Munster My Arse

[Myles Na G.]

Great result for Connacht, but not great news for Ulster, given that we have to finish above them to qualify for next year's Heineken Cup.

Myles,
Ulster are going through a very iffy period now and have been off the pace for a long time. Any ideas as to why they are underperforming for so long?

There's a fairly simple explanation for the slump in form over the last 12 months or so when you look at the changes in personnel that have taken place. Seven or eight players left or retired in the summer, including the likes of David Humphrys, Tommy Bowe, Neil Best, Justin Harrison, people who had formed the backbone of the side for a few years. A lot of new faces have been brought in by Matt Williams and they've taken a while to settle in, but the signs are there that the team is developing. A good win over Munster, a win and a draw against the Scarlets, and a good performance against Leinster on Saturday night there, when really we deserved something from the game. But you're right when you say that Ulster have been 'iffy' for a long time. We haven't got out of the group stages in the HC for years and haven't really kicked on since winning the Celtic league in 2006. Part of it comes down to finance. Bit like the Champions League, if you're not getting into the latter stages of the HC, you're not getting the big dough, which means you're not able to attract the top players. Part of it also has to be put down to the coaching and management of the side in recent years, and some of it is down to the cyclical nature of all team sports: Munster have been one of Europe's top sides over the last 8 years or so, but there are signs that their squad has peaked and is now on the way back down. I'm fairly optimistic that we'll see Ulster on up over the next couple of years. Ferris, Trimble and Rory Best are already in the Irish team, but watch out for Ryan Caldwell and Darren Cave making the first team this year.

Typo there Myles I think, presuming you meant years?  (12 is harsh though).

In the last ten years Ulster have won the European cup and the Celtic league, so it hasn't been all bad. Another good performance from Connacht against Leinster, but glad to see the latte boys win. Keeps Connacht far enough below us in that fight for the HC place.

[ONeill]

7 Ulster players have beards. Canny move.

22-6 to the Ulster men at HT.

[Tankie]

this will be a good result for Ulster and for Irish Rugby as a whole if Ulster can finish out the game!

[ONeill]

Ulster and proud tonight.

37-11

[Myles Na G.]

Stand up for the Ulstermen!

[AZOffaly]

Great, great performance by Ulster. Fair play. It's a long time since I witness a Munster team being out fought, out muscled and out played. Ulster were very opportunistic and probably scored points on every visit to the Munster 22. Ian Humphrey's was excellent.

A good kick up the arse for Munster, but the lack of form , Sale away excepted, is becoming worrying now.

Well done again to Ulster.

[Main Street]

 
What an enjoyable sledgehammer performance by Munster.

[muppet]

Documentary on Munster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfejB0tqcOU&spfreload=10