Match Report, Heineken Cup, Montpellier vs Ulster

These blogs must be going down a treat as even Lynne McAvoy aka spell check asked me this morning when’s the next blog going out to your fans. Not going to lie - the highlight of my week was getting the follow on twitter from Ulster Physio Gareth Robinson and even more importantly Spurs League Cup 1999 physio. Yes that’s right he’s not only got a winner’s medal
but he probably has David Ginola’s number.

By the way incase you are wondering I do actually write a serious match report for the South Belfast News and it will be tweeted tomorrow.

Blog 4

What a result! The boys arrived at Stade de la Mosson and delivered, 25-8 they smashed the Frogs.

I predicted they would win by 7 but it ended up winning by 17 and it could have been more if  #AngryTom had learnt how to draw and give when he was a kid, but then again he was throwing a shot put from A to B so he wasn’t fussed. Clearly Francois Trinh duck slipped him a few quid on his way up the touchline as he gave him the ball.

Saturday’s encounter had everything from the highs of Darren Cave’s off-load which simply can’t be taught, as it was so good. I think he may have learned this from Conrad Smith in the summer tour 2012 when he was trying to grab his shirt as the ‘snake’ glided by. To the lows of Dan Tuohy’s ‘gravy kacks’ being shown live on Sky Sports.  He’s still waiting to hear what he gets fined, if Nicklas Bendtner got 80,000 for showing his CK briefs in the Euros. Tuohy could be in trouble!

Gorgodzee was clearly in contract negotiations discussing his move from WWE Raw to Smackdown because let’s face it his head wasn’t right. He reminded me of Ronaldo in the final of World Cup 1998. “Carb loader” Henry actually pointed him out on Monday in the yellow door, he was pretty squished in his back pocket. Rory Best definitely has been to the tattoo parlour - getting a 7 on his back also helped out Henry. One of his turnovers was simply sublime. In the second half he ended up doing the back crawl at Olympia leisure Centre to steal ball. Best who let’s face it hasn’t had the “Best” year for hitting his 180’s but as I predicted in blog 1 he will deliver this year and so far so good.

A special mention must go to John Afoa, one of the worlds greatest international tight head props. He was seen taking flying lessons after 65 minutes from Nicholas Mas. Apparently Mas has his EasyJet license.

Jared Payne clearly had the Morgan Pass Developer out last week. That miss pass may as well have been in Cherryvale on a Saturday morning with a size 3 bought from Wyse Byes. It was so easy for him. He really is a rock at the back. If only Titus Bramble was as steady as Payne - as he still looks for a club.

Fans, I didn’t want to mention 9 or 10 this week. But when they run the show you can’t dismiss them.

As for the kicking duties, it reminded me of swapping Premier League cards at the Kings Hall in 2001.  “Your turn, my turn.

I have a shinny.”

Ulster A team

Before I do my match –ups, I think it’s only fair to give the Ravens or the A team a shout out. They squeezed home against Jersey in a tight battle 24-19. Fair play to both Ulster props as they broke the Guinness World record for the most metres walked back at scrum time in a game. David Mclwaine superb solo effort reminded me of Spencer Bromley away to Greystones in the AIL in 2001.  “Casper” Cochrane looked dangerous, Annett worked like Scott Parker did all last season and McKinney’s kick to the corner in the 79^th minute had Dan Parks written all over it.

Match-ups

Diack vs. Quedraogo

Diack deserves a great amount of credit. A man who was wearing the Malone jersey 18 months ago. Missing simple one on one tackles at the RDS on Boxing Day in 2011, from the base of the scrum .The South African has worked very hard to win the 6 jersey. His physicality levels have increased going into contact and his work-rate is higher than ever.  At 6ft 5 he gives Ulster a superb platform in the lineout to work from.

Quedraogo- The 30 times capped French international was kept very quiet throughout the 80 minutes firstly by Diack and then by “meat ball” head Henderson. Henderson even makes Quedraogo look like a kid at Funderland on Friday night with candy floss shouting, “Can we go on the water slide?’ On few occasions the French back row looked dangerous when carrying ball however he was chopped at the ankles immediately.

Tuohy vs. Privat

This match-up was nearly as good as the match I got on Tinder last night.

Tuohy has had a great start to the season and if he is overlooked when Schmidt is picking his first match day squad in November I would be surprised. But then again it might be a Leinster team that week. Tuohy is a one trick pony with the fore-arm bosh but to be fair to him he makes metres when he carries. I wouldn’t like to be on the end of the stiff right arm. Ask Tobias Flood his thoughts. On a personal level I would advice Tuohy to wear a Ceri Sweeney KOGA fore–arm guard from from now on.

Not going to lie this lad Privat has got a great CV with a Grand Slam in 2002, a finalist in the French Championship with Montferand in 07,08,09 but I would still prefer Matt Mustchin in my team any day of the week. Privat was pretty non-existent on Saturday and his partner in crime Jim Hamilton who was just looking forward to a night out at Opel in Edinburgh when he returns with the national side in a few weeks.

Jackson vs. Trinh Duck

He is even playing himself into these blogs at the moment. The ‘Ginger Bread man’ Jackson is proving to those “real rugby supporters” he is a top-class out-half. His tactical kicking improves weekly and how good was his tackle in the 72^nd minute on Benoit Sicart? Still think my tap tackle for the medallions B’S away to RBAI in 2006 on Freddy Thompson beats it!!  He was even first pumping as he thought he was over the line but sure enough he was chopped.

 Francois Trinh - Duck - a quality ten who had a steady game. Tom Court got an assist for him, which will be crucial to many fans fantasy Heineken Cup team. I believe Tinh Duck hasn’t been the same since Marc Lievremont dropped him for the 2011 World Cup. He was at the top of his game then and I hope he can regain this level one-day. If I were on the French coaching staff I would certainly have him at 10.

Overview.

Ulster rugby are currently in a great position. Top of their Heineken Pool and in the Champions League places for the Pro 12.  However it is so important we learn from last year and don’t peak too early. Let’s face it we don’t want Ravenhill to be the new Emirates, “ A quiet stadium with no trophies and a plaque with Sylvain Welford’s face on it.”

Anyway that’s enough I apologies if blog 4 was slightly longer than usual but I had to get the “A team involved”.

It’s back to Ravenhill this Friday night, enjoy and make sure the Ulster Mafia sing

SUFTUM…..

Any comments tweet SpikeSandro30

Heineken Cup - Blog 3

Well I suppose there had to be another blog in me. The first two have been Andy Goode and the third I reckon will set the Devin Toner for Ulster versus Montpellier on Saturday afternoon.

I genuinely do feel a sense of pressure every time I am writing a blog. I don’t understand why, as I am a man who has won a 3^rd Fifteen Cup medal at a neutral venue so I expect to step up.    

This Saturday will be a Titanic battle as Ulster face Montpellier in the second round of Pool 5 of the Heineken Cup. The top 14 team are known as the ”‘Chelsea of French rugby” so no doubt Paddy McAlister supports them, as there is a bandwagon on which to be jumped.

The French Giants seemed to have a serious amount of Pat Cash this summer and with their signifanct summer signings they are one of the favourites for this year’s trophy. However a positive for the White Knights is that there is one man missing, Rene ‘Queens Park’ Ranger who has just finished a season with Northland will not arrive in time for the encounter.

To be honest he probably didn’t fancy having to be picked out of Tommy Bowe’s back pocket by Francois- Trinh – Aromatic Duc at the end of 80 minutes on his debut for the French side.

Ulster should welcome back two superstars. John ‘Cornerstone’ Afoa but then again I suppose that depends on his 32 10 ‘pay as you go contract’. Secondly, Ruan ‘Points’ Pienaar - let’s hope he didn’t sign that deal last week with a pencil or he could be on a one-way flight to France.

There were many positives from last week’s performance however my mate Trimby- what can I say.

I am sure he had a maroon CAI shirt on playing for the under 14Bs, with the coach saying time and time again ‘TV Screen Andrew”.

For Ulster’s benefit let’s hope he returns back to his usual self this week-Cutting lines like the wrecking ball we know he is.  What’s the chance he scores a five pointer this week- similar to the one he scored against Bath at the Wreck in 2010.   Monumental!

Big call at centre for Mark Anscombe.  Stuart  “I promise I wont step of my right” Olding is back in great from. Is it just me or could he sidestep you in a telephone booth?

It will be interesting to see who gets the nod beside the Caveman.

It’s such a tight call between the two Ireland internationals and don’t forget P- Wall is on the road to recovery. However he can’t seem to get a direct flight out of the “Pacific Islands” but he should feature in the near future. What a class act that man is. Stick any number on his back and he will do a job!

I have to mention the “fans’ favourite” who used to represent the White Knight’s Jimmy ‘I love the Snooze button” Nagusa -a man who has a different clock to anyone else. I really hope Jimmy makes their 22 on Saturday, as he was a local hero when at home. But then again Montpellier would probably only have a squad of 21, as he wouldn’t fancy it.

The electric Graig Gilroy may come back into contention this weekend.  He spent all last week funding Jameriah Beach on the Ormeau Road so he should be rested, fresh and up for the challenge.

Match- Ups

Mamuka Gorgodze vs. Chris Henry

This guy Gorgodze has often featured on WWE RAW with Jim Ross on a Friday night. A colossal figure. He is the most famous Georgian superstar star behind Temuri Ketsbaia (8 goals in 78) games for Newcastle United.  Gorgodze is the first name on the team sheet, so destructive at the breakdown and offers himself as the main ball carrier for Montpellier.

Ulster’s back row will have their work cut out at the weekend. But if there is one man you want to man-mark “the beast” then you wouldn’t look past Chris “Carb Loader” Henry (Birthday Boy) his defensive work is outstanding. If he’s not choke tackling, then he’s a chopping boys at the ankles. This match -up will give a real insight into how good Henry is and with the November tests in sight he will want to remind Joe Schmidt of the quality and balance he can add to the Irish back row.

Super RU vs. Benoit Paillaugue.

Let’s face the facts here, Benoit Paillaugue will probably be looking for Ruan’s autograph, or a training jersey after the game, or if he was like me a “Selfie” with the South African. Even though it’s true, enough of that.

Paillague is a nippy scrum half with an eye for a gap. He will keep Ulster’s post and pillar men alert for the full 80 minutes. What can I say Super RU my hero- reads scripture on a Monday and then runs the show at the weekend! An incredible talent and will be at the forefront this weekend and for whole season.

Andrew Trimble vs.  Anthony Tuitavake,

Andrew ‘Shooter’ Trimble as Drico likes to call him will be wanting to redeem himself this weekend. I just hope he has the optimum green rugby gloves on this Saturday for his own benefit.  With over 50 international caps to his name Trimble is a top class winger, good feet and as strong as an Oxlade Chamberlain. He has worked so hard over a number of years on his kicking and rumour has it he has nearly perfected the spiral bomb.  It will be an interesting match up against Antony Tuitavake who has 8 caps for the All Blacks but you must remember they have a conveyer belt for wingers. The Tongan descendent has had more clubs than Nicholas Anlkea, however he is an outstanding finisher and has awareness to create space for others is a talent you can’t buy.

‘Shooter’ will need to be on the top of his game this weekend, in both attack and defense. If he can stop the New Zealander before he picks up speed I fully believe he can shut him out of the game.

Overview

Looks like I just produced a blog without mentioning the “Ginger Prince Jackson.”

But then again there is always next week.

What a thriller this Saturday should be.

I am predicting an Ulster win- by less than 7.  Huge call I know, but I believe my brain ticks like Stephen Larkham’s did. So I wont be far off. 

For all you Ulster fans travelling to the Stade Yves-du-Manoir. Soak it up and enjoy.

 Lastly remember to SUFTUM……………

Any feedback tweet SpikeSandro30.

Brave Ulster Tames Leicester Tigers

Ulster rugby seized the moment on Friday night as they dug deep to claim victory against Leicester Tigers 22-16 at Ravenhill in the first round of the Heineken Cup. It was a grueling encounter with both sides evenly matched throughout the 80 minutes.  The patiently awaited fixture didn’t disappoint.

 At the start the visitors looked sharp and received their just rewards when playmaker and English International Toby Flood tip toed his way through a miss - match in the Ulster defense only to be stopped in his tracks by a last ditch Ulster tackle. However quick ball was generated and found its way to the man mountain figure of Logovi’I Mulipola - the 120 kg Samoan crashed over in the corner.

The Lead didn’t last long as Ulster replied with a well-worked seven pointer. 

Paddy Jackson was the orchestrator as he placed his cross-field kick on a six pence allowing 6ft 3 Lions international Tommy Bowe to leap over Leicester fullback Niall Morris to touch down.  The second quarter of the first half was nip and tuck.  However the Tigers had dominance at the set -piece. Leicester’s Dan Bowden looked dangerous in midfield, gliding through gaps and creating holes in the defensive line however opposite number Luke Marshall held his own displaying his defensive qualities.  Flood landed a well-struck penalty and Jackson replied with two penalties himself. The later just on the stoke of half time leaving the scoreboard 13-10 at the break.

A change in personnel came just after the interval when Ulster’s superstar Ruan Pienar entered the arena, He had only arrived in the country on Tuesday and much of Belfast have eagerly awaited his return. The second half was a tense affair with both teams waiting for the other to make an unforced error. Ulster’s scrum looked a different proposition after half time. Flood leveled after 44 minutes as he kicked his second penalty goal of the night. This again was cancelled out on the hour mark as Jackson, who had regained his composure after missing a earlier kick, bisected the uprights and landed his relatively easy penalty to make it 16 – 13 with twenty minutes remaining.

 Mark Anscombe’s men dominated the last quarter, however their clinical finishing left a lot to be desired. Opportunities which Ulster may need to take in order to progress into the later stages of the Heineken Cup.

Ulster however can count themselves unlucky as French referee Roman Poite disallowed a try for a forward pass, which would have seen Ulster’s outside Centre Darren Cave cross the white line. 

 Paddy Jackson’s impressive kicking, assured Ulster fans of victory and all 4 points, as he landed 2 further penalties in the last ten minutes leaving Ulster victorious with a final score of 22-16.

 Ulster coach Mark Anscombe expressed his views after Friday nights fixture,

‘They might be happy with a point but our objective was to get four points and we achieved that. Each game we play that is our objective and if we stick to doing that we'll come through.

We're happy with the four points. There are only six games and you had to win your home games and we have won our first one. We'll enjoy that and then we'll start to think about our trip to France to face Montpellier next Saturday."

After a hard earned victory on Friday night, Ulster will make the daunting journey of heading to France to play a very impressive Montpellier side. The top 14 team has a star studied squad with a host of Internationals. However, Ulster having won four matches in a row will travel with confidence and will be looking to upset the odds and return to Belfast with a famous win on French soil. 

Any comments tweet spikesandro30 

Stuart McAvoy

Stuart McAvoy