Munster v Leinster, Saturday May 28th, Thomond Park - ML Final - Mod Note Post 1&16

totallegend

Game in three days and no dedicated thread, so here goes.

This could be the game that puts the icing on the cake of Leinster's best-ever season or the game that brings redemption for Munster in what has been, by their own standards, a very disappointing season. The bookies have Leinster as very narrow favourites with a two-point handicap, perhaps reflecting the fact that while Leinster have been the best team in Europe this season, that form will count for a whole lot less at a packed Thomond Park; that much was in evidence at the league meeting when Leinster raced to an 11-point half-time lead having dominated their hosts, only to see Munster claw back the deficit and claim victory with a last minute penalty.

The key match-ups:
O'Connell vs Cullen; The importance of O'Connell was highlighted by the one-man revival seen against Harlequins when he joined the fray and Cullen's understated captaincy style is in stark contrast to the fire and brimstone passion that O'Connell brings to Munster. However, Cullen has been quietly efficient all season and brings a hard edge to Leinster that isn't always obvious to the casual observer. Too close to call

Sexton vs O'Gara; this one has been highlighted so often it's become cliched but Sexton's all-conquering second-half performance against Northampton threatens to put him out of sight as Ireland's first choice out-half. O'Gara, in contrast, has struggled to impose himself in Munster's games against Harlequins and Ospreys and needs a big performance to remind Declan Kidney of his qualities. Advantage Leinster

Front-row vs Front-row; Healy, Strauss and Ross took much of the credit for Leinster's second-half turnaround in Cardiff having suffered badly in first half. The platform afforded to Leinster from the scrum was crucial to their fightback. Munster, in contrast, have had widely publicised issues at scrum-time and have struggled to settle on their first-choice front row through a combination of injuries and loss of form. Horan and Hayes have been given the nod in the last two matches against Connacht and Ospreys and both will be looking to stake a claim for inclusion in the RWC squad. Advantage Leinster

Leinster's Desire vs Leinster's Hangover; Having been through a punishing HC final and celebrated with gusto and plenty of alcohol, there'll be a physical after-effect which has to come into play. Schmidt may look to freshen the team with some changes but the bulk of the starting XV will remain unchanged from last weekend. As well as the physical aspects, there may well be a mental hangover, a feeling of satisfaction at having reached the level of true European greats in having won the HC a second time. It remains to be seen if Leinster can motivate themselves for the Magners and bring their A-game one last time. This should be the main focus for Schmidt and Cullen this week; any lack of desire will be punished by Munster. Advantage Munster

Prediction:
Based on season-long form in big matches, it's hard to see past a Leinster win, but home advantage will be a massive factor. Just as Leinster benefitted from a huge following against Leicester and Toulouse, Munster will draw great encouragement from their fans who will outnumber the visitors three to one. Add in Munster's desire not to finish another season empty-handed and the inevitable Leinster hangover from last weekend, I'm going for a Munster victory but by less than seven points.

NOTE FROM MOD

Hi, pre-emptive warning - Zero Tolerance from here on in.

Everyone should have a read of the charter and familiarise themselves with it.

Anyone breaking said charter can expect a ban. No yellow card, no red card, just a straight ban.

Probably increasing in length for every charter breach by every person. So, if you are silly enough to be the fifth or sixth person to break the charter in this thread, your ban could be permanent.

Quint2010

Can't see past a Leinster win. Munster will be hungry and home advantage is a big help but I see Leinster winning by five points

justsomebloke

I can't friggin wait for this. A lot is going to be said about how tired Leinster are but with Munster finishing off their season with 2 lack luster games and then having a week off they really could be off the boil for this game especially against a Leinster team coming off a huge Heineken cup victory and in search of a historic double. With this being Hines and Stan's last games for Leinster we could see some big performances.

Teferi

Leinster V Munster matches are quite simply the best rugby matches every season. Even better with a trophy to play for. So excited.

My heart and head says Leinster to win. Not by much though.

phog

I can't see a Munster win but I hope I'm wrong.

It looks like it's going to be a mixed day weather wise so that won't help either team and the field cuts up around scrums and rucks.

Nigel Owens is the ref so they're cant be too many complaints, but he has 2 otehr Welsh officials as A/Rs, I hope James Jones isn't one of them.

thomond2006

No match thread lads, busy busy at the moment.

My 2c....

Without a doubt Munster are the forgotten province this season. It's been all about Leinster and their superb form in the Heineken Cup (rightly of course). I've a feeling the Munster players will use that as motivation.

Leinster are the strong favourites IMO and will seriously fancy this. They will be euphroic after their Heineken victory but I think they are professional enough to put it (temporarily) to the back of their minds and focus on this game.

It's a very big game for a lot of Munster players to stake their claim for a World Cup spot. Many Leinster players have already down all they can to get on the plane to New Zealand. The likes of Hayes, MOD, Ryan, Leamy, Murray and Jones in particular will look to put in impressive performances.

ROG vs Sexton. Big battle as always. ROG will be green with envy at Sexton's masterclass in Cardiff where he pretty much cemented a starting berth for Ireland at the World Cup. For Munster to win ROG needs to be at his very best, he wants "his" Irish jersey and nothing will stand in his way to get it back. :pac:

On selection, I reckon Leinster will go with the same side bar Jennings to come in for McLaughlin, perhaps Boss may come in too. Munster should name the same XV and I pray O'Leary stays in the stands.

Prediction: I can only see one winner but finals are always strange beasts. If Leinster can emulate the second half at Cardiff they could win comfortably. It's very difficult however to repeat that level of performance and Munster will give it everything at home. Munster have had a rest week while Leinster could be fatigued. Still I fancy Leinster to achieve the double: Leinster by 7 points. (Hope I'm wrong!)

Munster Squad:
P Warwick, S Zebo, F Jones, D Barnes, K Earls, D Howlett, L Mafi, J Murphy, R O'Gara,
C Murray, T O'Leary, P Stringer,

S Archer, W du Preez, J Hayes, M Horan,
M Sherry, D Varley,
D O'Callaghan, P O'Connell, M O'Driscoll,
D Leamy, N Ronan, D Ryan, J Coughlan, D Wallace.

I'd like to see:
du Preez, Sherry, Hayes, DOC, POC, Ryan, Wallace, Coughlan;
Murray, ROG, Earls, Mafi, Barnes, Howlett, Jones

Bench: Varley, Horan, Archer, MOD, Leamy, Stringer, Warwick, Murphy/Zebo

The Rooster

I'd imagine its fairly certain that Jennings and Boss will be two changes to the starting line-up for Leinster. I'll be very disappointed if McFadden doesnt get a start.

I'd make two changes to the 23 on duty from last week. Don't think it will happen, but I would bring in O'Malley and Ruddock and give Darce and Toner the weekend off.

theboss80

I'd like to see

du Preez Sherry Hayes
DO'C PO'C
Ryan Wallace Coughlan;
Murray + ROG
Earls Mafi Barnes Howlett Warwick


Varley Horan Archer
MOD Leamy
Stringer Jones Zebo

PhatPiggins

Good wrtie up Thomond and I agree with your prediction but I don't think Leinster even need to reach the levels they did in the HC final second half to beat Munster. If they play like they did for 90% of the HC then they'll win.
As an aside Leinsters ML performances (including the 2 games against Munster) were by and large ordinary (different team I know).

daveharnett

I think the psychology is particularly important this weekend.

If they are given a sniff of the ball in the first 20, I can see the game becoming a celebratory romp for Leinster.

If Munster can turn the game into a trench battle, kill the ruck and frustrate at the set pieces, I don't think Leinster will have the appetite to win it. Now, how to make that happen

jolley123

I reckon this will be a tight affair. Munster have had a lot of preparation for this match, and will se it as an opportunity not just to win some silverware but to judge themselves as a team against the European champions.

I really am unsure of who will win. Leinster are on a high and might come playing with their tails up, or, all the celebrations will stand against them.

andrewdcs

Lovely season finale (if you're to be seen wearing the green) I have a gut feel Leinster will take it, hope its a good match, international rugby at its finest on show around the world, love to see Nacewa / Horgan / Earls / Howlett more than Cullen POC (no offense to the lads) but a hard running BaBas game would be just awesome.

My nerves can't take another tale of two halves so I'll make a bold suggestion that neither team stand a lead of more than 7 at any point, back and forth, tennis style please.

Last match didn't Leisnter crush munster horribly in the first half, only to be turned on its head in the second? ending in a classic narrow home win, still have the texts from the cousins at it.

Jemo

Think this game is a toss up, if it was anywhere other than Thomond there would only be one winner but this is Thomond and Musnter have a lot of motivation. Strange things can happen in finals as a first half Leinster or the inaugral grand final champions Ospreys will tell you!
I think Munster will hit the blocks at 100 miles an hour, hope to wear Leinster down quick and take the desire out of the game. I don't think it'll be enough though, the Leinster bench should be able to see out the game.
Leinster by 5 but it could almost be Munster...

totallegend

I'm dying to see how the scrum plays out. I posted on the Leinster v Northampton thread before the game that I wasn't expecting too many resets and collapsed scrums because both sides would go for it and take the hit, and that's how it panned out. Even when the scrums were going backwards, the retreating front row battled on and the game flowed so much better because of it.

I fear that Munster won't be able to live with Leinster at the scrum and will try to even things up by collapsing and hoping the penalty call goes their way, which could make for a poor spectacle of constant resets.

Dr.Evil

Can't wait, this match has no reason not to be brilliant! Would like to see a small bit of rotation in the Leinster team, where it can be afforded - back row, McFadden, Boss maybe. Hoping for a Leinster win, but you can't be guaranteed anything in Thomond Park. Good luck to Munster, hope it's a good one!

_blank_

Hi, pre-emptive warning - Zero Tolerance from here on in.

Everyone should have a read of the charter and familiarise themselves with it.

Anyone breaking said charter can expect a ban. No yellow card, no red card, just a straight ban.

Probably increasing in length for every charter breach by every person. So, if you are silly enough to be the fifth or sixth person to break the charter in this thread, your ban could be permanent.

Podge_irl

I imagine if Munster want to win this one they're probably going to have to score a try.

Tomtom364

It will be a very tight game. Hoping for both teams to really just go for it.

Hope and Pray for a Munster win but I can't predict this one.

On a side note, it will be interesting to see how much the MRSC tries to nullify the Celtic Rugby neutrality. Fans look to be 3:1 in Munsters favor based on ticket sales. And the supports club will be out mad with the flags. But how successful they are will be interesting.
Pity Munster Branch didnt preempt this and paint the stadium red like Musgrave park :P

Big Nelly

Luke was on Today FM earlier and talking about this, mentioned the team did some good celebrating but are pumped up for match.

Going down myself but coming back up, cant do another weekend of mad drinking like Cardiff. Should be a good match but hope Leinster dont fall off in second half due to tiredness.

I would say it will be a tight match but hopefuly a good one!!!!

wixfjord

totallegend wrote: »

I'm dying to see how the scrum plays out. I posted on the Leinster v Northampton thread before the game that I wasn't expecting too many resets and collapsed scrums because both sides would go for it and take the hit, and that's how it panned out. Even when the scrums were going backwards, the retreating front row battled on and the game flowed so much better because of it.

I fear that Munster won't be able to live with Leinster at the scrum and will try to even things up by collapsing and hoping the penalty call goes their way, which could make for a poor spectacle of constant resets.

Good point, remember the ridiculous shenanigans the last time in the scrums from Small.
Hayes, Du Preez and Sherry against Ross, Strauss and Healy with VDM and Wright to come on should point to one thing.
Tiredness will be a big factor though. Would start MCF, Boss, VDM, Jennings, etc, and make subs of Wright, Locky, Ruddock, O Malley, Toner etc as and when the chance arises.

RugGol

I expect a Leinster victory. Last weekend showed that they have the class to beat tough opposition.
Happily 'class' seems to prevail (mostly!) over 'want' in the modern game.

I expect the 'hangover' issue to be countered by the fact that Leinster have little to prove this season. They can plan their expansive game. Munster have more to lose.

Leinster team to start (hopefully)

1 VdMerve
2 Strauss - Enjoy your holiday after!
3 Wright
4 Toner
5 Cullen
6 Hines
7 Ryan
8 Ruddock
9 Boss
10 Sexton
11 Fitzgerald
12 McFadden
13 O'Malley
14 Shaggy
15 Nacewa

16 JHW
17 Healy
18 Ross
19 SOB / Heaslip
20 Reddan
21 Madigan / McKinley
22 BOD
23 D.Kearney


Can't see it happening though, BOD starting with O'Malley on at 55 is fine too, but I'd really prefer him to sit this game out. Think it's fair to give SOB or Heaslip a rest, and bench the other. I'd be more than happy with that back row vs Munster's tbh. The two boys have done incredible this season against far stronger backrow units.

I would like to see players like Ryan, Ruddock, O'Malley, McFadden and D.Kearney get a chance tbh. This has been their league, they've done the cold nights in Murrayfield and the squeaky bums away in Italy. We've built a squad this season to attack two competitions, and I think that we've come far enough to let the guys who've done the grafting during the year have a chance to close it out.

Personally think that that team could still cut Munster to ribbons anyway...

The Thomond Park factor not to be ignored though!

Auvers

cant wait for this, I think its always hard to pick a winner with the intensity brought into these matches

I just hope its a nice tight game and a Hollywood finish with Quinlan coming off the bench and scoring the winning drop goal :pac:

Quint2010

Deleted User wrote: »

Leinster team to start (hopefully)

1 VdMerve
2 Strauss - Enjoy your holiday after!
3 Wright
4 Toner
5 Cullen
6 Hines
7 Ryan
8 Ruddock
9 Boss
10 Sexton
11 Fitzgerald
12 McFadden
13 O'Malley
14 Shaggy
15 Nacewa

16 JHW
17 Healy
18 Ross
19 SOB / Heaslip
20 Reddan
21 Madigan / McKinley
22 BOD
23 D.Kearney


Can't see it happening though, BOD starting with O'Malley on at 55 is fine too, but I'd really prefer him to sit this game out. Think it's fair to give SOB or Heaslip a rest, and bench the other. I'd be more than happy with that back row vs Munster's tbh. The two boys have done incredible this season against far stronger backrow units.

I would like to see players like Ryan, Ruddock, O'Malley, McFadden and D.Kearney get a chance tbh. This has been their league, they've done the cold nights in Murrayfield and the squeaky bums away in Italy. We've built a squad this season to attack two competitions, and I think that we've come far enough to let the guys who've done the grafting during the year have a chance to close it out.

Personally think that that team could still cut Munster to ribbons anyway...

The Thomond Park factor not to be ignored though!

I can see Scmidt not making any changes at all. Maybe McFadden in at 12 (as D'Arcy sat out training yesterday) and maybe VDM at 1 but apart from that wouldnt be surprised to see the same team as saturday. If it was away to anyone else I would say mix and match but against Munster away we will need our strongest team.

sickpuppy

Podge_irl wrote: »

I imagine if Munster want to win this one they're probably going to have to score a try.

Where are they going to score trys is a big question all right.

I think Leinster had one eye on the quarter againest Leicester the last time and the ref seemed very biased towards Munster regarding some penalty decisions.
Of course Munster will be up for this but after the pummeling Harlequins gave them at home in the Amlin cup Thomond is no longer the fortress it was.

If the leinster front row can perfrom like they did in the second half against northampton could be along day for Munster Leinster by 10

phog

Thomond Park getting ready for the final.

thought it was supposed to be "neutrally-dressed"?

The banners are class though!

GerM

If it's anything like the RDS last year, those red banners will need to be taken down, unless they're outside which they might be by the looks?

smurphy29

Can't see too many changes to the Leinster team. Some of the lads who were very close to the starting line-up in Cradiff could get a run - that would be McFadden and Boss - and Jennings will definitely start. vdMerwe is a possibility but only that. And anyone who thinks Toner will start here needs to remember this will be Hines' last game for Leinster. He will bow out a legend, and will be looking for a second medal to leave with.

phog

Deleted User wrote: »

thought it was supposed to be "neutrally-dressed"?

The banners are class though!

I reckon the Munster ones will be removed on match day as they seem to be blocking the Sponsors banner.

Cpt_Blackbeard

If Munster want to have a chance at winning they have to find a way of scoring tries against Leinster. Munster need to get their back 3 into the game and use their pace to exploit any gaps that appear. If the gaps don't appear we need our backrow to create them like SOB against Munster in April or Heaslip in the final (Not trying to start a debate); We need to rediscover some of that nous that won us 2 Heineken Cups but, has been missing since.

As with the final on Saturday, scrums will be extremely important. Munster must hold their own if they want to stay within touching distance of Leinster. Hayes showed against Connacht that he can still pull a good performance out of the bag, he needs to because we can't count on Archer - He engaged as a LH instead of TH against Ospreys ffs.

DOC and POC will play a huge role if Munster are to win and I expect the DOC who proved his critics wrong in the 6N to show up; He has to if he wants to keep Cullen out of the Irish team. I feel that Leamy has to start at 6 as Ryan can be exposed if Leinster target him coming off the scrum. He has to be at his attritional best and get under SOBs and Heaslips skin; Neither of them have the best discipline record and without Quinnie, Leamy is the only player we have who can get at them.

ROG must play his natural game and give up with running the ball and trying to play like Sexton; He can see the gaps but doesn't have the pace to exploit them. The Lineout is a big worry though as Varley is inconsistent with the darts and unless Ryan starts we have no third jumper. Hopefully ROG trusts our lineout otherwise he will try and go for glory and get turned over.

Hopefully Barnes starts in the centre and he will have a huge task in defending against one of the most experienced centre partnerships in rugby. He is, however, very solid in defense and it would be a great opportunity to prove himself.

All in all, Munster's only chance of winning is with 1-15 playing out of their skin and getting the bounce of the ball on the night. They will be extremely motivated to show that the season hasn't been an absolute failure by finishing with some silverware. There would be no better way to finish the season than to be able to beat the HC champions and rightfully declare that you are the best team in Europe :P.

Regardless of how Leinster play, every Munster player must be at their best if they are to win. However, we will need to score tries and we won't do that with our current gameplan. Our only chance is with a bit of genius from the back 3, we have the back 3 to do it do Munster by 2.

On a less optimistic note, I can see Leinster winning by 8+

Phonehead

This is a real tough one to call, my heart says Leinster but I have a real suspicion that the old heads in Munster will give this one serious push.

It is key that Munster drag Leinster into a brawl, if Leinster get into their stride and O'Brien, Heaslip, Strauss and Healy get plenty of ball then this could be a long day for Munster. Munster can't afford for this to be a nice rugby game, expect to see Munster pushing it to the edge of the laws to try and to slow the breakdown down as much as possible.

I don't question Leinsters hunger for the battle (that 2nd half has to have taken it's toll) I just think Munster will do what is required to win this game and ensure this is their big blowout for the older players. Munster to win by an O'Gara penalty 3

twinytwo

jolley123 wrote: »

I reckon this will be a tight affair. Munster have had a lot of preparation for this match, and will se it as an opportunity not just to win some silverware but to judge themselves as a team against the European champions.

I really am unsure of who will win. Leinster are on a high and might come playing with their tails up, or, all the celebrations will stand against them.

But you cant compare munster who are at their lowest point in the last 10 years to leinster who are at their highest

jolley123

twinytwo wrote: »

But you cant compare munster who are at their lowest point in the last 10 years to leinster who are at their highest

Not in the wider spectrum of things no. But players will be out to prove themselves and if Munster can come up with a big performance and possibly a win, then it certainly will lift expectations for next year.It's always important to finish your season on a high.

WeeBushy

1. Van der Merwe
2. Strauss
3. Ross
4. Hines
5. Cullen
6. O'Brien
7. Jennings
8. Heaslip
9. Boss
10. Sexton
11. Fitzgerald
12. McFadden
13. O'Driscoll
14. Horgan
15. Nacewa

Bench: Healy, Wright, JHW, Toner, McLaughlin, Reddan, Madigan, D. Kearney

Maybe a bit harsh on Darce missing out altogether but he doesn't offer much versatility from the bench and Kearney has been in superb form and deserves a shot in the final.

Tough on O'Malley, Ryan and Ruddock as well who in particular have been heavily involved this season's ML, but its a final against Munster in Munster in the last game of the season. No place to be resting players or being sentimental imo.

ShamoBuc

twinytwo wrote: »

But you cant compare munster who are at their lowest point in the last 10 years to leinster who are at their highest

That should be remembered, taking into consideration where Munster are at the moment a win for them would be all the sweeter. It would be a right kick in the teeth for Leinster given their current status as HC champions - won't be much in I reckon. If munster can get over for a try ( they've not had too many in recent encounters) and ROG will always get a rake of pens it might be enough to keep it close going into the final 20 mins - any slip up then by either team ( or the very possible yellow card or two) could be the difference.

irishbucsfan

ShamoBuc wrote: »

(they've not had too many in recent encounters)

None in 6, let's get it straight

Quint2010

irishbucsfan wrote: »

None in 6, let's get it straight

Munster or their fans wont give a hoot if they beat us 36-35 (12 penalties to 5 converted tries) as long as they beat us.

Podge_irl

Quint2010 wrote: »

Munster or their fans wont give a hoot if they beat us 36-35 (12 penalties to 5 converted tries) as long as they beat us.

They should. Munster's inability to break down a committed and well-organised defence is one of their biggest problems.

totallegend

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

DOC and POC will play a huge role if Munster are to win and I expect the DOC who proved his critics wrong in the 6N to show up; He has to if he wants to keep Cullen out of the Irish team. I feel that Leamy has to start at 6 as Ryan can be exposed if Leinster target him coming off the scrum. He has to be at his attritional best and get under SOBs and Heaslips skin; Neither of them have the best discipline record and without Quinnie, Leamy is the only player we have who can get at them.

Would be a very bad sign if Munster were to look at that as a genuine tactic. Firstly, other than Heaslip's explosion against NZ, I'm not sure whether there's any basis for thinking it would have any hope of success, secondly Leamy would be more likely to concede penalties and get himself binned, going on recent form.
Munster would be better off figuring out how to cross the Leinster try line...

CouchSmart

As a Leinster fan I'd love to win this nearly as much as I wanted the HEC last weekend. It's an opportunity for this team to cement there place in history as one of the best ever by joining the small group who have won their domestic and European competition in the same year, and what better way than doing than beating your biggest rivals in their backyard.

It's going to be a hugely physical game, as it always is but I think in the end the two biggest factors are going to be Leinster's hangover and Munster's fear of losing. With the HEC already in their back pocket, all the pressure is off Leinster. Munster on the other hand will be desperate to secure a trophy in what was a disappointing season by their own high standards.

I reckon Munster will target Leinster's lineout, I don't think it's a particularly weak aspect of our game but O'Connell will fancy himself and will be out to make a point. I'd start McLoughlin to counter-act this, his performances in the lineout have been sensational this year. This would probably mean leaving O'Brien out of the starting line up but he's had a hard season and what an impact sub!

I'd bring in Heinke too and McFadden if D'Arcy isn't fit. On paper we have enough to win, Leinster by 4 is my guess. Should be a cracking game anyway.

ShamoBuc

irishbucsfan wrote: »

None in 6, let's get it straight

why thank you:D

I would have liked one the last day, but we didn't need it in the end;)

None in 7 would not be a good record, although I'd settle it, if it meant back to back wins !!

PhatPiggins

Only 3 teams have done the double: Toulouse, Tigers and Wasps. All HC royalty. Leinster have played well enough this season to deserve to be the fourth.

I think it's going to be a cracker of a game with the lead changing a few times. Hopefully there'll be no serious injuries. I know its near impossible to get him to sit out the big games but I'd rest BOD, he looked like he was playing with a dead leg and a hammy against Northampton.

Brian P

Leinster are rightly on top of the world but Munster need this a lot more than Leinster. Munster to repeat previous win but more emphatically.

myflipflops

Head (and heart) says Leinster by a score but Munster in Thomand with their pride hurting is as dangerous a rugby beast as exists anywhere. Game could well hinge on Munster getting close to parity in the front row because on paper and (importantly) on current form, the Leinster front row has the beating of them.

If Leinster make a couple of changes (McFadden has to start somewhere, Jeenigs at 7 at least) and use the bench well then I say Leinster by 5.

On another note, this article in the TImes today:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/0526/1224297785892.html

Who the f*ck was suggesting Munster applaud Lienster ONTO the pitch?? Can you imagine O'Connell and Leamy politely applauding Cullen and O'Brien 2 minutes before trying to rip their heads off??

The Rooster

€20 on Leinster -16 at 6/1 for me.

CIARAN_BOYLE

myflipflops wrote: »

Who the f*ck was suggesting Munster applaud Lienster ONTO the pitch?? Can you imagine O'Connell and Leamy politely applauding Cullen and O'Brien 2 minutes before trying to rip their heads off??

I beleive that one of the panelists on against the head made the suggestion.

If it was just a league match then maybe but this is the ML final and shouldn't be dominated by issues like this

Aidric

myflipflops wrote: »

On another note, this article in the TImes today:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2011/0526/1224297785892.html

Who the f*ck was suggesting Munster applaud Lienster ONTO the pitch?? Can you imagine O'Connell and Leamy politely applauding Cullen and O'Brien 2 minutes before trying to rip their heads off??

An utterly ridiculolus notion prior to a Final.

Tomtom364

if this was a mute match and the league was already won by another team (neither munster nor leinster)

then ya maybe.

but its not.
its the final.
reguardless of last saturday, both teams are on an equal level in this match. both have 80 mins to play for the league. guard of honor would be completly out of order

totallegend

myflipflops wrote: »

Who the f*ck was suggesting Munster applaud Lienster ONTO the pitch?? Can you imagine O'Connell and Leamy politely applauding Cullen and O'Brien 2 minutes before trying to rip their heads off??

Journos looking for stories to fill column inches. Leinster would no more want to receive a guard of honour than Munster would want to give one. Total nonsense that has already gotten more attention than is warranted, I'm nearly tempted to go back and watch 'Against the Head' again to see which buffoon suggested it.

No1J

Such crap, can you imagine the Leinster lads "Thank you, Thank you very much" yeah right. They should do the Double but can't think of a tougher place or a team to have to beat. Munster will be on the raw liver sambos all week, I hope injuries are kept to a minimum.