[RuggieBear]

..continues from here

[Hagz]

I'd also like to take credit for this thread as well.

[Clareman]

As it's a new thread might get a good idea to have the squad near the top

Munster 2012/2013 Squad. (47)

Props: BJ Botha, D Kilcoyne, J Ryan, S Archer, M Horan, W du Preez, C Condon, A Cotter.

Hookers: D Varley, M Sherry, S Henry,

Locks: D Ryan, P O'Connell, D O'Callaghan, I Nagle, D Foley,

Back row: P Butler, S Dougall, B Holland, P O'Mahony, N Ronan, J Coughlan, T O'Donnell, Dave O'Callaghan, B O'Mahony.

Half backs: P Stringer, C Murray, D Williams, C Sheridan, R O'Gara, I Keatley,

Centre/Wing: C Laulala, J Downey, D Barnes, JJ Hanrahan, T Smith, I Dineen, K Earls, S Deasy, D Howlett, S Zebo, J Murphy.

Full-backs: F Jones, D Hurley, S Scanlon, L O'Dea.

[Blackheath]

I see CJ Stander came off the bench for the Bulls today and filled in at no. 8

[thomond2006]

Dougie back next season is massive, he was hugely missed last season. Yes, Zebo did score a lot of tries but Howlett is the most intelligent back we have by a distance. Rarely makes an error and is very much a leader in the backline despite being a winger. He also scored probably the most important try of the season, his try on halftime against Northampton at Thomond Park was massive and IMO much more important than the heroic 40 phase from ROG and co.

However, this could be Dougie's last season and we need someone to step up to fill his boots. I don't think Johne Murphy is good enough, he's an honest player but hasn't really combusted yet for Munster, in his Leicester days he was scoring a lot of tries. Last season we saw why Denis Hurley shouldn't be considered a winger, he doesn't have the pace. Our hopes to replace Dougie rest on Zebo and O'Dea. O'Dea's performances last season were very encouraging but he (like Nagle) seemed to pick up a few knocks.

[Cpt_Blackbeard]

Who is responsible for the thread's tag?

[liammur]

We have an easy enough group in the H Cup, new management, I predict a better season than last, even though results may not be as good. Irony.

[thomond2006]

First season without John Hayes, will never be the same!!!

[Lelantos]

Originally Posted by liammur

We have an easy enough group in the H Cup, new management, I predict a better season than last, even though results may not be as good. Irony.

HC is a tricky group. Could have done with someone like Zebré instead of Racing. But I do expect us to squeak thru

[Cpt_Blackbeard]

Originally Posted by liammur

We have an easy enough group in the H Cup, new management, I predict a better season than last, even though results may not be as good. Irony.

I wouldn''t consider the group easy, as we're not the team we once were. That said, we have a squad easily good enough for the latter stages of the HC. Its up to the players and management to ensure we get there. I won't be counting my chickens though..

[.ak]

Originally Posted by Lelantos

HC is a tricky group. Could have done with someone like Zebré instead of Racing. But I do expect us to squeak thru

I think Zabre would pose more of a possible banana skin than Racing. They've shown little interest in the Hcup.

[liammur]

Originally Posted by Lelantos

HC is a tricky group. Could have done with someone like Zebré instead of Racing. But I do expect us to squeak thru

It's performances I'll be watching for. Under McGahan we seemed to be fluking a few wins, only flattering to deceive.

[liammur]

Originally Posted by Cpt_Blackbeard

I wouldn''t consider the group easy, as we're not the team we once were. That said, we have a squad easily good enough for the latter stages of the HC. Its up to the players and management to ensure we get there. I won't be counting my chickens though..

I agree it's not very easy, but if we can't get out of it, we are well off the pace.

[Lelantos]

Originally Posted by .ak

I think Zabre would pose more of a possible banana skin than Racing. They've shown little interest in the Hcup.

Zebré are a bit of a mish mash & will be the Rabo whipping boys I would think. The Racing games will have a little edge to them from their managements side at least

[ormond lad]

May as well throw up the list of players who will be in the academy next season into this new thread.
http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/10580.php

Year Three
Brian Hayes (Lock)
Corey Hircock (Centre)
Ronan O’Mahony (Wing)

Year Two
Shane Buckley (Wing forward)
Duncan Casey (Hooker)
James Cronin (Prop)
Cian Bohane (Centre)
Philip Donnellan(Lock)
Niall Scannell (Hooker)
Cathal O’Flaherty (Back row)

Year One
Ryan Murphy (Back row)
Jack O’Donoghue (Back row)
Jonathan Holland (Out-half)
Darren Moroney (Full back/wing)
James Rael (Hooker)
Brian Haugh (scrumhalf)

Who'll be the first international cap out of this group??
Great to see another nenagh native in Philly Donnellan making the acad as well as the first waterford player, Jack O Donoghue, in years