On a very impressive night for Ulster in Llanelli, it was the English-born, Irish international Will Addison who perhaps left the most lasting impression.
Signed by the Irish province earlier this year from the English Premiership club Sale Sharks, the 26-year-old has had a memorable year in Ireland; earning his first international cap from Joe Schmidt against Italy in November.
Returning to Champions Cup duty tonight, Ulster sat third in Pool 4 going into their first of two consecutive games against the Scarlets. Coming out on the right end of a 25-24 scoreline in Wales, Will Addison's performance was sufficiently impressive to see him named man of the match.
Earning praise from viewers across the board, Addison was instrumental in opening up some ground for Jacob Stockdale to grab Ulster's opening try of the night. When he later chipped in with one of his own, even those with the highest standards couldn't get over his wonderful line.
Just about to say the same! 🙌🏼
— Jamie Roberts (@Jamiehuwroberts) December 7, 2018
Overall, his match-winning performance was a major talking-point post-match.
Addison MOTM. Been excellent in attack & D.
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) December 7, 2018
Wonderful win for Ulster tonight. They looked really well prepared. And Addison looks some player.
— Gerry Thornley (@gerrythornley) December 7, 2018
Congratulations to Ulster. Deserved that. Just more efficient and more clinical when they had their chances. Addison, Coetzee and Henderson outstanding. First win at the Scarlets in six years and a bonus point too. Huge result. 24-25
— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) December 7, 2018
What a win @UlsterRugby! Henderson, O’Sullivan, Coetzee outstanding but Addison the standout - brilliant in attack and defence tonight
— Matthew Dick (@matty7_d) December 7, 2018
Is it hyperbole to suggest Addison is almost single handedly responsible for the vast improvement this season? What a signing and impact.
— Mike White (@miguelblanco85) December 7, 2018
However, not everyone was best pleased to see the new Ulster man thriving in such conditions.
Born in England, Will Addison appeared to have flown well under the radar of Eddie Jones' scouting network.
Having never appeared likely to break into the England set-up, performances like tonight would appear to suggest that when Joe Schmidt comes to select his panel of players for next year's World Cup in Japan, it isn't entirely inconceivable that the 26-year-old may be within range of inclusion.
@SaleSharksRugby @UlsterRugby @EnglandRugby remind me again why we let Will Addison leave Sale? He’s now been capped by Ireland and is ripping Scarlets apart for Ulster. Something has to be done about the southern bias of the RFU 😡
— JonnyBravo82🌱 (@Bravo82Jonny) December 7, 2018
#SCAvULS Will Addison, English born, played for England U20s, ignored by Eddie Jones and now starring for Ulster and selected for Ireland. Meanwhile Eddie selects Piers Francis.
— Bruce Lawson (@Sapere_vivere) December 7, 2018
Couldn’t get close to England squad but will go to World Cup with Ireland, can England not identify talent? Or is it the old boys club? Sale not a fashionable club, Haley and Addison away now
— brian gallagher (@brigal1) December 7, 2018
Speaking post-match, Will Addison outlined what sets Ulster apart, and why he has found it so easy to slip right into the swing of things.
"It's kind of overwhelming at the moment!"
An absolutely delighted Will Addison gives his view after Ulster leave Parc Y Scarlets with a massive, massive win! 💪 pic.twitter.com/kor2mTdbs8— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) December 7, 2018
