Ulster v Leinster - Fri 29 November - 19.35

[DublinJack]

In the corresponding match last year, we did our best to win, handed Ulster the game, and lost.
This year we did our best to hand Ulster the game (certainly in the 1st half), but won. Happy days.

The other thing that struck me was that Ross made several efforts to break through the Ulster defence line. I don't think I've ever seen him attempt that before. A couple of times he made yards, and a couple of times he was flattened. I've a feeling he's trying to add to his game (I'm sure he's aware of his reputation for always laying the ball off, defenders never having to worry about him making a break etc) to get himself back up the pecking order. Thought he ran the game well, but his kicking was awry.

[Serb]

I did notice a few carries from Ross alright and was pleased to see. He throws that into games the odd time, but the timing here probably isn’t a coincidence with his competition starting a big game for Ireland the following day.

Ross is a winner and I’m sure he’s the kind of character who won’t hand over the starting berth without a fight, even if the rumours of a contract abroad are correct. Thought he played well generally, the kick to the corner mentioned above being the absolute highlight.

His place kicking is the real elephant in the room however. He hasn’t kicked as much this season, but he’s at 9 from 17 this season, or a paltry 52%. The final conversion was a tough one last night but I think I’d expect him to kick everything else.

It was a serious problem towards the end of last season too, most notably against Northampton where Fin Smith was slotting everything from the sideline while Ross missed two conversions and a penalty that kept them within 3 and put pressure on us. His stats for the season overall were good, but I feel like he dropped off in the second half of the season.

Prendergast is at 80% success (12/15) and Frawley is at 78% (7/9), would be a shame if Ross’ main strength ended up being his undoing.

[the-goon2]

Because of Ross' limitations, the things he is good at need to top top class, and one is goal kicking. It is very poor, i get you don't nail every touchline conversion, but none?

[MylesNaGapoleen]

thought Ross' kicking out of hand was excellent. Kicking from tee was surprisingly poor but it was blustery last night.
the way he charged, ball in hand, at defenders last night is not something he normally does, which was interesting. developing a new side to his game or simply trying to nullify the rush defence?

[theiceman]

Did Will Connors go off injured?

[Serb]

Did Will Connors go off injured?

He did. Looked very upset as he went off so fearing a bad one. Looked like it could be a knee or hamstring maybe?

[artaneboy]

Did Will Connors go off injured?

Yes. He looked upset. Could be serious.


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[artaneboy]

thought Ross' kicking out of hand was excellent. Kicking from tee was surprisingly poor but it was blustery last night.
the way he charged, ball in hand, at defenders last night is not something he normally does, which was interesting. developing a new side to his game or simply trying to nullify the rush defence?

I agree: a difficult night for goal kicking. I thought Ross played okay- to his strengths, and to not dissemble- his abilities and limitations.


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[the spoofer]

thought Ross' kicking out of hand was excellent. Kicking from tee was surprisingly poor but it was blustery last night.
the way he charged, ball in hand, at defenders last night is not something he normally does, which was interesting. developing a new side to his game or simply trying to nullify the rush defence?

I agree: a difficult night for goal kicking. I thought Ross played okay- to his strengths, and to not dissemble- his abilities and limitations.


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Disagree, thought he had a fine game.

[Serb]

Do you mean he had a fine game or a fine game? As in it was a grand display or a grand display?

[Dexter]

I think Leinster have more of an "edge" to them this season. That's a game we would have lost last year, and did lose!

[AILtragic]

In the corresponding match last year, we did our best to win, handed Ulster the game, and lost.
This year we did our best to hand Ulster the game (certainly in the 1st half), but won. Happy days.

The other thing that struck me was that Ross made several efforts to break through the Ulster defence line. I don't think I've ever seen him attempt that before. A couple of times he made yards, and a couple of times he was flattened. I've a feeling he's trying to add to his game (I'm sure he's aware of his reputation for always laying the ball off, defenders never having to worry about him making a break etc) to get himself back up the pecking order. Thought he ran the game well, but his kicking was awry.

I have to say the strength of character that Ross has displayed in the last few months is tremendous and has surprised me. Imagine how impactful this is in the dressing room.

I’ve never blamed Ross for us failing to get over the line, but it is an area where I felt we lacked the very top-level class we had in other positions which is why many of us were so eager to see Sam and Ciarán get time. To be frank with these challenges I expected Ross to fade away. He hasn’t, and he’s proving me wrong which I am very happy to be the case.

i am more excited by Sam than ever, enough to want him in the driving seat now. But, with no disrespect to Ciarán at all, I’m not convinced that he has overtaken Ross (yet). If we’re going all-in on Sam, I see little benefit of looking beyond Ross for the alternative selection given how versatile Ciarán is and how far ahead Ross is of Harry and Charlie.

[paddyor]

Chris Henry was good on the URC tv feed. Made the point early in the 2nd half after McGrathws quick tap that none (I think) of the Ulster 23 had played in 4 weeks (unlike the way Leinster used the A games). Reckoned if Leinster sped up the game the Ulster team(not any one player) would start to get tired. Played out that way as I thought they fell out of the game in the 3rd quarter.

High 5 to the tight 5 for a dominat scrum display. Was really worried about that 2nd row pairing but they delivered. Deegan covering the row when Mangan went off.