Magners League: Ulster for Dragons – My goodness.

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Brian McLaughlin has named a youthful side to take on the Dragons in the Magners League match at Ravenhill this Friday evening.

Winger Conor Gaston is the latest Phoenix Ulster Rugby Academy player to be given his chance, starting in on the right wing in place of Andrew Trimble who is on Ireland duty. Gaston has been in scintillating form for Dungannon in the All-Ireland League and has also impressed for the Ulster Ravens in recent months. The 20 year old is included in a starting XV also includes talented young backs Patrick Jackson, Craig Gilroy, Luke Marshall and Nevin Spence.

Luke Marshall returns to inside centre as Paddy Wallace is also with Ireland, while Jackson’s inclusion at outhalf sees Ruan Pienaar move back to his more familiar scrum half position with Paul Marshall dropping to the bench.

In the front row, Andi Kyriacou and Declan Fitzpatrick come in for Nigel Brady and Tom Court. The other change in the pack sees Robbie Diack pack down at Number 8 in place of Pedrie Wannenburg. Captain Johann Muller continues his second row partnership with Tim Barker.

The squad is boosted with long term injury absentees Dan Tuohy and Darren . . .

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2 responses to “Magners League: Ulster for Dragons – My goodness.”

  1. If the UAFC is the basis of your research it’s no wonder your constantly ill informed! :;): At the start of the season the Ravens were a good side expertly coached by Jonny Bell – his removal and non-replacement together with call ups to U20’s and senior sides has decimated the Ravens that was being put together.

    Far from the Ravens being a failure they have been an unprecedented success, doing what they are supposed to do with Gaston being the sixth youngster to make it to the senior side via the Ravens this season.

    With regards the forwards any fool knows that the more physical nature of the senior forward game means it takes a little longer for the forwards to come through – there are plenty of young forwards with great potential – Birch, McGuigan, Henderson, Annett and McCall being prime examples.

  2. the mote

    As stated on the Uafc board the Ravens are basically a scratch team brought together 2-3 days before a game and a mix of experienced players coming back from injury Academy players and the odd AIL club man and generally suffer from an disorganised backrow.

    These players are then expected to play against club teams who train and play together week in and week out.

    Unfortunately for Ulster most of the players of promise in the Acedemy are backs which is to a degree understandable because underage forwards tend to appear good because they are bigger than their peer group and have a fitness of youth which is soon lost if they bulk out.

    ie GOOD forwards are harder to identify.as underage players

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