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Axed Olding's career-rebuild continues with decisive contribution for Brive

Stuart Olding, in action for Ulster against Exeter, was the Brive match-winner off the kicking tee on Thursday night in France (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)

Stuart Olding’s sanctuary switch to Brive following his sacking by the IRFU enjoyed another positive development this week as the former Ulster centre kicked the winning penalty in a top of the table ProD2 clash at Nevers on Thursday night.  

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Olding’s deal to keep him in Belfast until summer 2019 was torn up last April despite being found not guilty along with Paddy Jackson at a high profile rape trial. 

The toxic fall-out from the case, which ended on March 28 last year, forced Olding to take a gamble and move to the French second division to keep alive his career.

That switch, where he is now playing under former Ulster and Ireland second row Jeremy Davidson, has proven a tonic for the midfielder who turned 26 last week.  

So quickly did he settle in, he agreed a contract extension in early October that will keep him at the club until summer 2020 and his form since then is helping Brive fight their way to the front in the hectic promotion race to the Top 14.

(Continue reading below…)

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It was January when Olding scored his first penalty points in nearly six years. Not since a February 2013 Ulster defeat to Ospreys had the centre scored off the kicking tee, but he stepped forward to kick three penalties in the closing 24 minutes of a win over Biarritz. 

That willingness to take on the responsibility as a back-up kicker has continued to serve him well and his 15th successful kick (10 penalties/five conversions) in 19 appearances proved crucial on Thursday night. 

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Level in the closing moments, Olding held his nerve to land the match-winning points in the 31-28 success that put Davidson’s side on top of the table overnight. 

They have 73 points from their 25 matches, but just three points separate the leading four teams in the promotion race. Oyonnax also have 73 points while Nevers are in third on 71 points and Bayonne fourth on 70. Oyonnax and Bayonne have a game on hand on both Brive and Nevers.

Olding’s on-pitch success in the lower league is a marked contrast to the fortunes of former teammate Jackson in the Top 14. Perpignan, who only rejoined the elite last summer, are set to make a swift return to the ProD2 as they have won just one of their top-flight 19 matches.

Protestors at a ‘Stamp out Misogyny at Ulster Rugby’ protest demonstrate outside the home of Ulster rugby at Kingspan stadium on April 13, 2018 (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
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Hellhound 41 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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RedWarrior 1 hour ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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