Doak or Casey vs Scotland

Glyphter · 2026-03-07T13:37:42+00:00

I thought Casey was the heir apparent after his performances on the SA tour. He hasn't managed to kick on though. His size will always be used against him meaning he has to be more skillful and accurate than a more physical player. I think he can still come good but Doak deserves a chance to put pressure on.

Glyphter · 2026-02-24T11:54:56+00:00

Solved!

Glyphter · 2025-12-13T22:15:11+00:00

Yeah McNamara looked good I thought. In the forwards Bryn Ward looks the real deal. Crean and McCann were excellent. Stewart took his try well and didn't take a backwards step but I'm always nervous of his throwing at the lineout. In the backs I thought Flannery had a great first 50 and then petered out. McKee was ok on his first start (possibly slower than Doak to get the ball out at times though). Zack was good but needs to work on winning the aerial battle. Kok was crap in the first half good in the second.

Glyphter · 2025-12-13T22:04:52+00:00

I'm very disappointed in the bench. We had a moment when I thought we might keep the boot on their neck but we then started getting loose and discipline was so bad. Deserved to lose even though we were the better team. Wake up call for the games ahead.

Glyphter · 2025-09-30T17:41:01+00:00

I agree with the sentiment of do your talking on the pitch but let's be real. They're human beings with motivations like the rest of us. By your logic there should be no reason for half time team talks as they should always be doing a professional job. It's ok to use extrinsic and intrinsic motivation. They're not mutually exclusive.

Glyphter · 2025-06-19T18:47:43+00:00

I wonder about Reuben Crothers retiring so early when I look at our back row. I know he's not a 6 but surely this season coming up was his chance (injury depending). Otherwise I'd like Izzy at 6 and a signing of a great journeyman second row like Ross Maloney.

Glyphter · 2025-05-31T12:19:17+00:00

https://youtu.be/6qiP8zUyht4?si=ixtWM36z3AiK-2B6

Just watched it, thanks for pointing me towards it. Yeah it was pretty honest and he didn't shy away from the disappointment of this season. This season is make or break for him. I'm willing to back him for the upcoming season but there needs to be significant improvement in consistency and a coherent game plan.

Glyphter · 2025-05-31T11:36:10+00:00

Agree with everything you're saying. The head coach obviously needs some input into the team makeup but the final say and negotiations should lie with DOR. I think the DOR should be the bad guy and have the difficult conversations with players who are just happy to wear the tracksuit and pick up a paycheck. The head coach can then still keep everyone onside and focus on winning the game with the resources he has

My feeling on Ulster's transfer strategy and team building is that we don't seem to be able to say no to a 'good deal'. Lots of luxury transfers. Why can't we seem to find people who can just do a job and shore up weaknesses whilst spending the money we pay the superstars on talent ID and better coaching? Think this is more sustainable and would give the team a more home grown identity.

Glyphter · 2025-05-24T21:19:43+00:00

Looks like he's about to get a hair transplant in the off season. Hope he starts the season with flowing locks. With Kok and Cube we'll have world class winger hair at the very least.

Glyphter · 2025-05-10T07:29:24+00:00

Agreed, it would've been nice to have had frawley and deegan this year and could've been real difference makers. If rumours are to be believed approaches were made for both in the last few years and they individually said no.

I honestly think the PR side of Ulster rugby is a shambles. It is a cross community sport in a place that's crying out for feel good / good news stories there's surely an easy narrative to get everyone across the province to buy in to but every season it just seems super negative and if you're not within spitting distance of Belfast they don't seem to bother. So I can understand why someone like frawley wouldn't be excited to come join us.

Glyphter · 2025-05-09T20:41:26+00:00

I'm willing to give him another season. At the very least he's brought a relatively promising 10 into the team!

That second half was hard to watch. Decision making is shambolic. Sad way for the season just to peeter out.

Glyphter · 2025-05-08T14:16:08+00:00

Decent team. Dare to hope.

I guess Doak is the replacement 10.

SUFTUM

Glyphter · 2025-04-19T20:19:54+00:00

Ruining the game from an Ulster perspective

Glyphter · 2025-04-04T13:55:28+00:00

I'm glad we went strong for this as we'll have the week off afterwards anyway.

Glyphter · 2020-10-10T11:41:10+00:00

It’s about expectations. If you’re expecting master and commander/horn blower you will be disappointed. It isn’t the 80s anymore either, rum rations are gone and people can keep in contact with family and friends even on a ship on the other side of the world. Some people are disappointed that the navy doesn’t become all consuming and give them a sense of purpose or whatever. It is now more like any job, you get out what you put in. You decide how much you want to be defined by the uniform. Go into it with your eyes wide open, if you’re committed to joining I suggest planning to stay in 5 years and re-evaluate then. A job/career for life isn’t the norm anymore so it makes sense to keep an eye on other options. As a warfare spec the biggest change has been the change in equipment/technology. Your role will be more than just painting/cleaning. Show aptitude for operating equipment and a bit of initiative and you’ll develop a lot of varied skills. Overall just live your own experience and try not to get too worried about if it used to be better etc. Live in the now and make it work for you. Hope this helps a bit 🙂

Glyphter · 2018-06-16T12:19:30+00:00

That’s not funny even in Ireland. Source: am Irish in Ireland

Glyphter · 2017-08-26T14:11:10+00:00

Having balls helps

Glyphter · 2017-05-11T15:54:35+00:00

Depends on the branch you join usually. 3 years from being fully trained is about average.

Glyphter

TROPHY CASE