ulster's big hitters brought him to ground. Then Piutau took over, bursting down the right wing in a move where only hesitation between the dummy and the final pass prevented the try.

Ulster did not relent, however, and with a penalty coming, a sublime crossfield kick from Jackson - and an equally impressive aerial take from Bowe - let Henderson in unchallenged for a fantastic collective score.

Jackson and Parra traded penalties before a misfiring Ulster scrum let full-back Scott Spedding in for the try on the right wing just after the half-hour mark.

The hosts responded brightly, Reidy and Bowe combining well down the right flank before Jackson proved his footballing skills are not limited to kicking for touch or goal alone as he dribbled from the '22' through a static Clermont defence for a fine individual try.

Half-Time Score Ulster 22 Clermont 18

Ulster kept up the tempo as the second half began, forcing a turnover scrum in the Clermont '22' from which the livewire Piutau gained vital yards before McCloskey's carry and Pienaar's flat pass let Marshall in for his second try and Ulster's fourth.

Number five, however, was the pick of the bunch, as Piutau slalomed through four Clermont defenders off Jackson's long pass before brushing aside a final challenge with the hand-off to ground by the corner flag.

A Jackson conversion and long-range penalty soon followed to put the result beyond doubt - but there was still the matter of depriving the visitors of bonus points - four-try or losing margin - to address.

Nick Abendanon made the task all the more difficult on 63 minutes with a well-taken score, but press as they might the French got no further change out of a stout Ulster defence until the 73rd minute when skipper Damien Chouly stretched over to secure one bonus point and give the visitors a very real chance of two.

Worse still came for Ulster a minute later when replacement prop Rodney Ah You saw yellow for a wild high tackle, but Kiss's side then knuckled down to wisely see the game out with slow ball on half-way.

Full-Time Score Ulster 39 Clermont Auvergne 32
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/fixtures/155 ... E5egfCLTIU


URTV: PIUTAU HAPPY WITH CLERMONT WIN
Charles Piutau hailed his team mates and the Ulster supporters following the win over Clermont at Kingspan Stadium.
:red: View HERE


HENDERSON ALREADY TARGETING CLERMONT RETURN
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DicksonDigital.com
Irish international back row man Iain Henderson is already looking forward to next weekend's Round 4 Champions Cup assignment in France.

Having scored one of his side's five tries in their 39-32 bonus-point win over ASM Clermont Auvergne, and picked up the Heineken Man of the Match award, Henderson is looking forward to another titanic tussle at Stade Marcel Michelin.

"Having lost in France last time out, every game is a crunch game. We will look forward to going out there next week," said Henderson.

"Hats off to Clermont - just look at how many points they scored. That's something we try to stop at Ulster, but they are a great attacking side.

"We had to have our wits about us all game, especially in the second half. They had attacking threats left, right and centre and they were fantastic.

"A couple of missed tackles in the second half cost us a couple of tries, but he dug in and hung on to the last minute.

"They kept on coming at us. We knew they would because they aren't one of the best club sides in the world for no reason. We had to knuckle down to ensure they didn't score more tries than us."

It was a second successive home win for Ulster, who are now back in contention in Pool 5. But they need to pick up a win on the road and Clermont is one of the toughest places to go to win in Europe.

Last season's pool defeat to Bordeaux-Begles was only their fifth home reverse in 13 seasons.
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/15534.php#.WE5d3PCLTIU


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Ulster edge Clermont in rollercoaster
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Ulster outscored Clermont five tries to four in a fascinating contest at the Kingspan Stadium, eventually winning 39-32.

The first half of the match was a fantastic advert for European rugby. Peceli Yato got the scoring underway for Clermont after just 69 seconds with Scott Spedding also scoring in the opening half for the visitors.

However, Luke Marshall, Iain Henderson and Paddy Jackson scored tries sent Ulster into the break with the lead.

The second half was equally exhilarating, as Marshall completed his brace early in the half before Chales Piatau looked to have killed the game off with a fifth try.

Despite a 21-point deficit, Clermont rallied and tries from Nick Abendanon and Damien Chouly gave Ulster a scare, but they held out to secure a stunning bonus-point victory.

For their late surge, the French side leave Belfast with two bonus points, meaning they lead Ulster by three points atop Pool 5.

With just over a minute on the clock, Clermont scored the first try of the match, Fijian back-row Yato scoring under the posts for the visitors to get the scoreboard ticking.

Morgan Parra added the extras to establish an early seven-point lead. Ulster hit back with a try of their own after seven minutes. Marshall powered straight through the Clermont defence to score at the posts. Jackson converted the score to draw the sides level.

A penalty from Parra after ten minutes nudged the French side back into the lead after Ulster were penalised for not rolling away.

The exhilarating start to the match continued after 16 minutes. Ruan Pienaar’’s cross-field kick was expertly brought down by Tommy Bowe who off-loaded to Henderson to score a great try. Pienaar missed his conversion but his side had claimed a 12-10 lead.

Jackson kicked a penalty after 22 minutes before Parra responded with another penalty five minutes later. This took the score to 15-13.

Spedding scored the game’’s fourth try after 31 minutes – a pick and go bringing the ball forward for the 2015 finalists before Camille Lopez and Rémi Lamerat skilfully moved the ball out wide for the full-back to cross in the corner and nudge the visitors in front at 15-18.

A brilliant individual effort from Jackson created the game’’s fifth try, adding the extras himself to nudge the home side back into the lead by four points heading into the half-time break.

Marshall scored his second and Ulster’’s fourth try of the match in the 45th minute to secure a bonus point; a lofted pass from Pienaar set up the try for Marshall after a huge carry from Stuart McCloskey. Jackson converted successfully to extend his side’s lead to 11 points.

The hosts made it five after 54 minutes, Piatau beating three men brilliantly before scoring in the right-hand corner.

Jackson’’s fine goal-kicking form continued in the 58th minute as he kicked a penalty for the home side from 50 metres, sending them into a convincing 21-point lead.

Clermont’’s third try came after 63 minutes, Abendanon scoring under the posts to keep the match alive for the French side.

A fourth try for the French side arrived with just six minutes left on the clock. Chouly powered over at the posts before Parra converted to make the score 39-32.

Despite the late surge, the Top 14 leaders came up short in their pursuit of a draw, in spite of Rodney Ah You’’s late sin-binning for the hosts.

The scorers:

For Ulster:
Tries: L Marshall 2, Henderson, Jackson, Piutau
Cons: Jackson 4
Pens: Jackson 2
Yellow Card: Ah You

For Clermont:
Tries: Yato, Spedding, Abendanon, Chouly
Cons: Parra 3
Pens: Parra 2
http://www.planetrugby.com/news/ulster- ... ercoaster/


Kiss thrilled by brilliant Ulster performance
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Ulster director of rugby Les Kiss was delighted with his team’s performance after they held off a fightback from Clermont to win on Saturday.

The hosts scored five tries, with Luke Marshall grabbing two, in a thrill-a-minute contest between the two teams as Ulster finished on top 39-32.

“I think from a performance perspective it was brilliant,” said Kiss.

“There were a lot of good things in terms of the outcome but parts of the process were a little bit disappointing as we let (Wesley) Fofana have too much room in that first half.

“That kind of momentum which let them stay in the game was disappointing but I thought in the second half we addressed that and came out and really turned up in that area.

“It was pleasing to say the least that the boys were prepared to back themselves and I think that told in the end.”

Despite racing out to a 39-18 lead Ulster were on the rack in the closing stages once Clermont began to close in.

In the end les Jaunards were forced to settle for two bonus points after four tries and finishing within seven points, setting up next weekend’s re-match nicely.

“The last 15 or 20 minutes I wouldn’t have agreed with all Wayne Barnes’ penalty decisions but that’s what it was and we weren’t just good enough to stem that enough,” he added.

“That’s why we’re a little bit disappointed as the two points keeps them in control of the pool and we know we’re going over to a cauldron (next week).

“But we must step up to that challenge and build on the some of the really good things that we produced.

“Overall some positives came out of this and particularly our back row as they made them scrap for everything and kept the momentum in our game.”
http://www.planetrugby.com/news/kiss-th ... rformance/


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Henderson helps Ulster to impressive bonus-point win over Clermont
Les Kiss’ men were in try-scoring form at Kingspan Stadium.
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Presseye/Darren Kidd/INPHO
A CLASSIC EUROPEAN encounter this afternoon in Belfast saw five-try Ulster resist a late surge from pool-topping Clermont Auvergne to keep their Champions Cup hopes alive ahead of what will be an explosive return match at Stade Marcel Michelin next Sunday.

Ulster’s firepower has rarely been better this season as tries from Luke Marshall (2), Iain Henderson, Paddy Jackson and Charles Piutau carved out a 21-point advantage, which the French gamely clawed back to seven in the final quarter to return home with two bonus points.

At the half-way stage in the pool games Clermont sit on 12 points with Ulster second on nine, although the French outfit have a further advantage of two home ties still to play, as opposed to Ulster’s solitary remaining match at the Kingspan against Bordeaux-Begles.

The northern province welcomed Rory Best and Paddy Jackson back into the fold after their successful Autumn international series with Ireland, and while some big names were missing – among them Jared Payne, Andrew Trimble and Craig Gilroy – the starting XV still comprised 11 full internationals.

Top 14 league leaders Clermont wasted no time in stamping their authority on the match, number eight Peceli Yato brushing off two tackles just short of the line to dive under the posts within ninety seconds after Ulster had fumbled the visitors’ kick-off.

But a sharp lay-off from Jackson to Marshall after good work from Sean Reidy, followed by the out-half’s conversion, had Ulster on level terms within seven minutes and rendered the strong travelling contingent somewhat less vociferous.

A Parra penalty soon raised the decibel level once more, as did a virtuoso midfield dash from Wesley Fofana until Ulster’s big hitters brought him to ground.

Then Piutau took over, bursting down the right wing in a move where only hesitation between the dummy and the final pass prevented the try.

Ulster did not relent, however, and with a penalty coming, a sublime crossfield kick from Jackson – and an equally impressive aerial take and offload from Tommy Bowe – let Henderson in unchallenged for a fantastic collective score.

Jackson and Parra traded penalties before a misfiring Ulster scrum let fullback Scott Spedding in for the try on the right wing just after the half-hour mark.

The hosts responded brightly, Reidy and Bowe combining well down the right flank before Jackson proved his footballing skills are not limited to kicking for touch or goal alone as he dribbled from the 22 through a static Clermont defence for a fine individual try.

Ulster kept up the tempo as the second half began, forcing a turnover scrum in the Clermont 22 from which the livewire Piutau gained vital yards before Stuart McCloskey’s carry and Ruan Pienaar’s flat pass let Marshall in for his second try and Ulster’s fourth.

Number five, however, was the pick of the bunch, as Piutau slalomed through four Clermont defenders off Jackson’s long pass before brushing aside a final challenge with the hand-off to ground by the corner flag.

A Jackson conversion and long-range penalty soon followed to put the result beyond doubt – but there was still the matter of depriving the visitors of bonus points – four-try or losing margin – to address.

Nick Abendanon made the task all the more difficult on 63 minutes with a well-taken score, but press as they might the French got no further change out of a stout Ulster defence until the 73rd minute when skipper Damien Chouly stretched over to secure one bonus point and give the visitors a very real chance of two.
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Worse still came for Ulster a minute later when replacement prop Rodney Ah You saw yellow for a wild high tackle, but Les Kiss’s side then knuckled down to wisely see the game out with slow ball on half-way.
http://www.the42.ie/ulster-clermont-mat ... 3-Dec2016/


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Slick Ulster hoping slack last quarter won't come back to haunt them
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Charles Piutau of Ulster is tackled by Clermont’s Remi Lamerat Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
When they needed it most, Ulster's big names were back to their best to lift the province to a performance that few had predicted.

Since topping the Pro12 after a five from five start to the season, Les Kiss' side had looked lethargic throughout October and November.
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Benjamin Kayser of ASM Clermont Auvergne is tackled by Chris Henry, left, of Ulster. Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile

As a combination of injuries and international commitments robbed them of many of their shining lights, they slumped to four losses in five before rebounding to beat Cardiff to begin December.

While Andrew Trimble, Jared Payne and Marcell Coetzee are still on the sidelines, with the rest of the key men back in harness to face Clermont on Saturday, the Top14 pace-setters came out second best.
Les Jaunards arrived in Belfast to much fanfare, with Kiss claiming their team-sheet would "put the fear of God in you".

And while they played their part in a nine-try thriller, especially the sparkling Wesley Fofana who the hosts simply couldn't handle, it was Ulster's heavy hitters who made the more telling contributions.

With Rory Best, Iain Henderson and Chris Henry - Ulster's only forwards with more than a handful of Irish caps to their name - in the same starting pack for the first time in six months, the unit matched their physically imposing visitors in the tight exchanges.

And it was a similar case in the back-line where Paddy Jackson was back to direct the flow of Ulster's game, working so well once again with scrum-half Ruan Pienaar.
In a helter-skelter first-half, the lead changed hands seven times and, while Ulster were in front for the entirety of the second 40, the frantic finish maintained plenty of drama right to the end.

The visitors took the lead after just 67 seconds, but Luke Marshall responded quickly with the first of a brace and so a pattern was established.
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Sean Reidy of Ulster is tackled by Flip van der Merwe of ASM Clermont Auvergne. Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile

Ulster produced scores of real quality but were hampered by poor restarts and missed tackles - which indeed came at a frequency of one out of every five.

Pienaar's cross-kick, coming with penalty advantage on his side, and the aerial claim by Tommy Bowe to set up a try for Henderson, required precise execution from all parties but there was nothing measured about what followed for Clermont's second.
There were fine hands from the visitors to put Scott Spedding away in the corner, but Ulster had contributed having lost a lineout and been turned over in the scrum in the preceding minutes.

Jackson's skill with the boot for Ulster to re-take the lead would have been right at home in Windsor Park, and Marshall's second after the turn ensured Ulster at least a try-scoring bonus.
Having banked four tries just once in the first three months of the campaign, the feat has already been managed twice in December.

The hosts were in the ascendancy and, with double World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea having been paraded at half-time, Charles Piutau produced a champagne moment of his own to build a big lead.
After Best - skippering the side again due to Trimble's injury - went for the corner when a successful penalty would have created a gap of two scores, the ball was worked from the line-out to the Kiwi full-back.

Still with three men between him and the line, there was plenty to do but such is his talent, he made it look straightforward.

Having spent the early games of his Kingspan career creating openings for others, Piutau has now scored three in his last four.
A Jackson penalty moved Ulster 21 points clear but the excitement was far from over.

Tries from Nick Abendanon and Damien Chouly had Ulster rocking, with a yellow card for replacement Rodney Ah You not helping matters, but they somehow held on, sealing victory after Spedding knocked on with the clock red.

Chouly's try did, however, secure two bonus points for the visitors, and Ulster's final-quarter display could end up costing them.
It was the second two-point swing in an Ulster game during this campaign, after what should have been a losing bonus for the visitors became a fourth try for Bordeaux in the Stade Chaban Delmas back in October.

That, though, will be a discussion for later in the competition.

For now, their hopes are very much alive.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/c ... 85868.html


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Ulster Rugby victorious over Clermont in thrilling game at Kingspan
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Ulster's Paddy Jackson kicks through before scoring a try INPHO/Presseye/Darren Kidd
Ulster held their own remarkably and clung on for a bonus point win that, for the moment, keeps them well in the hunt for a place in the last eight

In one of the most thrilling games of rugby at the Kingspan Stadium, Ulster desperately clung on for a 39-32 bonus point win over Clermont Auvergne in the Champions' Cup.

Needing a victory to keep their European hopes alive, Les Kiss' men ran five tries past the Top14 leaders to keep themselves firmly in touch in their European pool.

Clermont did fight back for a losing bonus point and a try bonus point too, but Ulster will be delighted with the victory that keeps their slim qualification hopes intact.

Ulster had spoken about starting quickly in midweek, but their quick start involved them losing the ball from the kick off and immediately conceding a try as Clermont number eight Peceli Yato battered his way over after just 70 seconds.

There were concerns that might have set the tone for the rest of the game, but Ulster struck back just five minutes later as Luke Marshall picked a beautiful line off a Jackson pass and the centre galloped over to tie the scores.

Morgan Parra, who converted Yato's try, put the visitors back in the lead with a penalty before Ulster missed a gilt-edged chance to add a second try when Charles Piutau somehow squandered a three-on-one.

Luckily for the All Black full back it wasn't to cost them as Ulster scored another sensational try, Tommy Bowe gathering a Ruan Pienaar crossfield kick and offloading to Iain Henderson who had the easy task of walking over the line.

Despite all that it was still Clermont who were looking the better team with their bruising pack, while Wesley Fofana was in brilliant form in the centre for the Auvergne outfit.

And, after Jackson and Parra traded penalties, the French side retook the lead through full back Scott Spedding who slid over in the corner after sustained pressure on the Ulster line.

But the hosts would take the lead into the break as Jackson capped off a fine first half with a cracking individual try, dabbing a kick through the Clermont defensive line and gathering himself for the third score.

It took Ulster all of five minutes after the restart to pick up that bonus point score as they went on the attack early and after several strong drives at the line, Luke Marshall drove over for the fourth try.

Even better was Charles Piutau's effort a few minutes later as the Ulstermen went from the back of a maul and the Kiwi brushed off Abendanon and Raka to find the space in the corner for try five.

Jackson added both conversions and then put over another penalty, which looked to secure all five points for Ulster.

But Clermont showed their title credentials, and didn't let the 21 point deficit deter them, and they set about hammering away at the Ulster defence in search of something to take back to France.

And they found it with two tries in the last 20 minutes, the first of which came from Nick Abendanon who cut through the Ulster defence and was able to score under the posts.

Captain Damien Chouly added Clermont's fourth with seven minutes to go as Ulster's resolve crumbled and replacement tighthead Rodney Ah You saw yellow for a high tackle a minute later and it looked like Clermont might snatch a draw.

But Ulster held their own remarkably and clung on for a bonus point win that, for the moment, keeps them well in the hunt for a place in the last eight.
http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/rugb ... t-12302062


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LIONSWATCH: JACKSON AND HENDERSON INSPIRE FAMOUS ULSTER WIN.
Paddy Jackson and Iain Henderson starred as Ulster secured a famous bonus-point win over Clermont Auvergne to strengthen their chances of making the European Champions Cup knockout stages.

With Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt watching on, Jackson – who deputised superbly for Jonathan Sexton in the autumn victory over Australia – continued his fine form.

The fly-half scored a wonderful solo try, pulled the strings in fine fashion all day and added 14 points from the kicking tee in a consummate all-round display at the Kingspan Stadium.

Henderson, starting on the blindside flank, won the man of the match award for his fine try and dynamic performance at the breakdown and in the lineout.

A REAL RESPONSE

Clermont came into the clash on top of Pool 5 and riding high in the Top 14 and they hit the front as early as the second minute when Peceli Yato went over.

But Les Kiss’ side – marshalled superbly all day by Ireland skipper Rory Best – were in the mood in Belfast and Jackson was the key creator of the first of their five tries on the day.

Standing flat, the No 10 put his centre Luke Marshall in under the posts and the Irish province soon had a second when two-time Lion Tommy Bowe climbed high to claim a cross-field kick and offload to the impressive Henderson to go over.

Clermont then claimed a second score from Scott Spedding in a dramatic first half but Jackson was just getting started.

SOLO SLALOM

The fly-half turned from provider to try scorer to send Ulster in ahead at the break and it was a superb effort.

Spotting space in behind, Jackson dabbed a clever left-footed kick in, beat the covering defender and showed fine footballing skills to nudge the ball over the line with his right foot before falling on it.

With the conversion as well Ulster were in command, leading 22-18 at the break.

DRAMA APLENTY

After the interval the game continued at a breakneck pace and it was Ulster who started the brighter.

First it was Ireland centre Marshall crashing over for his second on a clever ball from Ruan Pienaar.

And when All Black Charles Piutau showed his brilliance to dance over in the right corner Ulster looked home and hosed for a bonus-point win.

But not for nothing are Clermont one of the powerhouses of Europe and former England flyer Nick Abendanon brought them back into the game with their third try.

The rest of the clash was spent trying to deny Clermont a fourth try that would bring them two bonus points and keep them in charge of the Pool.

But in the end the pressure told and Damien Chouly muscled over and Ulster had to settle for a 39-32 victory.
http://www.lionsrugby.com/news/lionswat ... E5ojfCLTIU


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Ulster claim bonus point despite defensive frailties
Clermonts two bonus points keeps the French side in control of the Pool Four
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/e ... -1.2901508


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Ulster target Clermont double
http://www.epcrugby.com/europeanrugbych ... E5qK_CLTIU

Clermont wary of Ulster threat - Abendanon
http://www.epcrugby.com/europeanrugbych ... E5qIPCLTIU

REPORT: Five star Ulster down Clermont
http://www.epcrugby.com/europeanrugbych ... /34164.php


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Ulster's Ludik says Clermont return game will be 'tough'
Video.... http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/38278080

Kiss praises Ulster composure in win over Clermont
http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/38278078


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My brilliant Ulster heroes must step up again, demands Les Kiss
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 86205.html


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Ulster take the fight to Clermont
Ulster has enjoyed some spectacular victories in Europe but, surely, none can have matched this lunchtime encounter for excitement, unpredictability and high-class rugby.

That the home side deservedly conjured a victory, and a priceless bonus point in scoring five tries, thrilled a capacity Kingspan crowd which was left in no doubt as to why Clermont currently dominate the French club game.

Clermont’s four-try haul meant a bonus point, as did a late surge which reduced the deficit to just seven points, so after maximum points from their two previous Pool 5 outings they remain in control of the group as the teams prepare for the return fixture in the French Alps on Sunday.

“We had to be smart in the closing 20 minutes,” said Ulster head coach Neil Doak. “Clermont got some momentum after we got a 39-18 lead. They are a dangerous side from any part of the pitch with world-class players and we conceded two converted tries and they might have easily turned the game on its head.

“But our big players stood up, we were down to 14 men but kept the ball, ran down the clock and got what was our best win, and performance, of the season. Now we have to go to France and do it all again, and we know that we are very much alive in the competition.”

Yet it all started so ominously. In the first minute Ulster failed to gather the kick-off, Clermont forced a lineout in the corner, Nick Abendanon saw a gap, the thunderous Pecell Yato scored at the posts, Morgan Parra making it 7-0.

Though Parra, Camille Lopez and the sublime Wesley Fofana threatened even more damage Ulster came up with a magnificent seventh-minute response, scrum-half Ruan Pienaar the conductor, Paddy Jackson the calm conduit as Luke Marshall’s sharp line saw him crash in at the posts, Jackson swiftly levelling the game.

Three minutes later, Clermont went ahead after camping on the home line, the Ulster defence conceded the penalty, Parra obliged.

In the 16th minute Pienaar reminded us of just what we’ll miss when he is forced out of Irish rugby in the summer.

From a ruck on the left he spotted Tommy Bowe way out right: The kick was pinpoint, Bowe soared, and as he tumbled to earth the Lions wing off-loaded brilliantly to man-of-the match Ian Henderson who touched down for 12-10 lead. Jackson’s penalty in the 22nd minute increased the lead, a rather prosaic score in a match full of pace, thunderous tackling and adventure.

Fofana’s brilliant intervention drew a penalty for Parra to reduce the deficit to 15-13 in the 27th minute, then four minutes later Lopez brilliantly created the chance for full-back Scott Spedding to squeeze over on the right as the French regained the lead at 18-15.

But an Ulster team superbly led by Rory Best sped upfield, Pienaar was obstructed but Jackson flatfooted the visiting defence with a grubber kick, gathered cleanly to score and his conversion made it 22-18 at the break.

Five minutes into the second half Jackson’s huge kick won position near the Clermont line, and eventually it was Pienaar who combined with an inspired Marshall who crashed over for his second converted try and a 29-18 lead and a bonus point. Then Charles Piutau’s astonishing 54th minute arcing run and side-step had the crowd on its feet, Jackson’s conversion making it an almost incredible 36-18 lead.

That became 39-18 when for once Best asked Jackson to use the tee from 44 yards and the Irish out-half split the posts.

The Clermont response was inevitable, and a clever 63rd minute switch saw Lopez send Abendanon over, Parra converting, and 10 minutes later the all-action skipper Damien Chouly went over from a forward drive for his team’s fourth try, Parra adding the extras and the scoreline was now 39-32, the French determined to get the win, aided by Rodney Ah You’s yellow card after a torrid 15 minutes as a front-row replacement.

Now Pienaar took the game by the scruff of the neck, kept the ball close, always in Ulster hands for a nailbiting five minutes and more, before Piutau, exhausted like all his team-mates, launched the ball high into the stands in the 83rd minute.

To ask for a repeat in terms of rugby excellence — and from Ulster’s perspective another win — in France on Sunday appears greedy!
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugb ... 34813.html
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

Post by Mac »

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Thursday 15th December 2016


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Ulster need international class rugby for double: Doak
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Ulster head coach Neil Doak has warned his side will need to be playing international-quality rugby if they are to get the better of Clermont in the Stade Marcel-Michelin on Sunday afternoon (3.05pm kick-off).

The province edged a nine-try thriller against the French giants in Kingspan Stadium last weekend to give them a real chance of progressing to the Champions Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2014.

Win this weekend and they would be in the driving seat for the last eight but Doak believes the challenge will be even greater in the Auvergne.

"The European games, they're massive," he said. "They bring a different edge to things, and everybody knows what needs to be done. You need to be at your best. You've got to be the best on the pitch.

"On the back of Saturday, Rory Best and the boys were saying that was like an international. The intensity, the speed of the game, the quality. It's going to have to be another massive performance on Sunday, away and in Clermont."

The former scrum-half was pessimistic when asked if Ulster would be boosted by any potential returns from injury.

He revealed that both captain Andrew Trimble and Stuart Olding had trained with the squad yesterday but said both were "not overly comfortable".
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 95671.html


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Ulster determined to maintain clinical finishing standards on return trip to Clermont
By Neil Doak’s measures, the northern province took 90% of their chances against the French giants.
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Presseye/Darren Kidd/INPHO
ULSTER BACKS COACH Neil Doak wants his side to sustain their killer instinct when they face Clermont in Stade Marcel Michelin this Sunday.

Ulster scored five tries in a thrilling 39 – 32 win over the Top 14 leaders. But, sitting third, they still have great deal of work to do if they are to escape Champions Cup pool 5.

“It’s credit to the players, they brought that level of intensity,” Doak said of a match most judged against international Test standards.

“The most pleasing thing is that we got in the right areas and we were clinical.
“It’s probably the most clinical we’ve been. By the measures we use we were close to 90%, which is absolutely superb against a quality team like Clermont.”

They got off to a great start from their point of view. Credit to the boys for getting back into it. We had a purple patch, put the points on the board and that was the key aspect.”

Though Andrew Trimble and Stuart Olding have stepped up their return, Doak does not expect the pair back in contention for the trip to France. And, bar an injury to Robbie Diack, he expects a similar 23 to take the field this weekend.

One change Doak does hope to see is an improved return from the scrum to force Clermont into working harder for their field position after a worrying late rally at Kingspan Stadium.

“We were probably a bit ill-disciplined. The scrum probably wasn’t as strong as it’s been most of the season. They got a couple of penalties, a little bit of territory, and they were able to get in and put points on the board.

“If we control those areas a bit better then hopefully they won’t get that territory. If we don’t let them into those areas, then hopefully they’ll have to run from a bit deeper.”

And if Clermont are forced away from the set-piece, Les Kiss’ side will back their engine to cope with an open game, having yielded a brilliant Iain Henderson try from a long passage of play on Saturday afternoon.
“There’s parts of that game where there were four-minute passages of play. If we can keep that level of play, level of intensity, play with ball in hand and on the pitch (then) hopefully some of their bigger guys will get tired and we can expose them.”
http://www.the42.ie/ulster-killer-insti ... 7-Dec2016/


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European Champions Cup, Pool 5: Clermont Auvergne v Ulster (Sun)
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Inpho
Date: Sunday, 18 December Venue: Stade Marcel Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand Kick-Off: 15:05 GMT
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Ulster Medium Wave and the BBC Sport website
Ulster appear to have emerged unscathed from the thrilling European Champions Cup win over Clermont Auvergne for Sunday's return game in France.

Head coach Neil Doak said on Wednesday all the players involved in the 39-32 win at Kingspan Stadium look likely to be available this weekend.

"Nothing much has changed (in terms of personnel)," Doak told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.

"Hopefully everyone is available bar the longer-term injuries."

Andrew Trimble remains out of contention because of the foot injury he picked up in Ireland's win over the Wallabies but his absence was cushioned last weekend by the impressive contribution of fit-again Tommy Bowe against the Top 14 leaders.

Jared Payne (kidney injury), Peter Nelson (foot) and Marcel Coetzee (knee) are among Ulster's long-term absentees while it's not clear if wing Craig Gilroy will return this weekend after picking up a knock in the Pro12 win over Cardiff Blues earlier this month.

Iain Henderson's selection in the back row, as opposed to lock, led to a few raised eyebrows but the Ireland star went on to produce a man-of-the-match display.

The equally versatile Robbie Diack partnered Peter Browne in the second row last weekend although the South African-born Ireland international was replaced at the interval by Kieran Treadwell after putting in an impressive first-half shift.

Despite their defeat in Belfast, Clermont still came away with two bonus points which left them three ahead of Bordeaux Begles and Ulster heading into this weekend.

Bordeaux will be fancying their chances of earning a bonus-point home victory over Exeter after beating the English club away on Sunday.

Therefore, Ulster will feel that they need at least a bonus point in France this weekend to keep themselves on track for the knockout stages.

Ulster must repeat clinical display - Doak

Doak believes Ulster will have to repeat their clinical display of last weekend to have any chance of a repeat success.

"We were clinical last weekend when we got opportunities although to be fair, they were pretty clinical as well.

"This weekend when we get into their 22, we've got to make sure that we put points on the board.

"They are a free-flowing team and they can score points very quickly."

In terms of "work ons" from last weekend, Doak accepts that Ulster's scrum struggled at times, particularly in the closing stages.

"There were a couple of scrums that we weren't happy with and we've been working on that.

"There were a couple of missed tackles as well although they missed a few too.

"We've just got to make sure that when we do get put under pressure, that we're scrambling hard for each other."
http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/38320014

Ulster's Bowe thrilled to be back on European stage
Ulster's Tommy Bowe says he's thrilled to be back on the European Champions Cup stage as he prepares for the Irish province's return game with Clermont Auvergne on Sunday.

Bowe missed all of Ulster's European campaign last year after sustaining a serious knee injury in Ireland's World Cup quarter-final defeat by Argentina.

"When you are out of the game for a long time because of injury, these European games are the ones you really miss," Bowe told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.
Video Interview...... http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/38323306
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

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Friday 16th December 2016


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McCall: Ulster need to be relentless to clinch Clermont victory
Last Saturday's 39-32 Champions Cup victory over Clermont was breathtakingly fast and wonderfully furious, which was just fine as far as Kyle McCall was concerned.

Ulster's loose-head prop isn't exactly one for simply doing his stuff at the set-piece while also putting in the occasional tackle around the fringe of a ruck.

For McCall, performing requires him to show up in the loose and do more than his bit to keep the ball alive with some unusually deft handling skills for a prop, an ability honed when he was younger and practising with "wee brother" Zack who is a hooker at the Ulster Academy .

That desire to have the ball and create space for himself and others was, typically, in evidence in last weekend's epic first-up meeting with the French.

It was a real lung-buster for all the players, though particularly the front row, where McCall put in a fairly decent 55-minute shift.

And he admits that he was feeling it after the end-to-end intensity of one of the greatest games to be played at the Kingspan Stadium

"It was hard, but I quite like it (that way)," stated the 24-year-old of the nine-try thriller. "It was definitely tough to keep up with the pace of the game, but that's what I like to do.

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"It was one of the hardest games I've ever been involved in and one of the fastest."

And just in case you might have thought that Ulster could be approaching Sunday in a different mindset going to Clermont's Stade Marcel Michelin fortress, McCall makes it clear that more of the same is the only way to do it over in France.

"I think we need to continue with that pace in our game," he said of Sunday's second instalment in round four of the Champions Cup with Pool Five no longer a one-horse race.

"It's going to be the same sort of game, it's going to be fast as they like to play and so do we. If we let up in any way it will be a completely different game so we need to go in with the intensity we brought to the first game. If we can do that, hopefully we can get on the right end of it."

But, of course, there is ample room for improvement as the sides prepare to face-off again with McCall admitting that Ulster's scrum wasn't quite on the money, while conceding four tries - and two bonus points - to Les Jaunards was a poor enough return defensively after, at one point, being 39-18 up.

"First and foremost, it comes down to the scrums and we weren't overly happy with them," admitted McCall.

"That's something where we can really improve come Sunday and we have to work on our combinations and as an eight.

"Sometimes we were working (last weekend) by ourselves but if we can work as a unit I think it will be a real strength for us.

"We need to think more about us and not about them and if we can do that, as a pack, I think we'll do a lot better."

And defensively, the mantra is all about staying focused in the heat of battle.

"That's (the defence) something we also weren't so happy about," he added.

"Our defence at times saw us come off a few tackles and we really need to tighten up on that over there."

Much has been made of Clermont's formidable home record and the hugely intimidating atmosphere which is so much part of the experience.

Rory Best, Ruan Pienaar, Chris Henry and Paul Marshall were all part of the squad which narrowly lost there in 2012's final round of group games, the year Ulster made it all the way to the final after making it to the knockout stages as a best runner-up.

Indeed, McCall name-checks Best as being someone who has been reminding them of the wall of noise they can expect to face on Sunday, never mind the much-anticipated backlash likely to be unleashed by the rather stung Top 14 leaders.

Of course, Ulster are no strangers to winning in France - last season they defeated Toulouse in their back-to-back games and Oyonnax, while Montpellier and Castres have also been taken down in previous seasons - but McCall downplays any notion that Clermont are there for the taking too.

"It's a help that we've been winning there (in France) and it is something to take pride from," he said, having banked the experience of playing in those games at Toulouse and Oyonnax.

"But Clermont away is a completely different challenge and it will be one of the biggest games to be involved in.

"It's a cauldron of a place to go to and we know their supporters are very passionate."

But can they do it and put themselves in a great position to push on for qualification? McCall carefully answers and then, neatly, throws in his own question.

"We need to believe in ourselves. We believe in every player who steps out on the pitch," he said.

"We believe in each other both as a team and a unit, and hopefully we can do it. But it's all or nothing now isn't it?"

Meanwhile, Ballymena centre Callum Patterson will be replacing Sam Windsor in Ulster's senior squad after the Australian, who played for the province on three occasions, requested an early release from his Kingspan contract to go over and play in the United States.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport ... 98326.html


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Tommy Bowe believes attack will be best form of defence against Clermont
Ulster winger regaining his confidence after a prolonged spell on sidelines
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Oliver McVeigh/Sportsfile via Getty Images
When the ball fell out of the Belfast sky for Tommy Bowe last weekend and he tapped it back for Iain Henderson to lance Clermont, there was a sense the old Tommy was back.
His GAA high-ball fetch was trademark and vintage.
A penalty had been indicated. Ruan Pienaar saw his winger waving and played the advantage with a crossfield transfer to Bowe just about on the try line. It was perfect for Henderson’s glory.

“It’s always nice to throw one to the big man,” says Bowe. “Hopefully he can give me an offload this weekend.”

Bowe is likeable. The fans see an honest broker, an ordinariness to his personality, someone devoid of conceit or swagger.
Those traits do not make him better at rugby. But it’s a misunderstanding to think of Bowe as always seeing the glass half-full, especially after a year where his damaged body and a brand new knee kept him on a tight leash.

He agrees he is in a happy place, and more after beating Clermont in Kingspan Stadium. But his current sense of wellbeing stems from a natural sense of being up and running in Europe, not full head of steam yet, but back in the bosom of top-level rugby.
“A lot of times you are stuck in that gym looking at the four walls and feeling like it is never going to end,” he says. “Days when your knee isn’t feeling good and you just kind of wonder is it worth it any more.

“When you are injured you are not a very nice person to be around. It’s hard. Other people see the tough times.

Sprint

“Whenever you get out there and do a sprint on the pitch and not be troubled with a sore knee . . . to come away with a win, it 100 per cent makes it worth it, makes it good in your mind.”

It was November 2015 when Bowe suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury during Ireland’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina. It took 10 months to get back, and in his own mind, as well as that of Joe Schmidt who overlooked him for the November international series, he’s not fully there just yet.

As ever, he speaks collectively in a ‘who is Tommy Bowe but part of the team kind of way’.

“Our defence, we were a little bit disappointed with. We held off a bit; there were times we could have gone up in their faces a little bit,” he says.

“We were happy to drift off and give them easy yards. Once you give a team easy yards, you keep going backwards until you are over your own try line. So we can’t let them get over the gainline because we’ll be chasing shadows all day.”

Arm-wrestle

As Bowe sees it, Clermont have a pack that can arm-wrestle with the best and a backline with pace and verve. They can drill a tight furrow of scrums and mauls, they can throw it around to stretch Ulster wide or they can mix it up.

In Belfast they felt the home side were to be picked apart by running at them. That didn’t work, although with Clermont playing at home the same game will be run with the crowd at their backs. Bowe played there with Ospreys. He knows the drill.
“The stadium is right in the middle of the town, so super atmosphere, super ground,” he says. “They showed they can squeeze you, eke out those tries. If we want to go over there and win, we have to attack, attack, attack.”

Now it’s is a form issue for Bowe, not a body problem. One stems from the other but he’s more peacefully at home with what he must do as Schmidt looks towards another Six Nations campaign and Ulster towards the knockout phase in Europe.

“After the match I was as happy as I’ve felt in a long time,” he says. “From my own game point of view, I’m getting there. I’d like to get a bit more ball in my hands. I’d still like to get more passes, try to take people on. I feel my speed and feel sharp but I need to work a bit more in trying to be in the right place to get the pass and try to get away.”

At 32, a new man in the making.
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/t ... -1.2907619



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Revitalised Tommy Bowe happy to be back in big time with Ulster
Tommy Bowe is looking forward to Ulster’s Champions Cup game in Clermont on Sunday with a very particular reason to seek the win which would keep Ulster in contention for the quarter-finals.

“After Saturday’s win in Belfast, it was the happiest I’ve been in a long time, the European games are the ones you really miss. After two years with injuries there has been a lot of hard work put in, and to be in a dressing room with that sort of atmosphere certainly made it seem all worthwhile,” said the Ireland and two-time Lions winger.

Bowe’s return to Ulster in 2012 from a four-year spell with the Ospreys has been littered with injuries, though he fought back to fitness and form to reclaim his Ireland place for the 2015 World Cup, only to pick up a serious knee injury.

“I’ve missed a lot of games, and there were times when you’re in the gym, looking at four walls and the knee isn’t great and you do wonder is this all worth it? But games like last weekend’s most definitely prove it’s worth all that rehab.

“When you’re injured you’re not great to live with, and quite honestly my wife Lucy and my parents were as happy as I was on Saturday with the way the team performed and that I played my part,”, said Bowe.

Back in the starting line-up for less than a month the 32-year-old delighted to be operating at full pace and to have had such a significant impact on the 39-32 home win over the French, plucking a cross-kick from Ruan Pienaar out of the air before cleverly off-loading to Iain Henderson for a crucial try.

“It would be nice to get the ball in my hands and get a few tries now that’ll come, maybe Hendi’ll repay the compliment in France on Sunday,” he jokes.

Bowe is confident he can force his way back into Ireland’s plans, but for the moment he is focused only on Ulster and the prolonging the European challenge.

“We’ve got to replicate the way we played last week, do our jobs in defence and in attack, play with real pace, and be wary of the threats of Fofana, Strettle and the other great players. But, to be back, winning games with Ulster, and to be fully fit, sharp and happy is already a victory of sorts,” said Bowe.

Champions Cup Pool 5 - Clermont v Ulster

Sunday: Stade Marcel Michelin, 3.05pm

Referee: Matteo Liperini (Ita)

TV: Sky Sports 4
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/rugb ... 35546.html


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Neil Doak: Ulster must be clinical again
The assistant coach says Ulster will need to be just as ruthless as they were against Clermont last week if they want to take anything from their trip to France
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INPHO/Ryan Byrne
It's now five days since Ulster's thrilling 39-32 win over Clermont Auvergne at the Kingspan Stadium and some of us are still catching our breath.

In what was one of the best games in Belfast so far this season, the lead switched hands six times in the first half alone, and then in the second half the French side threatened to claw back a 21-point deficit and snatch a draw.

Probably the last thing both Ulster and Clermont want is a rematch, but they will meet once again this Sunday (kick-off 3.05pm) in France at the Stade Marcel-Michelin, with the Top14 leaders looking to exact some revenge.

For Ulster coach Neil Doak, it's his job to stop that from happening. But when your opponents are one of the best in Europe at tearing defences apart, that's easier said than done.

The former scrum-half, who was part of the coaching staff in 2012 when the team narrowly lost in Clermont, 19-15, says they wouldn't be too disappointed if they came away with less than four points.

"At this stage, if we got two points away to Clermont, that's the minimum," he says. "But we're not thinking like that. We've got to go there and win and give ourselves the best opportunity to get out of the pool.

"It's about being clinical again. We know it's going to be a great stadium, a great atmosphere, and they're crowd are pretty loud but there's a few have experienced that in the past. We've got some seasoned internationals who have played big games.

"On the back of Saturday, Besty and the boys were saying that was like an international. The intensity, the speed of the game, the quality. It's going to be another massive performance, away and in Clermont."

They can take a lot of confidence from their performance from last weekend, where the Ulstermen were pinpoint accurate in everything they did and ran five tries past the flailing Clermont defence.

Ulster needed at least a win to stay in European contention, and now that they have five points under their belts from the game, another two from France, or indeed four, would put them in an excellent position going into the final two games.

Doak says that Ulster need to learn from Saturday's win, both the good points and the bad points, if they want to pull off a remarkable victory in the Auvergne.

"We'll be a little disappointed with a few things, there were a few penalties from the scrum. The boys have worked hard to correct that.

"We slipped off a few tackles which allowed them to get momentum in the game. For the likes of Clermont, if you give them momentum, they're going to put points on the board. That's what we've got to try and stop but we've got to be clinical."

Also on Ulster's side is their experience from last season when, needing two wins to salvage their European campaign, they pulled off two massive back-to-back results against Toulouse, beating them both in Belfast and in France.

Doak knows that if his team want to make it into the last eight in Europe they will have to fall back on all the experience they gained from last season's double triumph over another massive French side.

"The European games, they're massive," Doak claims.

"They bring a different edge to things, and everybody knows what needs to be done. You need to be at your best. You’ve got to be the best on the pitch. Every team can beat you.

"It can be difficult (to play a team back-to-back). You've got your mindset to a level and then all of a sudden you've got to go again.

"I think that's the key for us. Last year we were ready to go again against Toulouse. There's a few sore bodies still and we have to make sure we're fresh for the weekend, both physically and mentally.

"Hopefully the work we've done will give us that extra edge and it's just about being clinical."
http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/rugb ... l-12325913


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European Champions Cup, Pool 5: Clermont Auvergne v Ulster (Sun)
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Kyle McCall hopes to be part of a much-improved Ulster scrum in Sunday's important European Champions Cup match against Clermont.

Ulster defeated the French side in last week's game at Kingspan Stadium but the scrum was creaking, especially after front row switches in the second half.

"We weren't scrummaging as a unit.

"Some people were going off on their own and scrummaging as individuals, it's something we need to improve upon," McCall told BBC Sport NI.

Clermont came from 21 points down and scored two converted tries to pick up two losing bonus points in the 39-32 defeat.

The result left Clermont still in charge of Pool 5, three points ahead of both Ulster and Bordeaux-Begles.

McCall admitted allowing Clermont to leave Belfast with two bonus points took the gloss off one of their best displays of the season.

"We know it was a good performance, but it wasn't a finished performance.

"We let them back into it and we weren't happy with that.

"If we can go over there and tighten up our defence and show that attacking threat that we have, hopefully we can do a job.

"We haven't been overly happy with our defence at times. We've been slipping off a few tackles here and there and we need to tighten up on that going over there especially.

"It'll be tough, but we need to tighten up on our defence."
http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/38327907


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PATTERSON TO REPLACE WINDSOR IN ULSTER PANEL
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Ulster Rugby has today confirmed that Sam Windsor will be replaced in the senior squad by Ballymena RFC centre Callum Patterson.

Windsor requested an early release from his contract to allow him to move to America to be with his fiancée, while he will also pursue his rugby career in the region.

The 29-year-old Australian made three appearances for Ulster since his arrival 18 months ago, including a start against Edinburgh last month. He regularly covered as 24th man for the Province in the Guinness PRO12 due to his ability to cover flyhalf and centre.

Patterson has been a prominent figure for Ballymena RFC in recent seasons, while he has also featured for Ulster A in the British & Irish Cup. He will join up with the Ulster squad on a full-time basis from the third week of February for the remainder of the season, and will be training out of work hours until then.

Patterson, who plays most of his rugby in midfield, was instrumental in helping Ballymena Academy win the 2010 Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Cup; his second half drop-goal clinched a 10-7 triumph over Belfast Royal Academy.

The 24-year-old said: "It's fantastic that I've been added to the senior panel as it's something that I've always been trying to achieve. I'm somewhat of a late developer, having come through the club game with Ballymena, so it's a great opportunity for me.

"Playing for Ulster A over the past couple of seasons has been brilliant for me, it's given me confidence and experience of playing at a good level. I learnt a lot being part of that environment and hopefully I can continue to improve my game under Les (Kiss) and the other coaches. I'd also like to thank my employers for their flexibility in giving me time off to pursue this opportunity."

Windsor added: "I got engaged about a month ago and my fiancée is over in America so it was a personal decision to join her over there. The plan is to continue to play rugby - it's a sport that is growing rapidly in that part of the world and it presents a new challenge to me.

"I've loved it here in Belfast; I probably didn't expect to love it so much. It's been a great city to live in, the people here are amazing and I've forged some life-long friendships with the boys at the club. I'll be keeping an eye on Ulster's results and I think they will have nothing but success this season and beyond."

Commenting on the news, Director of Rugby Les Kiss paid tribute to Windsor and welcomed Patterson into the squad:

"Sam is a hugely popular member of the group and he has been a top class professional in training. His positivity has really rubbed off on the rest of the squad on a weekly basis and that is hugely important.

"I know that he has contributed a great deal to Ballynahinch RFC during his time in Ulster as well, so we are not the only ones who will be sad to see him go. While it's disappointing that's he's leaving, the welfare of our players is of paramount importance to us and we fully understand his reasons. We wish Sam every success for the future.

"Callum is someone who we've been tracking for quite some time and he has played a number of times for the Ulster A team. Indeed, he has collected a few Man of the Match awards for us and that, coupled with his excellent form for Ballymena RFC, meant he has been knocking on the door of the senior squad.

"He has a great work ethic and is relishing this chance - it's exciting for us to have someone like that coming on board. We are looking forward to seeing what he can contribute to our roster."
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/news/15546.php#.WFOodvCLTIU


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Andress To Call It A Day
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Inpho
Having joined the province at the start of the season tight-head prop John Andress has today confirmed his retirement from the game.

The 32-year-old Ulster native issued the following statement:

The time has finally come to announce my retirement from professional rugby.

After 12 seasons I no longer feel that my body is capable of the rigours that the pro game requires. I feel extremely privileged to have been able to live out my childhood dream. I am also proud of the fact I played in over 200 pro games for Exeter, Harlequins, Worcester and Edinburgh Rugby.

Although my time at Munster Rugby hasn't worked out the way I would have hoped for I am glad to have experienced such a special environment. I only wish I had been here in my prime. Munster Rugby truly is a club that embodies all the core moral values that this great game teaches us. I wish Rassie and the lads all the best and I am positive the squad will enjoy continued success.

I have many fond memories of big matches and occasions but nothing is more memorable than the people you meet and the bonds you share. The camaraderie in rugby really is special and unique, and will no doubt be the hardest void to fill.

Special mention goes to Belfast Harlequins, where the journey started, Andre Bester, Alan Solomons and Rob Baxter. These three coaches truly inspired me with their hard work, commitment and passion for the game, and in doing so, I feel they got the best out of me.

I would also like to thank my agent Shaun Longstaff who continually worked hard for me, supporting me in rugby and life.

Here is to the next chapter, whatever that maybe. I will continue to keep an eye on the game I love.
http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/23636.php#.WFOlnvCLTIU
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Mac
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Re: What the Papers Say 2016/2017

Post by Mac »

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Friday 16th December 2016


Image Round 4 - Teams


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ONE CHANGE IN ULSTER TEAM FOR RETURN FIXTURE V CLERMONT
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Director of Rugby Les Kiss has made just one change to the starting XV for Ulster's Champions Cup clash away to ASM Clermont Auvergne this Sunday, from the side that defeated the Top 14 table-toppers last weekend at Kingspan Stadium.

Ulster will make the journey buoyed by the thrilling 39-32 victory over the star-studded French team, but will have it all to do once again versus a side that has lost just once in 27 previous European Cup games at home.

Franco van der Merwe will come into the second row to replace his fellow South African native Robbie Diack, who has been ruled out by injury and could be out for up to four weeks.

The rest of the match day squad remains unchanged, which means captain Rory Best and props Kyle McCall and Wiehahn Herbst will make up the front row, with Ireland trio Iain Henderson, Chris Henry and Sean Reidy named in the back row.

Half backs Ruan Pienaar and Paddy Jackson are again joined in the backline by Stuart McCloskey, Luke Marshall, Louis Ludik, Tommy Bowe and Charles Piutau.

Kieran Treadwell, who made his Champions Cup bow last weekend, is again named on the bench alongside fellow forwards Rob Herring, Andy Warwick, Rodney Ah You and Clive Ross.

Jacob Stockdale could make his European debut at Stade Marcel Michelin after being named among the replacements, while Paul Marshall and Darren Cave complete the match day 23.

The game will be televised live on Sky Sports 4, with radio commentary on BBC Radio Ulster.

Ulster team & replacements to play ASM Clermont Auvergne, European Rugby Champions Cup Round 4, Sunday 18th December, Stade Marcel Michelin (kick-off 4.05pm local time, 3.05pm GMT)
(15-9): C Piutau, T Bowe, L Marshall, S McCloskey, L Ludik, P Jackson, R Pienaar;
(1-8): K McCall, R Best (captain), W Herbst, P Browne, F van der Merwe, I Henderson, C Henry, S Reidy;
Replacements (16-23): R Herring, A Warwick, R Ah You, K Treadwell, C Ross, P Marshall, D Cave, J Stockdale.
http://www.ulsterrugby.com/fixtures/155 ... FQTMPCLTIU


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Preview: Clermont v Ulster
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Clermont boss Franck Azema has made five changes for his side’s Champions Cup match with Ulster this weekend at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

David Strettle’s injury means a return on the wing for France international Noa Nakaitaci, while Isaia Toeava comes in at full-back in place of Scott Spedding.

Raphaël Chaume is another injury-enforced change for Clermont, with Etienne Falgoux making his European debut for the club, while rising star Arthur Iturria comes in at lock.

The final change sees Damien Chouly captain the side this week from number eight, moving from blindside flanker where Georgia international Viktor Kolelishvili comes into the back row.

Meanwhile, director of rugby Les Kiss has made just one change to the starting XV for Ulster’s Champions Cup clash.

Franco van der Merwe will come into the second row to replace his fellow South African native Robbie Diack, who has been ruled out by injury and could be out for up to four weeks.

The rest of the matchday squad remains unchanged, which means captain Rory Best and props Kyle McCall and Wiehahn Herbst will make up the front row, with Ireland trio Iain Henderson, Chris Henry and Sean Reidy named in the back row.

Half-backs Ruan Pienaar and Paddy Jackson are again joined in the backline by Stuart McCloskey, Luke Marshall, Louis Ludik, Tommy Bowe and Charles Piutau.

Kieran Treadwell, who made his Champions Cup bow last weekend, is again named on the bench alongside fellow forwards Rob Herring, Andy Warwick, Rodney Ah You and Clive Ross.

Jacob Stockdale could make his European debut at Stade Marcel Michelin after being named among the replacements, while Paul Marshall and Darren Cave complete the matchday 23.

Form: Clermont are still at the top of the Pool 5 standings despite losing in the corresponding fixture at Ulster last weekend. The French outfit currently have 12 points from three matches after picking up two bonus points at the Kingspan Stadium and impressive wins over Exeter Chiefs and Bordeaux-Begles in their first two matches. Ulster will be hoping to make it back-to-back Pool 5 wins against Clermont after claiming a famous 39-32 success in Belfast last weekend. A second victory in eight days could see Ulster top the pool going into 2017, if Bordeaux-Begles fail to beat Exeter Chiefs on Saturday. The Ulstermen have won two games on the bounce, and will look to extend their run at the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin on Sunday.

The teams:

Clermont: 15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Noa Nakaitaci, 13 Rémi Lamerat, 12 Wesley Fofana, 11 Nick Abendanon, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Damien Chouly (c), 7 Alexandre Lapandry, 6 Viktor Kolelishvili, 5 Sébastien Vahaamahina, 4 Arthur Iturria, 3 Davit Zirakashvili, 2 Benjamin Kayser, 1 Raphaël Chaume
Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Thomas Domingo, 18 Michael Simutoga, 19 Flip van der Merwe, 20 Peceli Yato, 21 Ludovic Radosavljevic, 22 Patricio Fernández, 23 Aurélien Rougerie

Ulster: 15 Charles Piutau, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Luke Marshall, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Louis Ludik, 10 Paddy Jackson, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Sean Reidy, 7 Chris Henry, 6 Iain Henderson, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Peter Browne, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Rory Best (c), 1 Kyle McCall
Replacements: 16 Rob Herring, 17 Andy Warwick, 18 Rodney Ah You, 19 Kieran Treadwell, 20 Clive Ross, 21 Paul Marshall, 22 Darren Cave, 23 Jacob Stockdale

Date: Sunday, December 18
Venue: Stade Marcel-Michelin
Kick-off: 16:05 local (15:05 GMT)
Referee: Marius Mitrea (Italy)
Assistant Referees: Matteo Liperini (Italy), Simone Boaretto (Italy)
TMO: Stefano Pennè (Italy)
http://www.planetrugby.com/news/preview ... -ulster-2/


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Clermont v Ulster: Les Kiss makes one change to his team
http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/rugb ... s-12331193

Kyle McCall believes Ulster can complete the Clermont double
http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/rugb ... n-12331652


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One change to Ulster side bidding for Clermont double
Les Kiss and his team will aim to secure back-to-back victories in France on Sunday
http://www.the42.ie/ulster-clermont-auv ... 7-Dec2016/


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Franco van der Merwe in for Robbie Diack as Ulster look to repeat trick
Clermont has lost just one game in 27 previous European Cup encounters at home
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/e ... -1.2908575
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