517 : Ulster v Leinster wrap

🏉 Sam – more like it

🏉 Effective makeshift pack

🏉 Balancing attack & D

🏉 Ulster below par

🏉 Selections going forward

Richard Kennedy

I was not expecting such a good performance. The defence was great, caught them behind the gain line so many times. Clarkson magnificent all round, carried aggressively and dominated the scrum. I think Angus Bell getting injured was a big blow for Ulster. His replacement was not at the races but Leinster still had to turn that scrum dominance into tries and they did that. The sending off was disappointing but luckily we had enough of a cushion to see it out with 14 men.

Christy O’Connor

The first half took a long time to get going. Not helped by the lengthy injury stoppages. We got a good flow going either side of the half. Delighted for Sam to put in a good shift, he just needs to continue doing the basics, no need to force the game.

Craig Walker

Thought Sam looked good there – played with confidence. And Ulster were smothered in the first half by the Leinster defensive line so couldn’t get anything going – well played Leinster (from an Ulsterman) #SUFTUM

Greg Kelly

Finally a bit if Mojo back. Some questions answered.

The biggest question for me is how exactly Deegan can avoid getting sent off? There is literally nothing he can do. His very existence is rendered a sending off offence. He is looking at the ball and positioning to field it until Koch jumps straight into him 🤷‍♂️

Bert McLoughlin

Are we starting to click at the right time of the season?

Cormac Mannion

Very happy with the first 60mins. Very cohesive performance. The red card was a joke. Deegan had his eye on the ball and barely got into the air yet was red carded.

Kok puzzles me. All action but not a lot to show for it. Still strikes me as a Sevens player.

Despite that, lots to be happy about although we got burned badly out wide for a couple of tries but onwards and upwards for the rest of the season

Eamon Saunders

A very good performance and some good tries scored Ulster had a very good spell in the second half but We held out and answered a few questions 👍

Chris McDonnell

Great result, especially considering the squad selected. Ulster blew a great chance. I’d say it’s an away quarter final for them now

TUESDAY

BONUS CHAT : “Test v provinical balance” (YouTube)

WEDNESDAY

80+ COLUMN (Substack)