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Ex-Chief set to join Ulster
By Online Editors
The man set to replace Christian Lealiifano at Ulster is ex-Chief Stephen Donald, according to the Irish Independent.
Early speculation had earmarked Australian pivot Matt Giteau as the replacement, but it appears the 34-year-old known as 'Beaver' is set to join the side on a short-term deal when Lealiifano returns to Australia at the end of the month.
Donald wasn't offered a contract by new Chiefs coach Colin Cooper for this year's Super Rugby competition after returning to the Chiefs last year.
He previously played in the northern hemisphere between 2011 and 2013, when he played for Bath in the Premiership but has revealed in his book that he did not particularly enjoy his time playing rugby there.
It is believed he will arrive in Belfast shortly after his Top League side, the Tokyo-based Toshiba Brave Lupus, finish up their campaign this weekend and would be in line to make his debut for Ulster when the Guinness PRO14 returns in February.
Lealiifano has been an influential figure for Ulster this season, making 15 appearances and scoring 47 points despite arriving just a week before the start of the season.
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Latest Comments
Yet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
Go to commentsIt's the same criticism of Dmac and Mo'unga as well. Sadly the way the game has been heading recently it's the only way to break down a defence, and a player of Lawrences nature would have a very limited chance at doing that because he's too one dimensional.
Noah Lolesio is your sort of player and that worked OK, but only because his team is far more creative than Englands for example. The highly organized Irish attack was also another that didn't require much from the 10, but that is now changing with Prendergast who is in that league mold like the most new age 10's.
So it is in fact your two which would require even more change to make the most of than Marcus Smith.
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