Gerry Thornley joined Off the Ball for Wednesday Night Rugby to review the opening round of action from the PRO14.
Speaking to Nathan Murphy about the performances of Ulster's John Cooney and Christian Lealiifano, he said: "I thought they looked the part. Christian Lealiifano is a very shrewd signing in the circumstances they're in and I remember watching him cut his teeth as a Wallaby test player against the Lions in 2013.
"He's a very polished footballer and he's had a fantastic comeback to be able to play again and it's a nice story as well. He looks like a very shrewd signing.
"If they (Cooney and Lealiifano) stay fit and well - that's the key for them because Pienaar and Jackson are a difficult act to follow, particularly Ruan Pienaar, he was such an integral part of the fabric up there. He was such an iconic figure for the crowd and such a drawing card for the playing squad as well.
Christian Lealiifano. Image: ©INPHO/Presseye/Matt Mackey
"He was a leader in the group and he generally came up with magical plays in key moments as much as anyone else has done for Ulster in the latter years.
"I do think the big boon for them is having Marcell Coetzee back fit and well. He's almost like a new signing a year after the date.
"They so much missed him last season on top of losing Nick Williams - they just didn't have any go-forward momentum. The player I'm really looking forward to seeing this season is Iain Henderson having watched his form on the Lions Tour.
"He was almost unfortunate drawing the short straw playing in that first game when everybody was jet-lagged against the provincial Barbarians.
"He missed the opening kick-off and it really set him back so much but in reality his form over the following four weeks was outstanding. I mean his carrying was immense and another week and he probably would have made the test squad. for sure and probably would have deserved it in an uber-competitve second row.
"If Iain Henderson stays fit and well - he's going to be a major player for them," he added.
The full discussion can be heard here:
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