DREAMTEAM
1. Andrew Warwick –
Ulsterman who has played over 100 times for the Province. Solid set-piece and great around the park. Also, very skilful in a lorry!
2. Tom Cowan-Dickie – Before playing with him he was one of the worst to have to tackle. Solid as a rock, ran through everything. Lineout very good, great defender and wins as many penalties as a back row over the ball.
3. Ben Franks – All Black who even in his mid-30s was incredibly fit and as strong as a bull. Great asset to any forward pack, one you could rely on for a scrum penalty.
4. Tadgh Beirne – A player who could play any position. Skill-set is first-class, super in the lineout and a turnover machine. And can finish tries like a winger.
5. Brett Beukeboom – Never played a bad game and exactly what I would want in my engine room. No fancy stuff, just a work rate and was the best leader you could go into battle with.
6. Josh Caulfield – Heard of Josh when he trained in Ulster’s academy and once I was able to grace the field with him at Pirates, I saw exactly what he was all about. Huge work rate, carries all day and tackles anything in front of him.
7. Thierry Dusautoir –
Incredible athlete, very quick over the ball and awesome in the collision. Very good rugby brain.
8. Marcell Coetzee – First man into this team. One of the world’s best No.8s – quick in attack, powerful, always gets over the gainline and a super defensive breakdown.
9. Ruan Pienaar – Quick, efficient service and a kick game that was always on the money. Made the game look very easy.
10. Joey Carbery – Injury has hindered his career but what a talented player. Always had a few extra seconds on the ball and a brilliant all-rounder who manages a game very well.
11. Tommy Bowe – No better man on the wing. Finished tries for fun and tactically very astute. Amazing skill-set helped from playing Gaelic football, especially under the high ball.
12. Stuart McCloskey –
The ‘Bangor Bulldozer’ has been ever-present for Ulster. Continually gets over the gainline and has distribution skills anyone would be proud of. Good tryscoring rate and kicks the ball a mile.
13. Luke Marshall – Childhood friend. Knew he’d be world-class after playing together at a young age for Ballymena. Solid allrounder and great reader of the game who filled you with confidence.
14. Andrew Trimble – One of the best at evading players and a superb finisher. Showed on the Test stage just how physical he was in attack and defence. Not so great on the golf course!
15. Kyle Moyle – Electric pace and ability to beat a defender in the tightest places. Been the best Championship player for years and has X-factor. Deserves chance at Gloucester.