Connacht vs Munster, Sunday 18 April 5:05pm, Setanta Ireland

thomond2006

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/7408.php

Munster Squad:
S Deasy, S Zebo, T Gleeson, L Mafi, J de Villiers, D Barnes, R O'Gara, P Warwick, J Manning, T O'Leary, P Stringer,

J Coughlan, N Ronan, P O'Mahoney, AQuinlan, D Wallace, N Williams, B Holland, D Foley, D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll, D Fogarty, J Flannery, D Varley, M Horan, J Hayes, J Brugnaut, T Buckley, D Ryan.

Connacht Squad: TBA

This won't be easy for Munster, Connacht have been brilliant at home this season and will be on a high after two successive wins. They have a chance to catch Ulster and claim their HEC place (

and stick up the middle finger at the IRFU in the process

).

I fancy McGahan will rest a few players, he seems to favour playing the HEC team together the week before the HEC game plus Ospreys at home is a dangerous fixture. I don't think he will play an entire second string after what happened last year in this fixture.

It looks like Barnes and/or Zebo will get their first starts.

I'd like to see:

Horan
Flannery
Buckley
MOD
Holland
Quinlan
O'Mahony
Coughlan
Stringer
Warwick
Barnes
JdV
Mafi
Zebo
Deasy

Varley
Ryan
DOC
Williams
TOL
ROG
Gleeson

Zzippy

Don't know anything about Zebo! Very interested to see how O'Mahony does if he starts - have seen him a couple times for Con and he was outstanding, have heard good things about him too.

[Jackass]

wow, that's a pathetic Munster squad. As in the lack of front liners I'm talking about.

This could be a massive game in the context of the season. Could be a game that snatches Connacht a Heineken Cup place?

Could be a game that messes up Munsters Play-Off chances?

I understand resting players after Europe, and Connacht being bottom of table, but Connacht are on good form and have lots to play for, and I think with home advantage and the excitement surrounding Connacht right now and the aim to secure Heineken Cup rugby, I might have to lean towards Connacht in this one, as they will REALLY target this game now.

Good test for the Munster 2nd string though.

Risteard

He's probably taking a risk but injuries have forced our hand and personally, I'm glad to see the likes of Barnes and Zebo in the backs. Hopefully they play well if they get picked.

[Jackass]

[Jackass] wrote: »

wow, that's a pathetic Munster squad. As in the lack of front liners I'm talking about.

This could be a massive game in the context of the season. Could be a game that snatches Connacht a Heineken Cup place?

Could be a game that messes up Munsters Play-Off chances?

I understand resting players after Europe, and Connacht being bottom of table, but Connacht are on good form and have lots to play for, and I think with home advantage and the excitement surrounding Connacht right now and the aim to secure Heineken Cup rugby, I might have to lean towards Connacht in this one, as they will REALLY target this game now.

Good test for the Munster 2nd string though.

Am I missing something, Huley, Jones, Howlett, Dowling and O'Connell are out injured/rested, looks full strength apart from that, I'd wait until the team was chosen to make serious comment

thomond2006

[Jackass] wrote: »

wow, that's a pathetic Munster squad. As in the lack of front liners I'm talking about.

This could be a massive game in the context of the season. Could be a game that snatches Connacht a Heineken Cup place?

Could be a game that messes up Munsters Play-Off chances?

I understand resting players after Europe, and Connacht being bottom of table, but Connacht are on good form and have lots to play for, and I think with home advantage and the excitement surrounding Connacht right now and the aim to secure Heineken Cup rugby, I might have to lean towards Connacht in this one, as they will REALLY target this game now.

Good test for the Munster 2nd string though.

Don't understand your use of the word "pathetic", it's a full strength squad minus injuries.

It is a game that could ruin Munster's play-off chances, the Ospreys' win complete with BP makes this game a must win IMO. I think Munster need 2 wins from 3 to be in the playoffs.

I am quite worried about this game, will reserve my prediction until I see the starting XVs.

Zzippy

We picked up a few knocks in the Bourgoin game, not sure but I'd imagine Carr and Ta'auso won't be playing for starters, both taken off injured in last week's game and we will want them fully recovered for Toulon.

Stev_o

[Jackass] wrote: »

wow, that's a pathetic Munster squad. As in the lack of front liners I'm talking about.

This could be a massive game in the context of the season. Could be a game that snatches Connacht a Heineken Cup place?

Could be a game that messes up Munsters Play-Off chances?

I understand resting players after Europe, and Connacht being bottom of table, but Connacht are on good form and have lots to play for, and I think with home advantage and the excitement surrounding Connacht right now and the aim to secure Heineken Cup rugby, I might have to lean towards Connacht in this one, as they will REALLY target this game now.

Good test for the Munster 2nd string though.

Munster get attacked left right and centre for not playing a team that contains new blood and people who could have a future in the Provinces future, yet when they actually get round to naming a squad which is all that, against the worst team in the ML they get criticised? I don't see your logic here it makes sense to me they won't get anything playing their front liners why not give fringe players a chance.

PhatPiggins

Zzippy wrote: »

Don't know anything about Zebo! Very interested to see how O'Mahony does if he starts - have seen him a couple times for Con and he was outstanding, have heard good things about him too.

I've seen him for Con a few times and thought he was average but he really steped it up for the U20's so he's cleary capable of more. I'd say he'll definitely get game time.

seanin4711

Stev_o wrote: »

Munster get attacked left right and centre for not playing a team that contains new blood and people who could have a future in the Provinces future, yet when they actually get round to naming a squad which is all that, against the worst team in the ML they get criticised? I don't see your logic here it makes sense to me they won't get anything playing their front liners why not give fringe players a chance.

on present form you and i both know that connacht are not the worst team in the ML!
slan
sean

Judgement Day

Found this early (2007) Simon Zebo video on You Tube - looks an exciting prospect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_nyYHCZ99w

sock puppet

Judgement Day wrote: »

Found this early (2007) Simon Zebo video on You Tube - looks an exciting prospect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y_nyYHCZ99w

Cracking try, especially the bit where he warps over the tryline:pac:

2040

sock puppet wrote: »

Cracking try, especially the bit where he warps over the tryline:pac:

Yeah, i liked that bit too.

I hope Munster play Zebo and Barnes on the wings. Maybe have Warwick at full back to give them some guidance. ROG at OH, JDV and maybe Glesson at 13.

Diom

I'm not worried by Zebo. In the Under20s he looked only okay, not very quick, but powerful for his age. He also deals well with high balls and has a good boot on him. To be fair though he is not going to be powerful enough (yet) to threaten in ML, and he's not quick enough to make up for that.

TOH is a different level to Zebo, but I doubt we'll see him. We definitely will not start Griffen against Mafi and De Villers, the lad would be murdered. I'd imagine we'll see a Matthews + Wynne center combo, with Bibo and Nathan on the wings, Gav at FB. Pack will be the same as Bourgoin but probably bring Browne and McComish in a little more.

Connacht v Leinster rearranged game on next Wednesday as well. The coming week is really going to stretch our resources

profitius

From what I've seen Zebo looks to be quick and a decent kicker but his handling is poor and he doesn't look strong enough for ML rugby yet.

Leicester tigers wanted to take Barnes I've heard so he must be decent. I've never seen him play.

Peter O'Mahony I've seen a few times and he usually picks up MOTM awards so theres high hopes for him.

Dave Joyce

Connacht v Leinster rearranged game on next Wednesday as well. The coming week is really going to stretch our resources

Ah FFS, thats bullocks:(

We definitely will not start Griffen against Mafi and De Villers, the lad would be murdered.

Seen Eoin Griffen play for Corinthians last night in the Connacht Cup and the lad has some speed/strenght. Agree Mafi and JDV would be a tough call but I think he should be given a go on the wing especially as Fionn and Bibo are both injured.

2040

profitius wrote: »

Leicester tigers wanted to take Barnes I've heard so he must be decent. I've never seen him play.

I saw him in two of the pre seasons and he's nifty enough, he seems to be fast and has good hands. Leicester Tigers gave him an offer after seeing him play away against them in the preseason. Whether they've seen more of i don't know. He's been offered a contract with Munster now, presumably to keep him from going to England. It's unclear whether he would have been offered one so soon otherwise.

durkadurka

Just noticed on leinsterrugby.ie that conn vs leinster is next wednesday at 7.45!

phog

Anyone know if it will be possible to pay at the gate on Sunday?

WallyGUFC

durkadurka wrote: »

Just noticed on leinsterrugby.ie that conn vs leinster is next wednesday at 7.45!

Can tickets from the original game be refunded? Not a chance I'm going to that.

ANTONIOFELLINI

yep munster gotta try out these young fellas. got no qualms at all about O Mahony or Barnes. O Mahony is the Munster A skipper and Barnes played friendlies already this season.

Zzippy

WallyGUFC wrote: »

Can tickets from the original game be refunded? Not a chance I'm going to that.

I was away for the original game so didn't buy a ticket, I'll refund you for yours if you want to sell it

4 games in 12 days, Ulster will be delighted! Maybe Leinster could deal with that with the size of their squad, but not Connacht...

chupacabra

Dunno why Tiernan O'Halloran isn't being selected for this game. I could see him going to England in the next 2 seasons if Connacht don't start appreciating the immense talent they have on their hands

durkadurka

Zzippy wrote: »

I was away for the original game so didn't buy a ticket, I'll refund you for yours if you want to sell it

4 games in 12 days, Ulster will be delighted! Maybe Leinster could deal with that with the size of their squad, but not Connacht...

4 in 12?

thomond2006

chupacabra wrote: »

Dunno why Tiernan O'Halloran isn't being selected for this game. I could see him going to England in the next 2 seasons if Connacht don't start appreciating the immense talent they have on their hands

Might get a chance against Leinster on Wednesday, Bradley won't risk burning out key players with Toulon to come.

dreamer_ire

durkadurka wrote: »

4 in 12?

Munster April 18th
Leinster April 21st
Scarlets April 24th
Toulon May 1st

4 games in 13 days... it's a big ask for any team but a massive one for Connacht it has to be said. I'm sure Ulster Rugby were thrilled when they heard when the Leinster match was rearranged for.

I would have fancied Connacht for this Munster match until I heard about the rearranged fixture but I think the balance has swung back in Munster's favour.

profitius

chupacabra wrote: »

Dunno why Tiernan O'Halloran isn't being selected for this game. I could see him going to England in the next 2 seasons if Connacht don't start appreciating the immense talent they have on their hands

Or maybe Munster. Himself and Griffen should be getting more gametime for Connacht because they're both talented.

thomond2006

MUNSTER (possible) --
S Deasy; S Zebo, T Gleeson, P Warwick, D Barnes; D Cusack, P Stringer; T Buckley, D Varley, D Ryan; B Holland, M O'Driscoll (capt); N Williams, N Ronan, J Coughlan.

- Hugh Farrelly
Irish Independent

I hope the actual team is not that inexperienced.

Surely if the MB are paying JdV big money they will play him in every game?

Risteard

Why do people keep saying Cusack? I can't see his name in the squad.

chupacabra

profitius wrote: »

Or maybe Munster. Himself and Griffen should be getting more gametime for Connacht because they're both talented.

Munster just bought Murphy and Howlett has a new contract so i doubt he would wind up in Munster. And Leinster don't need him. Ulster, England or Wales are the most logical destinations for him. And i would bet my Betty Swollocks that there have been a good many inquiries about his availability.

evil_seed

15 Gavin Duffy

14 Troy Nathan

13 Niva Ta’auso

12 Keith Matthews

11 Fionn Carr

10 Ian Keatley

9 Frank Murphy

1 Brett Wilkinson

2 Sean Cronin

3 Jamie Hagan

4 Michael Swift

5 Bernie Upton

6 John Muldoon (captain)

7 Johnny O’Connor

8 George Naoupu

budhabob

An interesting team for munster. Strong enough pack, but alot of inexperience at the back.

Munster: Scott Deasy; Simon Zebo, Tom Gleeson, Paul Warwick, Danny Barnes; Declan Cusack, Peter Stringer; Dave Ryan, Damien Varley, Tony Buckley; Mick O'Driscoll capt; Billy Holland; Nick Williams, Niall Ronan, James Coughlan. Replacements: Denis Fogarty, Julien Brugnaut, Dave Foley, Peter O'Mahoney, Conor Murray, Jeremy Manning, Sean Scanlon.

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/7434.php

outwest

if that is the munster team, connacht bp win might just happen, not a strong bench, munster must be targeting next week, still its good their giving the like of zebo a chance, connacht should have griffen or o halleron on the bench at least

Podge_irl

I have never even heard of several of those players.

RuggieBear

Podge_irl wrote: »

I have never even heard of several of those players.

It's great tho imo as we get to see some more of the potential talent coming thru

sleepyman

Good to see them getting an opportunity.I hope they show well even if Munster don't get the result.I think Barnes was offered a full contract.The tigers played Munster in a pre-season friendly and were well impressed.
Saw him play against Ul Bohs in the ail for Dolphin a few weeks back-was quiet enough but looks useful all the same.
We need some of these lads to step up to the plate in the coming years.

O'Halloran >>>>> Griffin btw.

I think O'Halloran is a class act, and will be looking to play a major part in Connacht's next season

Podge_irl

RuggieBear wrote: »

It's great tho imo as we get to see some more of the potential talent coming thru

Strikes me as more of a "Dragons vs. Leinster" situation though with a few too many youngsters thrown in. It's good to see them getting game time, but you have to wonder how effective it will be to be throwing so many of them in.

On the other hand, I imagine Ulster are gonna be pretty ****ing pissed!

PhatPiggins

Deleted User wrote: »

O'Halloran >>>>> Griffin btw.

I think O'Halloran is a class act, and will be looking to play a major part in Connacht's next season

Seems to be lacking the mentles though. Hopefully he'll settle down a bit with experience

ressem

WallyGUFC wrote: »

Can tickets from the original game be refunded? Not a chance I'm going to that.

No, it's in the small print on the back of the ticket.

2040

I would have thought it was better to blood players gradually mixing experience with youth. Or is it? I don't know. All the same, i'm delighted to get the chance to see some of these players. Should be a tough game.

durkadurka

Podge_irl wrote: »

Strikes me as more of a "Dragons vs. Leinster" situation though with a few too many youngsters thrown in. It's good to see them getting game time, but you have to wonder how effective it will be to be throwing so many of them in.

On the other hand, I imagine Ulster are gonna be pretty ****ing pissed!

Bit of a double whammy, playing ospreys big guns then munster put a serious b team out against connacht.

thomond2006

Good to see a few lads get an opportunity but this is asking for trouble.

Can anyone tell me who Sean Scanlon is?

I can see the point of Warwick at 12, he can take the pressure off Cusack. Back three is exciting too.

I'm surprised Fla is missing, given he's barely played in a red shirt this season. Good to see Varley ahead of Fogarty, he looks the nailed on second choice hooker now.

This has Connacht win all over it IMO, hope I'm wrong.

Intriguing contest anyway.

durkadurka

durkadurka wrote: »

Bit of a double whammy, playing ospreys big guns three days after they lost in the European quarter final in France and with Ulster having 9 full days of preparation then munster put a serious b team out against connacht.

Fixed that for you.:D

evil_seed

i hope you're right thomond

eyeball kid

Pretty much full strength Connacht side against a 2nd string Munster.

Hopefully Connacht will do it, it will be very disappointing if they can't.

eyeball kid

eyeball kid wrote: »

Pretty much full strength Connacht side against a 2nd string Munster.

Hopefully Connacht will do it, it will be very disappointing if they can't.

If they keep the form from the last two games, they should definitely be favourites to win here!

sock puppet

Podge_irl wrote: »

Strikes me as more of a "Dragons vs. Leinster" situation though with a few too many youngsters thrown in. It's good to see them getting game time, but you have to wonder how effective it will be to be throwing so many of them in.

On the other hand, I imagine Ulster are gonna be pretty ****ing pissed!

Leinster and I'm fairly sure Munster rested players on their trip to Ravenhill so it's not like it's advantage Connacht really.

PhatPiggins

sock puppet wrote: »

Leinster and I'm fairly sure Munster rested players on their trip to Ravenhill so it's not like it's advantage Connacht really.

Munster had the B team out when they played in Belfast. Ulster have no one but themselves to blame for their awful form.

Diom

Deleted User wrote: »

O'Halloran >>>>> Griffin btw.

I think O'Halloran is a class act, and will be looking to play a major part in Connacht's next season

Griffen is class as well to be fair. Spelt with an "e".
His pay against Scotland was superb and seeing as how that was the only time he was played in his correct position during the tournament it is probably the only he should really be judged on. He is definitely not a wing, he definitely is a center.