Jean De Villiers On The Way To Munster

RHunce

http://bigredbench.blogspot.com/2009/06/jean-de-villiers-to-munster.html

The rumour has been doing the rounds for a long time now but my sources tell me that Munster WILL complete the signing of South African centre Jean de Villiers after the Lions tour.

It was also in the Indo today but i cant find the link.

thomond2006

hahahahahahahaha

Munster's new backline (hopefully)

Warwick
Earls
JDV
Mafi
Howlett

OR

Warwick
JDV
Earls
Mafi
Howlett

Great signing for us. I think Dowling will be the player to lose his place in the 1st XV.

Chucky the tree

9. TOL
10 ROG
11. JDV
12. Mafi
13. Earls
14. Howlett
15. Felix Jones

Not to shabby. Obviously it's hard to say if JDV will go 1st centre and they'll try mafi at second but it's got potential.

remus808

Absolutely no chance of Earls playing center instead of JDV. Curse whoever it was on MF or here that suggested JDV would play at wing: ridiculous suggestion: on form he is the best 12 in the game (eclipsed by Nonu and even Roberts this season though)

razorblunt

Great signing if it comes to pass. Hopefully he buys into the Munster ethos as well.

Chucky the tree

karmabass wrote: »

Absolutely no chance of Earls playing center instead of JDV. Curse whoever it was on MF or here that suggested JDV would play at wing: ridiculous suggestion: on form he is the best 12 in the game (eclipsed by Nonu and even Roberts this season though)

Where will mafi go? outside centre? or JDV at OC? If neither can play OC it seems strange signing a class IC when we already have one.

remus808

Chucky the tree wrote: »

Where will mafi go? outside centre? or JDV at OC? If neither can play OC it seems strange signing a class IC when we already have one.

Move Mafi to OC, yup. I'm surpised Tipoki/Mafi weren't played at 12/13 - Mafi is a very good player but not known for his distribution.

Micky Dolenz

Wow, no matter how you look at the backs, it's very exciting.

Roll on new season.

RHunce

looking at the video that accompanied the link, could JDV have scored more intercepts? lol

good news also is when the irish players are gone for the 6 nations the backline will still be strong, eg Howlett, JDV, Mafi, Warwick, Jones, Dowling (cant see him getting the call up), good news for our magners league defense next year

Its sad to see so many imports in the predicted backines above,1 Irish player ffs.

Keith Earls can feel rightly pissed,If I were him I would leave if they play DeVilliers and Mafi in the centre which it looks like they will do.

A very unnecesary purchase imo.

Real FM

Why are the IRFU allowing yet another import in when the country has never had so much home grown depth available to them?

Depp

Please god not another christian cullen.

RHunce

Seamus Delicious Jelly wrote: »

Its sad to see so many imports in the predicted backines above,1 Irish player ffs.

Keith Earls can feel rightly pissed,If I were him I would leave if they play DeVilliers and Mafi in the centre which it looks like they will do.

A very unnecesary purchase imo.

i think its pretty clear the the lions tour that keith earls is a much bette full back then he is centre

Chucky the tree

Seamus Delicious Jelly wrote: »

Its sad to see so many imports in the predicted backines above,1 Irish player ffs.

Keith Earls can feel rightly pissed,If I were him I would leave if they play DeVilliers and Mafi in the centre which it looks like they will do.

A very unnecesary purchase imo.

1 Irish player in the back line? Earls, ROG, TOL, Jones is more then one.

ALH-06

RHunce wrote: »

i think its pretty clear the the lions tour that keith earls is a much bette full back then he is centre

Absolutely whole-heartedly disagree with that. His performance at full back last Tuesday proved that he has serious issues under the high ball, and that his kicking is not near the required quality. He has great acceleration, a good step and good hands. He's a centre ffs, not a full back.

Seamus Delicious Jelly wrote: »

Its sad to see so many imports in the predicted backines above,1 Irish player ffs.

Keith Earls can feel rightly pissed,If I were him I would leave if they play DeVilliers and Mafi in the centre which it looks like they will do.

A very unnecesary purchase imo.

I'd have to agree. It'll be exciting seeing JDV playing in Ireland next year but not good for Irish rugby. Earls is a natural 13 and has the quality to become a world class centre. He needs game time at OC, so JDV's signing is detrimental to his development.

Chucky the tree

He's performances at OC during the lions and at the semi in the HC showed he not ready for OC either. He'll take dowlings place on the wing.

ALH-06

Chucky the tree wrote: »

He's performances at OC during the lions and at the semi in the HC showed he not ready for OC either. He'll take dowlings place on the wing.

That's a shame because he's not a winger. The man's a centre for chrissake!

Not ready for OC? What would you suggest - we don't give him game time there because he's not ready? Sign a world class player that will permanently prevent him from playing in his strongest position?

RHunce

yeah he can basically play anywhere he is after all a utility back

but this happens at all ages from u.10s up.

a better player comes along from a different club and everyone is moved around to accommodate the better player, coaches show no loyalty, but then again, sport is all about silverwear no matter what anyone says. none of that "its not all about winning" BS, because at the end of the day, it is

davyjose

RHunce wrote: »

i think its pretty clear the the lions tour that keith earls is a much bette full back then he is centre

If he ever is to break into the Ireland 1st team, it'll be at centre. So from that point of view, it'd be in his best interest to play centre, no?

Tim Robbins

Real FM wrote: »

Why are the IRFU allowing yet another import in when the country has never had so much home grown depth available to them?

+1
We have two international centers coming to the end of their careers.

anonymous_joe

Interesting signing. It's been rumoured for months.

Strikes me as a guy looking for a lot of wedge, but that's not always a bad thing. He's a pro, and a decent one at that.

Assuming Mafi and De Villiers at centre, that's a strong parternship. One of the strongest in the Magners League.

Nilther

If Mafi and JdV click Munster will be excellent to watch next season as well as being hard to beat. Bringing him in definitely gives them the means to have a plan A and B, something I believe they were missing desperately this year.

OT: Earls needs to improve his defense(Not tackling, actual defensive decisions etc), distribution and general 'heads up' play if he wants to play centre at the top level. Why people believe he should be allowed develop these while playing crucial Heineken cup matches for Munster I just can't understand. We may perhaps see him playing centre in Magners league, wing in the HC?

RHunce

RHunce wrote: »

i think its pretty clear the the lions tour that keith earls is a much bette full back then he is centre

His lack of height and aerial abilities mean he will never make a good fullback.

He would make a great 13 though and the only way he will improve his defence etc,is by playing there in every match.
Mafi is clearly going to be moved to 13 to accomidate JDV,thus forcing Earls to the wing or something.

RHunce

i have a feeling i am going to be slaughtered for this but here it goes

maybe earls could go on loan to connaught for a few seasons, develop all he needs to at a lower level while gaining confidence and becoming more mature as a player

just a thought, but i think its not a bad idea

Nilther

Seamus Delicious Jelly wrote: »

His lack of height and aerial abilities mean he will never make a good fullback.

Very good point.

i have a feeling i am going to be slaughtered for this but here it goes

maybe earls could go on loan to connaught for a few seasons, develop all he needs to at a lower level while gaining confidence and becoming more mature as a player

just a thought, but i think its not a bad idea

In theory it's a good idea but he is far too vital a squad member for Munster. If one of Mafi or JdV gets injured what then? He'll get game time at Munster, they're not going to neglect him, I hope.

chupacabra

Earls is no fullback. People seem to forget that the full backs duties are defense first, attack second. Earls' defense isnt good enough yet. I think with JDV coming in this is a real opportunity for Earls to develop out on the wing.

thomond2006

[quote=RHunce;60904834
maybe earls could go on loan to connaught for a few seasons, develop all he needs to at a lower level while gaining confidence and becoming more mature as a player
[/quote]

That's the most insane thing I've ever read. :eek::eek:

Why would you send Earls to Connacht? They would hamper his career. Dowling will probably lose his place and De Villiers and Earls will rotate betweeen centre and fullback.

This is the probably the death knell for Barry Murphy though. :(

remus808

Felix Jones already looks like a better fullback than Earls

Size=everything

thomond2006 wrote: »

hahahahahahahaha

Munster's new backline (hopefully)

Warwick
Earls
JDV
Mafi
Howlett

OR

Warwick
JDV
Earls
Mafi
Howlett

Great signing for us. I think Dowling will be the player to lose his place in the 1st XV.

Thats one imported backline! I reckon if O'Gara's form continues to slide you could see this

9.TOL
10.Warwick
11.Earls
12.JDV
13.Mafi
14.Howlett
15.Felix Jones

looks very nice!

buck65

karmabass wrote: »

Felix Jones already looks like a better fullback than Earls

Ridiculous, Earls has played well at full back for the Lions.

thomond2006

buck65 wrote: »

Ridiculous, Earls has played well at full back for the Lions.

He is poor under the high ball however, although he is not at Denis Hurley's level.

spoon

Size=everything wrote: »

Thats one imported backline! I reckon if O'Gara's form continues to slide you could see this

9.TOL
10.Warwick
11.Earls
12.JDV
13.Mafi
14.Howlett
15.Felix Jones

looks very nice!

I'm thinking we'll see Warwick at full back for HC games still. The combination of him and O'Gara on the pitch has worked beautifully and they've controlled games very well. It's hard to ignore Dowlings defense, so im guessing it'll depend on the oposition to see if he'll get game time or not.

accensi0n

buck65 wrote: »

Ridiculous, Earls has played well at full back for the Lions.

Jones can catch high balls under pressure, case closed.

thomond2006

Fullback options for AIs

G Murphy
F Jones
R Kearney
K Earls

/wags tail

Real FM

And whilst O'Leary is out injured Morland will be in for him so it'll be something like

9.Morland
10.O'Gara
11.Earls
12.JDV
13.Mafi
14.Howlett
15.Warwick

And this is when we've got plenty of talent coming through... What would it be like if there was no depth? Barry Murphy must feel like he's been kicked in the balls a bit. Yes it's a good signing for Muster - great player but I'd sacrifise seeing Munster a little bit weaker for the sack of Irish rugby. Why not bring in James Downey? (Or is he an outside centre???)

If then IRFU carry on like this it'll get like the Guiness Premiership but the country will suffer.

thomond2006

Real FM wrote: »

And whilst O'Leary is out injured Morland will be in for him so it'll be something like

9.Morland
10.O'Gara
11.Earls
12.JDV
13.Mafi
14.Howlett
15.Warwick

And this is when we've got plenty of talent coming through... What would it be like if there was no depth? Barry Murphy must feel like he's been kicked in the balls a bit. Yes it's a good signing for Muster - great player but I'd sacrifise seeing Munster a little bit weaker for the sack of Irish rugby. Why not bring in James Downey? (Or is he an outside centre???)

Stringer ain't retired yet, you know.

Real FM

O yeah i forgot... but will he get a place ahead of Morland? I don't know enough about this guy. But if Stringer does start ahead of him, why the hell did Munster sign him? There's Prendergast and youth players as well that surely could be used. I think is another example of the IRFU loosing control of letting exports in.

I completely believe that Tony McGahan and the foreign players have bought into the Munster style and ethos but I think on of the main reasons theres a good few imports coming into Munster is because Tony McGahan doesn't neccessarily fell the need to nuture Irish talent as much as an Irish manager may.

buck65

Who are these guys posting this nonsense?
where the hell did ye come out of?
Who the hell is Felix Jones? one churchill cup campaign and now he is better than Earls? Morland for Stringer - what???

Real FM

Read the post above properly and you'll see that I'm not saying Morland should play ahead of Stringer.:rolleyes:

Riskymove

buck65 wrote: »

Who are these guys posting this nonsense?
where the hell did ye come out of?
Who the hell is Felix Jones? one churchill cup campaign and now he is better than Earls? Morland for Stringer - what???

+1

here we go again, players hyped up over a couple of good performances

Jones is a fantastic looking prospect but not up to being Irish starting fullback yet...after last saturday kearney now should have that wrapped up and who would have said that a couple of years ago?

a couple of years ago there were plenty saying Bowe was not up to international level!

having watched earls over the last year he is progressing at a great pace as his Lions call up shows but as last season in particular showed you need to have strength in depth to succeed a la Munster and Leinster; I see plenty of rotation amongst the players at munster

ironingbored

For Earls to develop into the world class centre he can be, he should spend time with BOD.

I can't get over the improvement in Fitzgerald's defensive technique over the last season or two. Tackle - on feet lightening quick - over the ball etc. I think this is a direct result of being close to BOD.

Riskymove

ironingbored wrote: »

For Earls to develop into the world class centre he can be, he should spend time with BOD.

I can't get over the improvement in Fitzgerald's defensive technique over the last season or two. Tackle - on feet lightening quick - over the ball etc. I think this is a direct result of being close to BOD.

I think it would be sad if players did not try to learn from BOD although you can't just learn talent either! but you can pick up a lot of attitude, technique, playing decisions

likewise I hope munster backs are learning a lot from dougie howlett

spoon

ironingbored wrote: »

For Earls to develop into the world class centre he can be, he should spend time with BOD.

I can't get over the improvement in Fitzgerald's defensive technique over the last season or two. Tackle - on feet lightening quick - over the ball etc. I think this is a direct result of being close to BOD.

Earls came on leaps and bounds with Tipoke's influence. He has some good mentors in Munster other than him also, the advantage Fitz has over him would be experience, Leinster were able to play him from 19. Earls only turned professional this season.

buck65

He was on the bench in the HCup final last year I think.

d'Oracle

ironingbored wrote: »

For Earls to develop into the world class centre he can be, he should spend time with BOD.

I can't get over the improvement in Fitzgerald's defensive technique over the last season or two. Tackle - on feet lightening quick - over the ball etc. I think this is a direct result of being close to BOD.

True.

Also, he has gotten so much more decisive with ball in hand.
None of this shuffling and stutter stepping, then getting smashed.

On Topic, I will believe it when I see it.
If I do see it, I will lose a lot of respect for Munster Rugby.

chupacabra

I agree. Jones looks good, but this is the first time most people have seen him play at all. Ive seen a few of his bit-performances for the Irish sevens side and he looked good, but by no way will he make even a match day 22 in the AI's.

Depp

thomond2006 wrote: »

He is poor under the high ball however, although he is not at Denis Hurley's level.

hes off west inne?

thomond2006

Depp wrote: »

hes off west inne?

Hopefully an early Christmas present.

Tim Robbins

thomond2006 wrote: »

Hopefully an early Christmas present.

I hope Felix Jones knows that Munster were intent on signing more backs and this doesn't turn into another Keiran Lewis who went to Munster only for them to sign more backs. Lewis would have been better going to Ulster or Connaught.

If Munster sign DeV, it means the chances of Jones getting HC time diminish as now Earls will probably play FB and Warwick and himself and Hurley covering.

Given this, he would have been better off going to Ulster.

thomond2006

Kieran Lewis was released at the end of last season. I don't know where he's going to. I think he would be a decent squad player to have in any team.

spoon

Tim Robbins wrote: »

I hope Felix Jones knows that Munster were intent on signing more backs and this doesn't turn into another Keiran Lewis who went to Munster only for them to sign more backs. Lewis would have been better going to Ulster or Connaught.

If Munster sign DeV, it means the chances of Jones getting HC time diminish as now Earls will probably play FB and Warwick and himself and Hurley covering.

Given this, he would have been better off going to Ulster.

I think Jones would be picked ahead of Earls at FB. Earls will always be preferred at center or Wing. He has a good chance of getting quite a lot of game time at full back in the ML with Warwick at 10.