Ulster Preview
By cardiffsteve
March 26 2015
Whisper it, but its still possible to save this season. Automatic qualification for the Champions Cup has passed us by. In fact it looked done and dusted a couple of months back. But, 7th place and a go at the play offs is still possible. And then theres the Challenge Cup of course.
Champions Cup rugby as Challenge Cup holders next season is still a possibility. No Ive not been drinking.
But, if this little pipe dream has a chance of coming true. it really has to start tomorrow night.
An away win in Belfast would obviously be huge. Ulster have lacked consistency but remain fairly impregnable at home.
But even a positive performance in defeat could still have an impact on the rest of our season. It important to not be going into the quarter final on the back of a beating.
This is also a game which could have a huge bearing on the futures of Paul John and Dale Mcintosh as coaches. The two matches since they took over from mark Hammett have been much needed victories. But, I have to say the performances weren't that inspiring. The defensive problems remain and whilst the end of the Connacht game was exciting, its fair to say we rode our luck just a little.
After a two week break, a good display in Belfast could set the tone for the rest of the season and start to make an argument for retaining them past this season. Or not, as the case may be.
One reason we came into this season with a little optimisim was the way we finished last season. Performances certainly lifted after the departure of Phil Davies. And, that little run did begin with a game against Ulster. At CAP, where I remember a rolling maul set the tone for the game and suddenly gave supporters and players a bit of belief. A repeat would be nice. Although, Ulster in Belfast is obviously a different prospect.
And, to take a break from the what ifs and take a cold hard look at the stats....
We haven't won over in Belfast since 2010. Since then we've been beaten fairly comprehensively as Ulster have progressed on and off the field whilst we.... havent. Gong by recent history we can expect to be beaten by 15-20 points. A lot of trends need to be reversed if we're to start saving the season tomorrow night.
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Quote:Cardifflose
Although I believe we will win next Saturday, I fear a real thumping Friday and I mean a real thumping
Wasnt THAT bad.
Cuthbert, the odd moment where he's trying to force it aside, has raised his game.
Now conceded 46 tries in 18 league games. Thats nearly 2 and a half a game. You cant get up the table when youre doing that.
Conversely, we're the top try scoring Welsh side and two nice ones again.
Also some pointed out on Twitter last night the turnbull none try which was a try before half time the TMO said they had no more angles yet at half time TV should it form angles the ref didn't get to see!
But it's better we just need direction and structure individuals are playing really well it collectively that's the issue
Disgusting act, definite red
I do hope he's cited.
Irish TMO - supports Irish team, as usual
Pro12 ref - cops out, as usual
Poor decision making by Cardiff e.g. not kicking first half penalties - as usual
Cardiff lose - as usual
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015:03:28:12:41:32 by capsgon.
While I never want rugby to go down the football route somebody somewhere should have highlighted this. Cardiff should have played most of the game against seven forwards and their eight should have been off with a court case pending.
Thankfully Patch would seem to be ok, but that doesn,t mean that the thug shouldn,t be cited.
I am not holding my breath that justice will be done though.
The ref called it "DANGEROUS" not reckless or careless but DANGEROUS: That for me is RED.
Turnbull Try:
No way could you give a try there.
Penultimate Try:
No way can you say: "...the previous one looked offside" the receiver is out of shot when the ball is kicked. The kick does not go far. I very much doubt it was off-side.
Final Try:
Pass may be an inch or two forward. If it was a Cardiff Try no one here would be saying we got away with a forward pass and theree would be plenty of moaning were it to be called back. Again to claim: "To be fair the last try was an obvious forward pass" is looking at the game through blue tinted glasses.
Certainly from the view of the ref and AR you can't be sure of it. I would be more concerend wit hasking !"What was cuthbert doing?"
Quote:capsgon
Ulster play like thugs - as usual
Irish TMO - supports Irish team, as usual
Pro12 ref - cops out, as usual
Poor decision making by Cardiff e.g. not kicking first half penalties - as usual
Cardiff lose - as usual
Pretty much
I look forward to an educated discourse on the technicalities of the forward pass at Rodney Parade on Saturday.
Quote:ATTR
Williams / Patchel:
The ref called it "DANGEROUS" not reckless or careless but DANGEROUS: That for me is RED.
Turnbull Try:
No way could you give a try there.
Penultimate Try:
No way can you say: "...the previous one looked offside" the receiver is out of shot when the ball is kicked. The kick does not go far. I very much doubt it was off-side.
Final Try:
Pass may be an inch or two forward. If it was a Cardiff Try no one here would be saying we got away with a forward pass and theree would be plenty of moaning were it to be called back. Again to claim: "To be fair the last try was an obvious forward pass" is looking at the game through blue tinted glasses.
Certainly from the view of the ref and AR you can't be sure of it. I would be more concerend wit hasking !"What was cuthbert doing?"
As always ATTRACT I tip my hat to your knowledge
Quote:Caardiffian
My mistake for expressing a Cardiff fan's opinion on this message board.
I look forward to an educated discourse on the technicalities of the forward pass at Rodney Parade on Saturday.
Of course you are entitled to an opinion. However,if you post opinions on a chat room you must expect them to be challenged.
I sorry (not really) if that offends you.