Amlin Cup Semi Final - Munster v Quins, Saturday April 30th, 13:00 KO

some_dose

Squad was announced today:

Munster coach Tony McGahan has named a 27 strong squad for the Amlin Cup semi final clash on Saturday at Thomond Park Stadium.
Munster Squad (27): Johne Murphy, Felix Jones, Denis Hurley, Doug Howlett, Keith Earls, Sam Tuitupou, Lifeimi Mafi, Paul Warwick, Ronan O’Gara, Peter Stringer, Conor Murray, Marcus Horan, Wian du Preez, John Hayes, Tony Buckley, Stephen Archer, Damien Varley, Mike Sherry, Donnncha O’Callaghan, Mick O’Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, Ian Nagle, Tommy O’Donnell, David Wallace, Niall Ronan, James Coughlan, Denis Leamy.

Referee: Romain Poite (France)
Asst Referees: Christophe Berdos, Jerome Garces (France)
TMO: Giulio De Santis (Italy)
Citing Commissioner: Achille Reali (Itlay)

(Link: http://munsterrugby.ie/news/8988.php)

Although there is no PO'C, that may be a blessing in disguise as the worst thing to do now would be to rush him back. The team I'd like to see:

1. Du Preez
2. Varley
3. Mushy
4. DO'C
5. MO'D
6. D. Ryan (I think he has really upped his game in recent weeks)
7. Wally
8. Coughlan
9. Murray
10. RO'G
11. Earls
12. Warick
13. Mafi
14. Howlett
15. Jones

For what it's worth, I think far too many people are being far too dismissive of Quins. They will really be up for this and though they may not be considered a top club at the moment, they will be out to throw a spanner in the works.

If we can hold the set piece together (particularly the scrum - THIS MEANS YOU MUSHY), our backline continues to play the way they have been of late and RO'G brings his kicking boots then I can see Munster by at least 15 to 20. However, if they have a howler I can see it being squeaky bum territory for the final few mins. Anyway,

G'WAN MUNSTER!!!!

CIARAN_BOYLE

Will Harlequins put out a full strength side, they have a must win game the week after for HEC qualification.

I refkon they will send out full strength but I'm not certain

some_dose

After beating Stade earlier in the year I reckon they may go into this with the full intention of winning it i.e. full team. Added to their cause is the presence of the ever loved son of Limerick, Poite.


:mad:

PhatPiggins

I'm not taking Quins for granted at all, they're a better team then Brive (who really should have beaten us) its just that the Thomond Park factor is worth 13 points against European lightweights (in terms of experience) like Quins.

I like your team but Leamy gets in ahead of Ryan in mine and McGahans book I'd imagine. Fair play to Ryan the run of games has done him the power of good but Leamys unseen work in all games since march has been tremendous and has given Coughlan and Wallace a heap more freedom to do what they do well.

SomeFool

Off topic but looking at the named squad really brings home how much Munster need to sign someone for the 12 jersey next season.

PhatPiggins

SomeFool wrote: »

Off topic but looking at the named squad really brings home how much Munster need to sign someone for the 12 jersey next season.

That's never off topic on any Munster thread. I don't know if I want it to be Jean DV again though.

twinytwo

ugh i hate poite..

Munster for the win though :pac:

phog

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Will Harlequins put out a full strength side, they have a must win game the week after for HEC qualification.

I refkon they will send out full strength but I'm not certain

It's knockout rugby, full strenght team only for Quins.

Riskymove

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

Will Harlequins put out a full strength side, they have a must win game the week after for HEC qualification.

I refkon they will send out full strength but I'm not certain

winning the Amlin gets you into HC so Harlequins should be going for it to cover all bases

smurphy29

Judging by Conor O'Shea's interview in the ST on sunday, Quins are up for this and will certainly be fielding a full team.

However, they will not win. They've a young team and apparently (I haven't seen much of them) play an attractive brand of rugby, and I've a feeling O'Shea will make a good side out of them, but they are still a way off delivering a win in a ground like Thomond Park. Expect them to start well, but the Munster machine will grind them down in the second half.

Munster look fairly rejuvenated of late. They were beyond awful in the HEC this year, but the recent personnel shake up has done them a world of good.

profitius

smurphy29 wrote: »

Munster look fairly rejuvenated of late. They were beyond awful in the HEC this year, but the recent personnel shake up has done them a world of good.

They've started to play the young players at last. Murray and Jones in particular have given them an extra dimension. Earls is on form, the weather is good and grounds are hard and it suits Munster to play at a fast pace.

I'd say Murray is now Munster no 1 scrumhalf although they might be forced to pick TOL before the season ends.

profitius

Munster should win this by over the 10pt handicap.

LuckyGent88

Just got my ticket there Really looking forward to the game. Hopefully the weather stays the way it has been and some running rugby is played. Both teams have some cracking players in there backline so here's hoping for a few cracking try's. Munster to win by 10

Aidric

PhatPiggins wrote: »

That's never off topic on any Munster thread. I don't know if I want it to be Jean DV again though.

Eh? Has there been talk of him re-signing?

CatFromHue

profitius wrote: »

They've started to play the young players at last. Murray and Jones in particular have given them an extra dimension.

i agree jones is a different 15 than any of their other full backs but he was injured until recent enough.

if you look at some of the younger players stats on munster rugby, they've played as much before christmass as they have after. so this myth that munster dont play young players is just that, a myth. well for this season anyway.

i think munsters senior players have gotten back into form which has helped them get some good results.

PhatPiggins

Aidric wrote: »

Eh? Has there been talk of him re-signing?

Just take me back stuff from JDV. Made lots of friends in Munster great team spirit that sort of thing. He's contract is up after the WC I think.

Can't remember where I read/heard it but it was within the last week

Leamy >>>>>>> Ryan

That is all I have time for now. Leinster exposed Ryan at 6 in the game in Thomond, be certain that Quins saw that tape.

These kind of games are Leamy's bread and butter.

profitius

CatFromHue wrote: »

i agree jones is a different 15 than any of their other full backs but he was injured until recent enough.

if you look at some of the younger players stats on munster rugby, they've played as much before christmass as they have after. so this myth that munster dont play young players is just that, a myth. well for this season anyway.

i think munsters senior players have gotten back into form which has helped them get some good results.

Nobody says they don't play young players but WHEN they play the young players counts. For instance Murray and Jones started against Leinster the other week but in previous seasons it would have been the older, more experienced players.

The likes of POM was getting plenty of games earlier in the year before his injury. Murray has only just started playing and didn't feature much if at all in the early part of the season. Jones was injured too.

I'd expect Murray and Jones to start against Harlequins.

CIARAN_BOYLE

Deleted User wrote: »

Leamy >>>>>>> Ryan

That is all I have time for now. Leinster exposed Ryan at 6 in the game in Thomond, be certain that Quins saw that tape.

These kind of games are Leamy's bread and butter.

Leamy is definitely better than Ryan but I can understand people being tempted to play Ryan at 6 simply to give a lineout option in the backrow

I don't think Ryan or Billy Holland are good enough (in the back row) to fill that roll now

How far do people think Paddy Butler, POM, or DOCv2.0 are from a major breakthrough, they are both 6"3 and could do a job in the lineout if they managed to break through into the first team

Could they make a break when Leamy and Wallace are in the world cup squad

profitius

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

How far do people think Paddy Butler, POM, or DOCv2.0 are from a major breakthrough, they are both 6"3 and could do a job in the lineout if they managed to break through into the first team

Could they make a break when Leamy and Wallace are in the world cup squad

POM was playing loads of games earlier on in the season but got a next injury and is not long back. Butler has hardly featured for Munster this season. I'd say they're trying to build him up in the gym. DOC2.0 is 6'5" and reminds me of Kevin McLaughin. I don't think he has played this season but is still only in the second year of the academy.

Wallace and maybe Leamy and Ryan will go to the world cup, Holland might leave Munster and Quinlan is retiring so that'll leave the young players go get some gametime early next season. I'd expect POM to cement his place in the squad because he also has the ability to cover all 3 backrow positions and even played on the wing (was good too) for Cork Con.

Cpt_Blackbeard

Deleted User wrote: »

Leamy >>>>>>> Ryan

That is all I have time for now. Leinster exposed Ryan at 6 in the game in Thomond, be certain that Quins saw that tape.

These kind of games are Leamy's bread and butter.

Ryan was very good at 6 against the Ospreys though. His pace/awareness coming off the scrum is poor but will improve.

Leamy is very similar to DOC in that he is underrated because he does all the unseen work. He has completely reinvented himself as his injuries have seem to significantly impacted his carrying ability.

Ryan is not a 6, no matter how many times he is played there.
He is a second row, who "in a matter of emergency" can cover 6.

Leamy is one of the best out and out 6s Ireland has had in the last 10 years. He's been poorly treated and played out of position at 8 this season for some bizarre reason. When given a few games at 6 though he's been doing well, not near his best, but definitely above Ryan, who's not a natural ground hog, not a natural ball carrier, not a natural at the "art of the breakdown".

I don't think the choice for 6 could be anyone but Leamy tbh.

6 Leamy
7 Wallace
8 Couglan

is Munster's strongest available back row, this is a Cup semi final, you play your best team. It's not rocket science.

Amazotheamazing

Oddly enough, Leamy has been allowed go back to 6 since SOB has emerged. Personally think SOB has the ability to take Heaslip's place sooner rather than later. Wonder was Leamy being kept at 8 to keep cover for Ireland there (a lot of his Irish caps are at 8) when we had plenty of cover at 6? There's no logical reason why Coughlan was played at 6 and Leamy at 8 for Munster, from what I can see of both players. If you have to pick Coughlan you have to pick him at 8, imo. He's not International class but he's good at what he does.

Now we're a little more stretched at 6 with Ferris and Muldoon getting injuries this season so it makes sense to have Leamy focusing on 6, as he's no longer the second choice 8? Personally, when Ferris comes back I'd love to see a Ferris, Wallace, SOB backrow.

phog

Deleted User wrote: »

Leamy >>>>>>> Ryan

That is all I have time for now. Leinster exposed Ryan at 6 in the game in Thomond, be certain that Quins saw that tape.

These kind of games are Leamy's bread and butter.

Without getting into the rights or wrongs of that try would you agree that Ryan will have learnt from his mistakes? I myself would prefer to have Leamy at 6 but it's no harm having someone fighting for a place. In a recent interview McGahan actually mentions Ryan by name as having come on in his game and being in a position to play 2nd row and at 6, so he seems to be grooming him for it.

Course he would have learned from it, but this is a cup semi final, do you want an apprentice or do you want the veteran?!

phog

Deleted User wrote: »

Course he would have learned from it, but this is a cup semi final, do you want an apprentice or do you want the veteran?!

Obviously, I'd prefer Leamy at 6 but I wouldn't be hiding behind my hands if Ryan was at 6.

totallegend

Deleted User wrote: »

Course he would have learned from it, but this is a cup semi final, do you want an apprentice or do you want the veteran?!

They could play Kate Middleton at #6 tomorrow and they'd still give Quins a hiding, I wouldn't worry about it either way.

PhatPiggins

phog wrote: »

Without getting into the rights or wrongs of that try would you agree that Ryan will have learnt from his mistakes? I myself would prefer to have Leamy at 6 but it's no harm having someone fighting for a place. In a recent interview McGahan actually mentions Ryan by name as having come on in his game and being in a position to play 2nd row and at 6, so he seems to be grooming him for it.

I've felt sorry for Ryan in the past when he's played 6 against a decent team and gotten brutalised and then dropped again. He had a rough ride against Leinster but has finally been given a run of games to prove he's worth. I have to admit that he has improved a 6 with each game he's played.

I think he's a better second row and I'd start Leamy tomorrow but Ryan definetely offers competition and if he continues to improve who knows next season.

Just as a side note I don't think you need to have a tall (6'4 +) player in the backrow to be a decent lineout option. Throwing to the tail is all about timing,foot work and the hookers accuracy. The jumper will largely be uncontested and maximum height on the ball and the jump isn't as important as throwing to 4. Having a tall backrower might be more useful on a defensive lineout though.

Risteard

Munster: F Jones; D Howlett, L Mafi, P Warwick, K Earls; R O'Gara capt, C Murray; W du Preez, D Varley, T Buckley; D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll; D Leamy, D Wallace, J Coughlan. Replacements: M Sherry, M Horan, J Hayes, P O'Connell, D Ryan, P Stringer, S Tuitupou, J Murphy.

Can't argue with any of that tbh.

ormond lad

Munster: F Jones; D Howlett, L Mafi, P Warwick, K Earls; R O'Gara capt, C Murray; W du Preez, D Varley, T Buckley; D O'Callaghan, M O'Driscoll; D Leamy, D Wallace, J Coughlan.
Replacements: M Sherry, M Horan, J Hayes, P O'Connell, D Ryan, P Stringer, S Tuitupou, J Murphy.

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/8997.php

profitius

If Munster are up for it and the weather is fine I think they'll win without too much bother. I can't see Harlequins dominating in any particular area.

phog

Happy enough with the team, surprised that O'Connell is named, I really thought they'd hold him back until next week.

thomond2006

Harlequins side to face Munster, Thomond Park, Saturday 30th April, kick off 1pm.

15 Mike Brown
14 Gonzalo Camacho
13 George Lowe
12 Jordan Turner-Hall
11 Ugo Monye
10 Nick Evans
9 Danny Care

1 Joe Marler
2 Joe Gray
3 James Johnston
4 Ollie Kohn
5 George Robson
6 Maurie Fa'asavalu
7 Chris Robshaw (c)
8 Nick Easter

Replacements
16 Matt Cairns
17 Ceri Jones
18 Mark Lambert
19 Tomas Vallejos
20 Will Skinner
21 Dave Moore
22 Rory Clegg
23 Ross Chisholm

wixfjord

No way that Quins front 5 will be able to live with Munsters. Munster by 10+ for me, a pack is the first thing you need to win at Thomond, and they don't have that.

Cpt_Blackbeard

The starting Quins Front row is younger than our sub props. :eek:

Zzippy

On behalf of Connacht fans everywhere... G'wan Munster!

phog

Like I said over in the Leinster match thread this has to be a home win, I'm afraid of O'Shea but I still feel Munster have the players and experience to beat Quins. This game has probably come a season too early for Quins - I hope it has

Getting nervous but really looking forward to this game now.

phog

From the ERC Site

Munster skipper Ronan O'Gara has been warned he faces the best fly-half in Britain in the Amlin Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Munster's points-machine will go head-to-head with former All Black Nick Evans at Thomond Park in the second semi-final and Quins' international wing Ugo Monye reckons that could prove the battle that decides which team reaches the final in Cardiff next month.

"The battle between Nick Evans and Ronan O'Gara is going to be fantastic. Nick is one of the best players in the world and probably the best player I have ever played with - he does everything so well with a very cool head," said Monye.

Evans scored 20 points for the All Blacks at Lansdowne Road in 2005 in a 45-7 demolition of an Ireland team that included O'Gara among six Munster players. AS repeat of that would put Quins into their third Amlin Challenge Cup final in Cardiff on Friday, 20 May.

"Ronan's record speaks for itself but he has also become one of the game's great organisers," said Evans.

"The only person who possibly knows Thomond Park better than him is the groundsman. Ronan knows every blade of grass - he is a real fighter and he is Munster.

"I always knew about the strength of Munster rugby when I was growing up in New Zealand because we were told about how they beat the All Blacks in 1978. Even as a kid I thought they must be pretty special."

Munster may have been crowned European champions in 2002006 and 2008 but this is their first campaign in the Challenge Cup that has twice been lifted by Quins.

And Monye, a British & Irish Lion in 2009 who played alongside O'Gara, Keith Earls, Paul O'Connell, Donncha O'Callaghan and David Wallace in South Africa, insists the Londoners will not be intimidated by the Limerick cauldron this weekend.

"We are a young squad but we are confident in our ability. We had a good result at Leeds last weekend and we've won at Northampton, but we're expecting a massively different challenge at Thomond Park," admitted Monye.

"It is one of the most iconic stadiums in European rugby and with a sea of reds shirts and flags it will almost be like playing for the Lions again.

"I love going away from home and being booed. That shows the other side is worried about you. You can't go to a place like Thomond Park and feel intimidated. If you do that you are beaten before you even start.

"We have to embrace the atmosphere, stick together as a group and inspire each other. It is going to be a huge test but everyone in the squad is buzzing. It is a one-off challenge for us.

"We haven't won a trophy for seven years so it would be a great shame to waste the opportunity."

Meanwhile Monye, who has not played for England since he was carried off with his neck in a brace against Scotland a year ago, hopes to push for a World Cup place.

"This is going to be a step up for all of us - this is Heineken Cup rugby, if not international class rugby. I'm really looking forward to my battle with Doug Howlett and I want to get the ball in my hands early on," he said.

jolley123

I think this is pretty much a guarantee win for Munster. Harlequins are a quality side with some attacking prowess, but they don't have anywhere near what it takes to go to Thomond and beat Munster. They've struggled in the premiership, a league that only has 2 European quality sides in it. I'm picturing the QF last year when Northampton were outplayed, only this time I see a bigger margin.

phog

Anyone know if there's going to be a Ref Link in Thomond Park tomorrow? I think we've had them for H/Cup semis before.

I tried the BCI site but it doesnt seem to have been updated in yonks.

bamboozle

suprised there's no room for Johne Murphy, maybe Warwick can bring the best out of Mafi.

best of luck to Munster!

phog

bamboozle wrote: »

suprised there's no room for Johne Murphy, maybe Warwick can bring the best out of Mafi.

best of luck to Munster!

Warwick has shown better form recently but I think his hands will be full in defence in the middle of the field. Hope I'm wrong.

Kaka10

That is a shockingly poor Harlequinns line up when you look at it. I honestly think Brive are more of a threat so it should be an easy win, especially in Thomond but in knock out rugby you never know what can happen. Harlequinns have lost over 50% of their games this season as well, I really can't see Munster not adding to those statistics.

durkadurka

My memory of Conor O shea when asked about this match in the RTE studio was that he was expecting a hiding. Seemed to be almost joking about it.


I'm thinking a 32-12 scoreline or some such.

Zzippy

durkadurka wrote: »

My memory of Conor O shea when asked about this match in the RTE studio was that he was expecting a hiding. Seemed to be almost joking about it.


I'm thinking a 32-12 scoreline or some such.

Coaches always talk up the opposition, he was hardly going to go on Irish TV and give Munster extra motivation by predicting a Quins win. At the same time, he knew none of his players would be watching it, I'm sure he's not telling them the same thing!

Digifriendly

Kaka10 wrote: »

That is a shockingly poor Harlequinns line up when you look at it. I honestly think Brive are more of a threat so it should be an easy win, especially in Thomond but in knock out rugby you never know what can happen. Harlequinns have lost over 50% of their games this season as well, I really can't see Munster not adding to those statistics.

In the front 5 I agree but there's plenty of pace in their backline and the backrow is useful. However with Munster being at home the Irishmen should win. BTW is the spelling to do with the insurance company that has recently beeen taken over after financial problems?:)

PhatPiggins

Claiming that Evans is the best fly half in Britain is doing him a disservice. He's the best fly half in Europe in my book. What he does behind a powder puff pack with a headless chicken passing to him is sublime.

Graham Henry must be crying into his tea every time he watches Stephen Brett miss a conversion from under the posts or Aaron Cruden getting knocked over by leaf 20 metre behind the gain line.

thomond2006

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3StR2BNTGI

Evans' finest moments in a Quins shirt.

I haven't seen him play this season so I can't comment on his form but by all accounts he has been very good recently.

durkadurka

thats an outstanding climax to a game - when was that?

ormond lad

durkadurka wrote: »

thats an outstanding climax to a game - when was that?

december 2008

thomond2006

durkadurka wrote: »

thats an outstanding climax to a game - when was that?

http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/matchcentre/1648.php