Dave wrote: ↑Sun Jun 09, 2024 1:48 am
For all the talk pre game about Ulster lacking power, I don't think that was the case. Particularly when Izuchukwu was on. Swapping him for Greg Jones was seismic down grade. Still fired them back at times and punched holes. We couldn't cope with their speed of hands at times but other moments had them contained. Not for long. I think Richie has a massive task instilling basics and tackling technique. Green shoots for next season.
We must be sourcing a loose head from somewhere. Hopefully get Marty fit. Hendy, he isn't capable of an injury free run but hopefully. It's annoying to see Addison play so well but he will get injured again, I suspect. Kok will be huge for us. He would relish this type of encounter.
Loose and tight head are our significant weaknesses. Wilson is 21 and will get there, but in a few years. Moore I don't trust due to injury fitness and age. TOT is not a destructive scrummaging TH, despite his caps and struggles against good Loosies. He's back up 3 for Ireland because there's currently no one else, and has the loose game Farrell wants. You'd fear for him against SAs pack. He's already had his wings from Nche. ( Jager may usurp him, although hes benched for Archer
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
)
If Murphy and indeed Farrell had any sense they'd be investing significant time on Wilson in the gym, on the Rhino and at the army barbers. He has a much higher ceiling than TOT. Got minced by Healey on the first scrum yesterday, then kept him straight and honest on the second/ thereafter.
Loose, we are in trouble- EOS is a poor man's TOT, AW is not the future, nor Reid who is a serial hinger. None are above mid URC level. We did well to hang on yesterday given a much reduced Row, and bringing the likes of Jones on instead of bolstering the row with Ewers bulk. These all make a difference. Jones also too light to significantly support his prop and keep him straight.
With Hendo and O'connor available yesterday, that pack wouldve caused Ladies a lot more trouble. Settled back five with Issy at 6 and the outcome less predictable.
Still, proud in manner if the defeat, despite some self inflicted wounds, and lack of yellows from Brace distorting the score, there wouldn't have been a 23 point win, maybe 10.
Some of the Ladies should be nervous about the Lions tour. Players like Underhill ( magnificent Gerry Collins like performance yesterday) will seriously challenge any Farrell Leinster bias. Ryan is NOT a lion.