ULSTER SECURED FOUR points last night against Montpellier, and their line is that a fifth would have made little difference in truth.
In all likelihood, a win for Leicester against Treviso this afternoon will set up a potentially thrilling Pool 5 denouement at Welford Road next weekend. Ulster out-half Paddy Jackson claims that fixture is the type of game professional players long for, but admits his province will need to be much improved to come away with a win.
Ulster’s errors in possession hindered their progress at Ravenhill yesterday evening, as they played into the hands of the aggressive Montpellier defence. Jackson says that although Ulster did attempt to kick over and around the French side’s aggressive line, that was often attempted off scrappy ball.
At times it was a bit frustrating. We were trying to play territory and at times we seemed to be kicking off the back foot a lot, which made it difficult. But a couple of our tries came from kicks. They were out to spoil our party, they didn’t have anything to lose, so we knew it was going to be difficult.
“We knew they were going to come hard, and they had a hard blitz defence, so it’s something we need to deal with a bit better in the future I think.”
Jackson’s superb diagonal kick allowed Robbie Diack to gather without having to completely break stride and open Ulster’s try-scoring account in the 25th minute. That was one of several impressive touches from the 22-year-old’s right boot, a growing feature of his performances this season.
In humble fashion, Jackson pointed out that “the boys made it easy for me” by calling that particular play in from the wing. Regardless, the Ireland international is kicking well out of hand, a skill that will be important against Leicester.
Welford awaits
Welford Road’s crowd can often be intimidating for the away side, but Jackson has a fond memory of the place. The Belfast native made his Heineken Cup debut there in 2011, briefly appearing as a substitute in a 20-9 defeat.
“My first Heineken Cup experience was there. I got five minutes off the bench and I remember coming through the tunnel and there was a lot of noise being made. Everyone’s close to the pitch and it’s one of those places you love to go.
“It’s games like this that you want to play in, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Hon tipp
4 goals inside the opening 8 minutes of an All-Ireland final has to be some kind of record
@Johnny 5: and not one change made at the back must be another one
@domas1507: tough to make any changes in that short space of time. Absolute blitz .
As per usual Denis Ring is like a rabbit caught in the headlights- Goalkeeper appalling yet again- no change in the back line typical Cork GAA Jobs for the boys
@Martin Brennan: jesus lad you cant blame the poor goalie for any of those goals
@Michael McGrath: his pucks out were so fast after each goal no chance to slow the play down and let fellas regroup
@Michael McGrath: his pucks out were so fast after each goal no chance to slow the play down and let fellas regroup. 4th goal should have been saved
To say that tipp forward line is ruthless would be an understatement
No. 8 for cork is a p€€xk for that dive.
@Macus Mc Mahon: embarrassing and this coming from a Cork man
Looks like game over after 16 mins….
How no changes were made tells you all you need to know about Ring
@Ailín Ó Céileachair: The only consolation is the auld lads in the County Board can’t give the senior job to him and hopefully not Kingston he had his chances and failed
@Martin Brennan: Jesus Martin your some craic altogether
Gwan Cork
The Corkness is dead long live the Cork GAA county board auld lads
Now Cork hurling supporters do ye still think yer u20 team is by far the best in the country or do ye stand corrected
Cork hurling is a disgrace Full of fancy hurlers disgraceful management afraid their own shadows they think they are playing singles tennis no concept of team.Denis Ring has to be sacked immediately he’s put out a team bereft of a plan and 4 goals in 8 minutes is unforgivable
Well Done Tipp fabulous team no place for individuals on that team and a coach who knows what he’s doing
That no 8 for Cork is a disgrace,he should be ashamed of himself,just when the media say cork have lost their edge,this clown fegins injury ,diving like hes on 100 k a week…
That fullback line will give away 10 goals if tipp really want them
if this team is the future of Cork Hurling it will be 40 Years of waiting- The guys on the sideline have no experience of playing at that level and their failure to respond was living proof. This is a good Tipp team but the Cork players dropped their heads which is unforgivable.
Last attack tells everyone about what’s wrong with Cork hurling they play as individuals and hide when the heat comes on