Munster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

Otacon

At the suggerstion of our illustrious mod, toomevara, I would like to open this thread up to Munster fans [and appreciators!] to discuss all things Munster.

Topics for discussion here include team news, transfers, rumours and upcoming matches.

Stand Up and Discuss!

PhatPiggins

Is it open for constructive criticism or is it to be more phallus polishing like munsterfans ?

Topics to discuss
What team do people want lining out in the game against Biarritz?
Do people think that the players will struggle in the heat, as evident in the Biarritz v Ospreys game?
What upcoming talent is there coming through the ranks that the casual fan hasn't heard about yet?

Otacon

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Is it open for constructive criticism or is it to be more phallus polishing like munsterfans ?

Constructive criticism is welcome. W*nkery can be left to munsterfans.

Deleted User wrote: »

What team do people want lining out in the game against Biarritz?

For me personally, the only changes I would make would be POC and Hurley coming back. While I think Buckley needs to start, I don't see that happening. I also thought Coughlan had a good game so he should retain his place.

Deleted User wrote: »

Do people think that the players will struggle in the heat, as evident in the Biarritz v Ospreys game?

The only players I feel this could effect on are Hayes and possibly Quinlan but both have very able replacements in Buckley and Williams so I'm not too worried about it.

Deleted User wrote: »

What upcoming talent is there coming through the ranks that the casual fan hasn't heard about yet?

That is for someone much more knowledgable than me to say.

phog

Scans Today For Dowling & Howlett.
12 April 2010, 3:35 pm By Pat Geraghty

Doug Howlett (hamstring) and Ian Dowling (knee) will both undergo scans this afternoon to determine the full extent of the injuries they picked up against Northampton Saints on Saturday.The results of those scans will be announced tomorrow.

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/7398.php

I hope they both are available for the end of the season, a few tricky games still to be played.

Risteard

With the British & Irish Cup semi final less than two weeks away Anthony Foley takes a youthful squad to England on Wednesday to play Esher RFC.


Although they have five games still to play, the London club were crowned National League One Champions this weekend after their 31-12 win over Blaydon coincided with defeat for London Scottish.

The game against Munster will be played at Esher's Molesey Road ground with a provisional 5.45pm kick off.

Munster: Troy Smith (Midleton), Ronan O'Mahony (Garryowen), Mike Kelliher (Richmond), Mossie Lawlor (Shannon), Luke O'Dea (Shannon), Paul Rowley (UL Bohs), Aiden McNulty (UL Bohs), Dave Kilcoyne (UL Bohs), Mike Sherry (Garryowen), Pa O'Regan (UL Bohs), Frank McKenna (Garryowen), Fergal Walsh (Shannon), Dave Sherry (Garryowen), Eoghan Grace (Shannon), Paddy Butler (Shannon). Replacements: Duncan Casey (Shannon), James Cronin (Highfield), Darragh Frawley (UL Bohs), Kieran O'Gorman (UL Bohs), Cathal Sheridan (UL Bohs), Johnny Holland (UCC), David Maloney (UL Bohs).

Interesting that Mossie Lawlor is playing though I presume it has to do with injuries to senior squad members and 'A' players being called up.

Otacon

Didn't realise Dougie was injured. Hope it isn't serious for either of them.

When is Hurley back?

outwest

connacht munster next sunday, does anyone know if munster will be resting any of their big guns. poc will def play it fit, i hope we will see croinin up against flan

spoon

I had a fear Howlett was injured, he looked unhappy when scoring his last try, and then he was taken off for Holland and Ronan finished the game on the wing.

We're running out of wingers now! Hope to god some of the guys can come through for the next leg.

thomond2006

Good idea for thread. Like the Soccer forum, match discussion should be kept to match threads IMO.

Hard to know the team for Biarritz with all the injuries/doubts at present.

What current academy players are getting full contracts next season?

subfreq

Dare I even type it, but POC really shouldn't be an automatic inclusion unless he finds not only form but also keeps the scrum progressing like it is.

He has been way out of form and maybe that is due to playing through an injury until it got to the point it eventually did.

Either way O'Driscoll has really been impressive and it would be hard to sacrifice that just on POC's reputation no matter how good he has been.

I know is almost sacrilege to type it but I think it's a big selection call.

PhatPiggins

subfreq wrote: »

Dare I even type it, but POC really shouldn't be an automatic inclusion unless he finds not only form but also keeps the scrum progressing like it is.

He has been way out of form and maybe that is due to playing through an injury until it got to the point it eventually did.

Either way O'Driscoll has really been impressive and it would be hard to sacrifice that just on POC's reputation no matter how good he has been.

I know is almost sacrilege to type it but I think it's a big selection call.

Please tell me you dont buy into George Hooks's nonsense theory that the scrum was better because POC wasn't playing?

UpTheSlashers

Is there a difference between munster fans and munsterfans?

thomond2006

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Please tell me you dont buy into George Hooks's nonsense theory that the scrum was better because POC wasn't playing?

Hooky is infamous for making a conclusion about a player after one game (Edit: Actually I was the same re George Nauopu but that's another story ).

Remember after the semi-final last season when he said Stringer and Wallace's careers were "over"? :rolleyes:

We learned from the Lions second test that big second rows (Simon Shaw in this case) make an impact at scrumtime, but to suggest that POC is a poor scrummager because the Munster scrum performed well (without him) in one game is laughable.

PhatPiggins

thomond2006 wrote: »

Hooky is infamous for making a conclusion about a player after one game (Edit: Actually I was the same re George Nauopu but that's another story ).

Remember after the semi-final last season when he said Stringer and Wallace's careers were "over"? :rolleyes:

We learned from the Lions second test that big second rows (Simon Shaw in this case) make an impact at scrumtime, but to suggest that POC is a poor scrummager because the Munster scrum performed well (without him) in one game is laughable.

That one was up there with "Tommy Bowe is too slow for an international winger" and re Marcus Horan about 8 years ago " Marcus Horans arse is too small for him to ever be a decent prop" . Although we did get the nickname "slim jeans" out of the last quote.

outwest

what the story with riordan in munster is he still there

castie

Hes been playing in some of the B&I cup games.

Really should consider moving on tbh as hes miles down the pecking order.

PhatPiggins

outwest wrote: »

what the story with riordan in munster is he still there

As far as I know he is. He played the preseason games and has featured in the vast majority of A games this season.

You can have him back if you want, we'll call it a down payment for Cronin.

thomond2006

I think he was signed as cover for Ciaran O'Boyle who is just back from a bad hamstring injury, I don't think he ever expected to play first team rugby to be honest.

buck65

What about our first choice winger, Denis Hurley? Definitely need his pace against Biarritz. I take it we will be fielding an understrength team to face Connacht at the weekend.
Hard to see Hayes, Horan, Wallace, Quinlan starting after such a hard game.
Would like to see Ryan, Buckley, Holland, N Williams, O Donnell, Deasy get some game time.
Ospreys come to Thomond the following week so likely Munster will target that one with and use it as a dress rehearsal for San Sebastian.

PS anyone see Quinlan on Against the head last night, fairly revealing about his feelings on Ackford's comments.

Otacon

buck65 wrote: »

PS anyone see Quinlan on Against the head last night, fairly revealing about his feelings on Ackford's comments.

Anyone have a Youtube link? Living in London so I don't have RTE Player.

toomevara

Otacon wrote: »

Anyone have a Youtube link? Living in London so I don't have RTE Player.

+1.

thomond2006

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/7400.php

The 2010 Munster Rugby Awards

13 April 2010, 9:57 am
By Fiona Murphy


The fourth annual Munster Rugby Awards in association with The Irish Examiner, will take place on Sunday 9th May at the spectacular Thomond Park Stadium in Limerick.

Uniting the domestic and professional elements of the game, this evening is a celebration of rugby in the province at all levels.

Keith Earls, Denis Fogarty, Mick O’Driscoll and David Wallace are the nominees for the top award of Munster Player of the Year, having been chosen by their team mates on the Munster team.

Event sponsors, The Irish Examiner will be running a competition in the build up to the Awards,
asking readers to vote for Munster’s Player of the Year. Prizes include tickets to attend the Awards evening, as well as the chance for a class to tour Thomond Park Stadium.

All funds raised will go towards the running of and development of the Munster Rugby Academy.

Munster Rugby are offering a number of packages, with bookings being taken now on a first come first served basis, with full payment in advance guaranteeing the booking. Prices in the Gold category have remained the same as last year, with those who wish to purchase the Silver category availing of a reduction in last year’s prices.

The purpose of the awards is to recognise individual feats in the sport in Munster, as well as the achievements of clubs and schools both on and off the pitch. Eleven diverse categories will be honoured, ranging from Munster Player and Young Player of the Year through to up and coming Academy talent, women’s rugby, referees, schools and clubs.

lol at Denis Fogarty being nominated for the Player of the Year.

Riskymove

thomond2006 wrote: »

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/7400.php



lol at Denis Fogarty being nominated for the Player of the Year.

they are mostly strange choices alright

wallace has been his usal self mainly but quiet recently
Earls has not really had a good run in the team

Fogarty has gone backwards imo, I see Varley has number 2 Hooker now


MOD has played solidly, particularly well in POC's absence last weekend

Of the choices you'd have to say MOD

Otacon

I agree the selection of nominees are odd but is there a rule that they have to be Irish-qualified? Surely JdeV would get a mention.

thomond2006

Quinlan has been Munster's talisman this year, can't believe he's not nominated.

Also JdV has been excellent since he scored 'that' try in Perpignan.

Fogarty would be my Disappointment of the Year to be honest. With Fla's injury problems he had his chance to prove himself as a big game player but failed.

Denis Hurley would be the improvement of the year IMO.

Riskymove

Otacon wrote: »

I agree the selection of nominees are odd but is there a rule that they have to be Irish-qualified? Surely JdeV would get a mention.

funnily enough I was gonna ask that but then on reflection JdeV has played well recently but took a while to settle in, Dougie was also quiet for a while but very good in the latter half of the season

Coughlan has been great but not much starting time (newcomer of the year for sure)


the only person who springs to mind on season long performance is Quinnie

Otacon

How do I keep forgetting Quinlan!?

/hangs head in shame.

Riskymove

ha, great minds and all that thomond

thomond2006

Any news on Stringer? Is he staying or leaving?

Wouldn't surprise me if he went tbh. Duncan Williams or Conor Murray are good enough to deputise for TOL.

buck65

Otacon wrote: »

Anyone have a Youtube link? Living in London so I don't have RTE Player.

Can't view at work unfortuately, he said he was disappointed about a fellow professional dropping to that level , he always gives his best for his team and sometimes goes over the line but said in the position he plays and on Saturday especially he got plenty of stick from Northampton and he dfinitely wasn't an angel himself.
Basically not going to let it get to him.

subfreq

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Please tell me you dont buy into George Hooks's nonsense theory that the scrum was better because POC wasn't playing?

Sorry for a bit of a delay in the response.

No, I'm not Hooky Jr(please God!). I actually had a go at him politely on Twitter for his crazy prediction and was right except for Brock leaving 25 points on the floor.

I think the Munster unit is better organised now, obviously the fruit of a lot of hard labour on the training ground. I am sure POC would be a part of that if he played, not a cause of the problem but he does need to find form.

He will obviously get every chance to prove himself in the Magners but he has carried poor form for quite a while and I would like to see that improve before he is an automatic inclusion.

durkadurka

The hook theory on POC and the scrum is patent nonsense. What about all the games POC didn't play and the scrum still wasn't right?
Must be that new coach.
Or maybe you CAN teach an old bull new tricks!

athtrasna

thomond2006 wrote: »

Any news on Stringer? Is he staying or leaving?

Wouldn't surprise me if he went tbh. Duncan Williams or Conor Murray are good enough to deputise for TOL.

My 1000th post and where better than here!!

As a Munster fan and a Stringer fan I actually hope he moves on this season, it's the only way he'll get back into contention for the Irish #9 while he has a chance. Since Kidney left, Strings has been totally underutilised and instead TOL has box kicked his way to notoriety.

thomond2006

If Hurley, Earls and Murphy are out, along with Dougie and Dowling who are definite absentees, then we are left with:

Deasy
Barnes
Riordan
Mafi?

We could do with a fit Felix Jones right about now.

thomond2006

Word on MFs is Jeremy Manning's contract has not been renewed.

buck65

athtrasna wrote: »

My 1000th post and where better than here!!

As a Munster fan and a Stringer fan I actually hope he moves on this season, it's the only way he'll get back into contention for the Irish #9 while he has a chance. Since Kidney left, Strings has been totally underutilised and instead TOL has box kicked his way to notoriety.

Let's not forget that Kidney was the man to bench Stringer in the first place, Stringer and Irish no. 9 are no longer compatible I'm afraid.
Personally I would be surprised to see him go. Where would he go?

thehighground

athtrasna wrote: »

My 1000th post and where better than here!!

As a Munster fan and a Stringer fan I actually hope he moves on this season, it's the only way he'll get back into contention for the Irish #9 while he has a chance. Since Kidney left, Strings has been totally underutilised and instead TOL has box kicked his way to notoriety.

ROG made a comment on Sky after the match last Saturday that nowadays, the scrum half has taken over the kicking responsibility from the outhalf. Strings box kicking was never great and O'Leary has improved a lot. There were times over the last year that I couldn't understand why O'Leary didn't let O'Gara do the clearing, now I realise they were trying to improve O'Leary's kicking by giving him plenty of practice.

I think Strings should move on - Connacht would have been a good option except they are fine for a SH. Ulster could do with a decent SH, but they would need to get a decent outhalf as well to make any difference.

Ms.Cosmo

thomond2006 wrote: »

Word on MFs is Jeremy Manning's contract has not been renewed.

Really??
Do you have a link for that?? Can't find it anywhere!!
Where will he head to?

thomond2006

Ms.Cosmo wrote: »

Really??
Do you have a link for that?? Can't find it anywhere!!
Where will he head to?

http://www.munsterfans.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=22153&PN=1&TPN=7

Ms.Cosmo

Thanks thomond.

It's a pity I know he has had injuries and that, but given the chance he could have gone far.
Really really nice guy!!

PhatPiggins

subfreq wrote: »

Sorry for a bit of a delay in the response.

No, I'm not Hooky Jr(please God!). I actually had a go at him politely on Twitter for his crazy prediction and was right except for Brock leaving 25 points on the floor.

I think the Munster unit is better organised now, obviously the fruit of a lot of hard labour on the training ground. I am sure POC would be a part of that if he played, not a cause of the problem but he does need to find form.

He will obviously get every chance to prove himself in the Magners but he has carried poor form for quite a while and I would like to see that improve before he is an automatic inclusion.

I think the fact that Horan/Flannery/Hayes are all match fit/suspension free and have trained as a unit probably for the first time this season helped.

mjquinno

early talk of oconnell missing the semi's

http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/oconnell-a-doubt-for-semi-453898.html

profitius

thomond2006 wrote: »

Word on MFs is Jeremy Manning's contract has not been renewed.

Maybe Declan Cusack is seen as having more potential.

Good to see Quinn-McDonagh (out half) had a good game for the Irish U19's, scoring all their points. JJ Hanrahan is another promising young outhalf.

PhatPiggins

profitius wrote: »

Maybe Declan Cusack is seen as having more potential.

Good to see Quinn-McDonagh (out half) had a good game for the Irish U19's, scoring all their points. JJ Hanrahan is another promising young outhalf.

Mannings been what fully contracted for at least 5 years now. I know he's been unlucky with injuries but he's just not the full package. It was a pity he picked up an injury early in the season as he was looking decent in the pre season.

Where do people see Deasy playing. I think he could be a very useful 12.

thomond2006

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Mannings been what fully contracted for at least 5 years now. I know he's been unlucky with injuries but he's just not the full package. It was a pity he picked up an injury early in the season as he was looking decent in the pre season.

Where do people see Deasy playing. I think he could be a very useful 12.

I think he could be a decent 12 and will get gametime if Munster don't sign an NIQ there.

TBH if Felix Jones wasn't injured, we wouldn't have seen him in a Munster jersey much this season. He's taken his opportunity wih both hands.

budhabob

Seems we get two games for the price of one the weekend after next.

Saturday April 24th Thomond Park

British and Irish Cup Semi-Final: Munster v Ulster, ko 3.30pm
Magners League Round 17: Munster v Ospreys, ko 6.30pm

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/7432.php

ScrubsfanChris

Might make my way up to Limerick for that.
Don't normaly travel to Thomond for Magners games.

toomevara

Quinlan to stay with Munster. Rumoured move to Connacht not going to happen apparently....

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/quinlan-staying-with-munster-as-proposed-connacht-move-falls-through-2140437.html

thomond2006

toomevara wrote: »

Quinlan to stay with Munster. Rumoured move to Connacht not going to happen apparently....

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/quinlan-staying-with-munster-as-proposed-connacht-move-falls-through-2140437.html

Podge_irl

Shame, would have been a good move for all concerned I would have thought.