The UAFC

(15-9): Mike Lowry, Rob Baloucoune, Will Addison, Stuart McCloskey, Jacob Stockdale, Billy Burns, John Cooney;

(1-8): Eric O’Sullivan, Tom Stewart, Scott Wilson, Harry Sheridan, Alan O’Connor (C), Dave Ewers, Reuben Crothers, David McCann.

Replacements: John Andrew, Andrew Warwick, James French, Cormac Izuchukwu, Greg Jones, Dave Shanahan, Luke Marshall, Ethan McIlroy

Not the team I'd have picked, but what can you do. Guessing AOC continues to start because he's seen as a good lineout operator?

Greg Jones on the team sheet twice in two weeks. Wonder when the last time that happened was? Maybe hoping he'll come on and score to prime us for the announcement of a big contract extension.

The glass is definitely half empty after viewing that 23.

They’re still missing Ruzza.

No Brex or Negri either but it’s not a bad looking side.

They don’t usually travel too well but have scraped a few narrow wins.

Not to be too positive, but if we manage to win this whilst missing 6 of our starting 8 forwards plus Hume and Moore x2, it would actually be a big achievement. But maybe that’s more a reflection on the level of expectation (or lack of) at the minute…

Who will play 10 when Billy gets injured?

Looking forward to seeing crouthers at 7, more time at 8 for McCann. Can Sheridan back it up in the row 2 weeks on the trot? More fast learning for Wilson. Can Stewart get his basics right? Will Izzy back up last weeks cameo? The lesser spotted young ulster forward, ain’t so lesser spotted these days.

Interesting to see how WA goes at 13, pace has definitely dropped but can his hands create space for the wings?….we’ll see.

justinr73 wrote: ↑Thu Apr 25, 2024 3:44 pm They’re still missing Ruzza.

No Brex or Negri either but it’s not a bad looking side.

They don’t usually travel too well but have scraped a few narrow wins.

They are missing 7 of their best 23 according to those on twitter who know more than myself about their side. Ruzza, Brex, Negri, Fekitoa, Snyman, Ratave + Zuliani.

Ulster 4 point favourites on the handicap and are 1/2 straight odds. Benetton 7/4.

Benetton 23 (6-2 bench)

(15-1) Umaga, Marin, Menocello, Zanon, Smyth, Albornoz, Uren, L Cannone, Lamaro (c), Izekor, Iachizzi, Scrafton, Ferrari, Nicotera, Gallo

(16-23) Lucchesi, Nemer, Pasquali, N Cannone, Favretto, Halafihi, Garbisi, Drago.

Should be a tight match based on the teams. Billy theoretically should be more controlled at 10 alongside Cooney at 9. But tbf, not much spark in that backline based on form this season.

Our lineout simply must be better. Stewart has to do better with his darts. Our backrow must smash them in the tackle and our work at ruck time needs to improve on several orders of magnitude.

Sh!t or get off the pot time. Hopeful that this will be a turning point for the squad, as its as close as we'll be getting to a cup final this season!

Ratave scored against us at their place last January.

The Fijian fireman.

Bit of a short Brennan.

Must have a very long hose.

flatpass wrote: ↑Thu Apr 25, 2024 7:48 pm Who will play 10 when Billy gets injured?

Cooney or Lowry.

What was that, Addison?

Lovely pass off the left from Lowry. Addison had to make up for his earlier sloppy play.

Defence is pants.

Greg Jones on.

Clown show.

I have seen some shyte but some of this shyte takes the biscuit.