Munster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread II

RuggieBear

..continues from here

Hagz

I'd also like to take credit for this thread as well.

Clareman

As it's a new thread might get a good idea to have the squad near the top

Munster 2012/2013 Squad. (47)

Props: BJ Botha, D Kilcoyne, J Ryan, S Archer, M Horan, W du Preez, C Condon, A Cotter.

Hookers: D Varley, M Sherry, S Henry,

Locks: D Ryan, P O'Connell, D O'Callaghan, I Nagle, D Foley,

Back row: P Butler, S Dougall, B Holland, P O'Mahony, N Ronan, J Coughlan, T O'Donnell, Dave O'Callaghan, B O'Mahony.

Half backs: P Stringer, C Murray, D Williams, C Sheridan, R O'Gara, I Keatley,

Centre/Wing: C Laulala, J Downey, D Barnes, JJ Hanrahan, T Smith, I Dineen, K Earls, S Deasy, D Howlett, S Zebo, J Murphy.

Full-backs: F Jones, D Hurley, S Scanlon, L O'Dea.

Blackheath

I see CJ Stander came off the bench for the Bulls today and filled in at no. 8

thomond2006

Dougie back next season is massive, he was hugely missed last season. Yes, Zebo did score a lot of tries but Howlett is the most intelligent back we have by a distance. Rarely makes an error and is very much a leader in the backline despite being a winger. He also scored probably the most important try of the season, his try on halftime against Northampton at Thomond Park was massive and IMO much more important than the heroic 40 phase from ROG and co.

However, this could be Dougie's last season and we need someone to step up to fill his boots. I don't think Johne Murphy is good enough, he's an honest player but hasn't really combusted yet for Munster, in his Leicester days he was scoring a lot of tries. Last season we saw why Denis Hurley shouldn't be considered a winger, he doesn't have the pace. Our hopes to replace Dougie rest on Zebo and O'Dea. O'Dea's performances last season were very encouraging but he (like Nagle) seemed to pick up a few knocks.

Cpt_Blackbeard

Who is responsible for the thread's tag? :eek:

liammur

We have an easy enough group in the H Cup, new management, I predict a better season than last, even though results may not be as good. Irony.

thomond2006

First season without John Hayes, will never be the same!!!

Lelantos

liammur wrote: »

We have an easy enough group in the H Cup, new management, I predict a better season than last, even though results may not be as good. Irony.

HC is a tricky group. Could have done with someone like Zebré instead of Racing. But I do expect us to squeak thru

Cpt_Blackbeard

liammur wrote: »

We have an easy enough group in the H Cup, new management, I predict a better season than last, even though results may not be as good. Irony.

I wouldn''t consider the group easy, as we're not the team we once were. That said, we have a squad easily good enough for the latter stages of the HC. Its up to the players and management to ensure we get there. I won't be counting my chickens though..

.ak

Lelantos wrote: »

HC is a tricky group. Could have done with someone like Zebré instead of Racing. But I do expect us to squeak thru

I think Zabre would pose more of a possible banana skin than Racing. They've shown little interest in the Hcup.

liammur

Lelantos wrote: »

HC is a tricky group. Could have done with someone like Zebré instead of Racing. But I do expect us to squeak thru

It's performances I'll be watching for. Under McGahan we seemed to be fluking a few wins, only flattering to deceive.

liammur

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

I wouldn''t consider the group easy, as we're not the team we once were. That said, we have a squad easily good enough for the latter stages of the HC. Its up to the players and management to ensure we get there. I won't be counting my chickens though..

I agree it's not very easy, but if we can't get out of it, we are well off the pace.

Lelantos

.ak wrote: »

Lelantos wrote: »

HC is a tricky group. Could have done with someone like Zebré instead of Racing. But I do expect us to squeak thru

I think Zabre would pose more of a possible banana skin than Racing. They've shown little interest in the Hcup.

Zebré are a bit of a mish mash & will be the Rabo whipping boys I would think. The Racing games will have a little edge to them from their managements side at least

ormond lad

May as well throw up the list of players who will be in the academy next season into this new thread.
http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/10580.php

Year Three
Brian Hayes (Lock)
Corey Hircock (Centre)
Ronan O’Mahony (Wing)

Year Two
Shane Buckley (Wing forward)
Duncan Casey (Hooker)
James Cronin (Prop)
Cian Bohane (Centre)
Philip Donnellan(Lock)
Niall Scannell (Hooker)
Cathal O’Flaherty (Back row)

Year One
Ryan Murphy (Back row)
Jack O’Donoghue (Back row)
Jonathan Holland (Out-half)
Darren Moroney (Full back/wing)
James Rael (Hooker)
Brian Haugh (scrumhalf)

Who'll be the first international cap out of this group??
Great to see another nenagh native in Philly Donnellan making the acad as well as the first waterford player, Jack O Donoghue, in years

matthew8

If Munster lost to Zebre in a hypothetical pool, it wouldn't matter because the season would be a disaster anyway. Metro, on the other hand, seem to pose little threat at home, but beware them in Thomond. Very good away in the comp. They don't seem to try as much at home.

phog

Lelantos wrote: »

HC is a tricky group. Could have done with someone like Zebré instead of Racing. But I do expect us to squeak thru

That couldn't happen, we have to have a French team in our pool.

Amazotheamazing

ormond lad wrote: »

Year Three
Brian Hayes (Lock)
Corey Hircock (Centre)
Ronan O’Mahony (Wing)

Hayes will get games this season I think but it's really make or break for O'Mahony and Hircock. Both have looked decent for the A team when they've had chances but not sure either have had a look-in at senior level yet.

Was disappointed to see Johne Murphy ahead of Hircock as a centre at the end of last season, felt Hircock was ready to step in.

Lelantos

phog wrote: »

Lelantos wrote: »

HC is a tricky group. Could have done with someone like Zebré instead of Racing. But I do expect us to squeak thru

That couldn't happen, we have to have a French team in our pool.

Yes, granted, but would have preferred someone else personally, perhaps Montpelier, but point taken

ormond lad

matthew8 wrote: »

If Munster lost to Zebre in a hypothetical pool, it wouldn't matter because the season would be a disaster anyway. Metro, on the other hand, seem to pose little threat at home, but beware them in Thomond. Very good away in the comp. They don't seem to try as much at home.

Wouldnt say they pose little threat at home. they only lost 1 or 2 home games to kicks in the last minute.
Depends on when the game in Thomond is on. If its round 1/2 it could be tricky but if its round 5/6 it shouldnt be any trouble at all(i think we wont have much trouble against them in either game tbh)

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Hayes will get games this season I think but it's really make or break for O'Mahony and Hircock. Both have looked decent for the A team when they've had chances but not sure either have had a look-in at senior level yet.

Was disappointed to see Johne Murphy ahead of Hircock as a centre at the end of last season, felt Hircock was ready to step in.

Hayes will get games but IMO Philly Donnellan will push for a lot of pro12 gametime now that he's been added straight into year 2 of the academy.
Hircock and OMahony havent had much pro12 gametime but could very easily get plenty this season considering theres totally new coaching set up. Not sure if Hircock will ever make H cup standard but he hasnt had any real gametime in the pro12 so id wait to see how he does in a few games before making up my mind on him

matthew8

ormond lad wrote: »

Wouldnt say they pose little threat at home. they only lost 1 or 2 home games to kicks in the last minute.
Depends on when the game in Thomond is on. If its round 1/2 it could be tricky but if its round 5/6 it shouldnt be any trouble at all(i think we wont have much trouble against them in either game tbh)

They were the better side in Cardiff in round 6. They make more of an effort than some other french sides I feel. This could be the year it comes off for them.

jimbomalley

Who's your new backs coach again?? Where did penny poach him from and what sort of credentials has he? Fingers crossed he gets your attack play moving fluidly

Lelantos

jimbomalley wrote: »

Who's your new backs coach again?? Where did penny poach him from and what sort of credentials has he? Fingers crossed he gets your attack play moving fluidly

He wasnt poached, he had artistic differences with Serge, his last employer

jimbomalley

Lelantos wrote: »

jimbomalley wrote: »

Who's your new backs coach again?? Where did penny poach him from and what sort of credentials has he? Fingers crossed he gets your attack play moving fluidly

He wasnt poached, he had artistic differences with Serge, his last employer

You've lost me
Serge..??? Did he come from the top 14?? Can understand difference of opinion then if that's the case, not much back play happening in France

ormond lad

jimbomalley wrote: »

Who's your new backs coach again?? Where did penny poach him from and what sort of credentials has he? Fingers crossed he gets your attack play moving fluidly

Simon Mannix. He had been backs coach in racing metro but the owner got rid of him after some kind of dispute. was very popular with the players over there though
He's a former all black and played with sale, gloucester, racing metro and wellington during his career

jimbomalley

ormond lad wrote: »

jimbomalley wrote: »

Who's your new backs coach again?? Where did penny poach him from and what sort of credentials has he? Fingers crossed he gets your attack play moving fluidly

Simon Mannix. He had been backs coach in racing metro but the owner got rid of him after some kind of dispute. was very popular with the players over there though
He's a former all black and played with sale, gloucester, racing metro and wellington during his career

Tnx. Don't know of him but hopefully he produces the goods

liammur

matthew8 wrote: »

If Munster lost to Zebre in a hypothetical pool, it wouldn't matter because the season would be a disaster anyway. Metro, on the other hand, seem to pose little threat at home, but beware them in Thomond. Very good away in the comp. They don't seem to try as much at home.

We need to get a little real here. Did anyone even ever hear of Zebre before?

To suggest that they are tougher than Racing is as ridiculous as I've heard. Now, I know you didn't say that, but another poster did. I truly despair :mad:

totallegend

liammur wrote: »

We need to get a little real here. Did anyone even ever hear of Zebre before?

To suggest that they are tougher than Racing is as ridiculous as I've heard. Now, I know you didn't say that, but another poster did. I truly despair :mad:

The point was that Zebre are more of a potential banana skin than Racing, not that they will be a better team, in that you know what Racing are about but also that they don't really care about the HC, whereas we don't know what Zebre will be like (crap, I'd imagine, but still...)

I presume you were being ironic about the "did anyone even hear of Zebre before", I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

jm08

Racing have a new head coach - Gonzalo Quesada who was the backs coach that replaced Mannix - before that he was the French nat. team kicking coach. Berbizier, who fired Mannix, was moved on to become Racing's General Manager. They are looking to recruit a forwards coach.

irishbucsfan

Again Zebre have the advantage of playing in an easier league. I wouldn't be hugely surprised to see Zebre beat Racing. Especially if Racing have a tough fixture before the game.

That would probably ensure qualification.for Munster as well.

Lelantos

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Again Zebre have the advantage of playing in an easier league. I wouldn't be hugely surprised to see Zebre beat Racing. Especially if Racing have a tough fixture before the game.

That would probably ensure qualification.for Munster as well.

I would be hugely surprised if Zebré beat Racing, esp since they're not in the same group

phog

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Again Zebre have the advantage of playing in an easier league. I wouldn't be hugely surprised to see Zebre beat Racing. Especially if Racing have a tough fixture before the game.

That would probably ensure qualification.for Munster as well.

Am I missing something Zebre aren't in Racing's H/C pool, do they meet in another competition?

Our (Munster's) Pool is made up of:

Edinburgh
Munster
Racing
Saracens

liammur

totallegend wrote: »

The point was that Zebre are more of a potential banana skin than Racing, not that they will be a better team, in that you know what Racing are about but also that they don't really care about the HC, whereas we don't know what Zebre will be like (crap, I'd imagine, but still...)

I presume you were being ironic about the "did anyone even hear of Zebre before", I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

Any team that views zebre as a banana skin aren't just poor, they are dreadful. I suppose it really all boils to my point that the H cup is so over rated. I'd imaginr Zebre wouldn't exactly be classed as a banana skin to the likes of the crusaders.

Tox56

liammur wrote: »

Any team that views zebre as a banana skin aren't just poor, they are dreadful. I suppose it really all boils to my point that the H cup is so over rated. I'd imaginr Zebre wouldn't exactly be classed as a banana skin to the likes of the crusaders.

They wouldn't be any more of a "banana skin" to Leinster as they would be to the Crusaders, both of whom are one of the best teams in their respective competitions.

And considering Aironi's HEC record was won 1 lost 11 (without even a single losing bonus point last year) I would hestitate to even give them the potential banana skin tag.

Ulster took 10 points off them, Clermont ran in 12 tries and Leicester's away win was deemed a failure because they failed to pick up the four-try bonus.

liammur

phog wrote: »

Am I missing something Zebre aren't in Racing's H/C pool, do they meet in another competition?

Our (Munster's) Pool is made up of:

Edinburgh
Munster
Racing
Saracens

Exactly. Racing aren't a 'banana skin', they are a threat. Anyone, thinking Zebre is an easier draw are completely out of their depth.

Fireball07

RIP old thread


As for our group, I'd probably have preferred Zebre to Racing, but I think we can win 2 games against Racing regardless. Should probably beat Edinburgh too, even though it won't be easy at all.

Saracens are obviously the really tough team.

Amazotheamazing

Any word on where the new training centre will be?

PhatPiggins

Dave Ryan has somehow managed to get a contract with Zebre !! Fair play to the Ryan brothers they're amazingly talented at making lead look like gold.

Amazotheamazing

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Dave Ryan has somehow managed to get a contract with Zebre !! Fair play to the Ryan brothers they're amazingly talented at making lead look like gold.

Tbf to Dave, he's been picked out from his work in the Italian league last season. They've always had decent props so he must have impressed week-in, week-out.

Amazotheamazing

Leamy joins Young Munster's coaching staff
1st Jul - 2012
By Aidan Corr

Leamy: major boost to Young Munster
FORMER Munster and Ireland back-row Denis Leamy has joined Young Munster as assistant forwards coach. The 30-year-old, who sprung to prominence at senior schools level with Rockwell College, will be assisting the black and ambers' forwards coach John 'Pako' Fitzgerald at Clifford Park this coming season.

Leamy was forced to call a halt to his playing career because of a hip injury that had limited him to three RaboDirect PRO12 games and Munster's four opening games in the Heineken Cup following his return from the World Cup in New Zealand in 2011.

Leamy won the first of his 144 Munster caps in September 2001 and played in both the 2006 and 2008 Heineken Cup finals. Capped 57 times by Ireland, he played in two World cups, was twice a Triple Crown winner and was a member of the 2009 Grand Slam winning side.

Young Munster are sure to benefit from the addition of the Tipperary man with his forwards experience at the highest level of the game providing a major contribution to their club structure.

John Broderick, the club's former forwards' coach, has taken a break from club rugby and will concentrate on developing the game at St Munchin's College next season.

thomond2006

Good news, Leamy will be a great mentor for the YM forwards.

CatFromHue

Was Leamy affiliated with any AIL club?

It's a good move for him as he will be an assistant and so will be able to learn alot, as well as give alot too.

liammur

CatFromHue wrote: »

Was Leamy affiliated with any AIL club?

It's a good move for him as he will be an assistant and so will be able to learn alot, as well as give alot too.

UCC I think.

thomond2006

Looks like our CJ just got engaged!

https://twitter.com/#!/CJStander

Fishooks12

Is he not like 22?!

EDIT: Just saw her, gotta lock that down

Amazotheamazing

CatFromHue wrote: »

Was Leamy affiliated with any AIL club?

It's a good move for him as he will be an assistant and so will be able to learn alot, as well as give alot too.

Played with Con after UCC I think and has been doing some coaching for Cashel too.

Interesting to see Broderick going to Munchins, think he coached them the year Earls played (indeed, i think his son set up Earls' try in the final, iirc).

Cpt_Blackbeard

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Played with Con after UCC I think and has been doing some coaching for Cashel too.

Interesting to see Broderick going to Munchins, think he coached them the year Earls played (indeed, i think his son set up Earls' try in the final, iirc).

Broderick was helping the senior team in a mentoring type role this year. Hopefully they'll build on this year's form -where they were robbed in the SC final - with Broderick back involved full time.

Amazotheamazing

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

Broderick was helping the senior team in a mentoring type role this year. Hopefully they'll build on this year's form -where they were robbed in the SC final - with Broderick back involved full time.

It'll be interesting to see how he goes, there's some good Junior Cup teams coming through now in Limerick, should translate into senior success for one of them you'd hope.

PhatPiggins

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Tbf to Dave, he's been picked out from his work in the Italian league last season. They've always had decent props so he must have impressed week-in, week-out.

The Italian league is essentially a play for food affair. Best analysis of how the Irish lads are getting on there :

http://murraykinsella.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/the-exiled-irish-italia/

Yamanoto

C J Stander ‏@CJStander
Great dag saam my verloofde @JMNeethling kon nie vir n beter dag vra nie so gelukkig ♥happy

If there's a more romantic lanuage than Afrikaans, I've yet to hear it

Lelantos

Yamanoto wrote: »

C J Stander ‏@CJStander
Great dag saam my verloofde @JMNeethling kon nie vir n beter dag vra nie so gelukkig ♥happy

If there's a more romantic lanuage than Afrikaans, I've yet to hear it

You've obviously never heard a Klingon lovesong!