Pro12: Ospreys vs Munster, Sat 29 Sep 6:30pm; Live on S4C/RTE2

thomond2006

Munster:
D Hurley; D Howlett Capt., K Earls, C Laulala, S Zebo, R O’Gara, C Murray;
W Du Preez, M Sherry, S Archer, D O’Callaghan, B Holland, T O’Donnell, N Ronan, P Butler.

Replacements: D Varley, D Kilcoyne, BJ Botha, D Ryan, P O’Mahony, P Stringer, I Keatley, J Downey.

Players not considered due to injury:
J Murphy (knee), F Jones (shoulder), L O’Dea (ankle), S Scanlon (back), I Dineen (stomach), T Smith (knee), P O’Connell (back), J Coughlan (groin), I Nagle (shoulder)

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/10875.php

With POM and Ryan back on the bench, all the fit internationals are back available.

The big selection is at centre with Laulala at 12 with Keith Earls retained at outside centre. Dave O'C is left out of the 23 along with Sean Dougall.

Otacon

Archer starts? Uh-oh

Hopefully we see Ryan and Holland together. I'd like to see how they play as a pair.

molloyjh

thomond2006 wrote: »

Munster:
D Hurley; D Howlett Capt., K Earls, C Laulala, S Zebo, R O’Gara, C Murray;
W Du Preez, M Sherry, S Archer, D O’Callaghan, B Holland, T O’Donnell, N Ronan, P Butler.

Replacements: D Varley, D Kilcoyne, BJ Botha, D Ryan, P O’Mahony, P Stringer, I Keatley, J Downey.

Players not considered due to injury:
J Murphy (knee), F Jones (shoulder), L O’Dea (ankle), S Scanlon (back), I Dineen (stomach), T Smith (knee), P O’Connell (back), J Coughlan (groin), I Nagle (shoulder)

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/10875.php

With POM and Ryan back on the bench, all the fit internationals are back available.

The big selection is at centre with Laulala at 12 with Keith Earls retained at outside centre. Dave O'C is left out of the 23 along with Sean Dougall.

Looks like ROG is still first choice to me then. I'm assuming they are building for the Leinster and HEC games and giving as much game time to the first choice guys as possible.

thomond2006

molloyjh wrote: »

Looks like ROG is still first choice to me then. I'm assuming they are building for the Leinster and HEC games and giving as much game time to the first choice guys as possible.

I wouldn't be so sure, I think Keatley is in the same boat as Downey in being benched because he's played a lot so far this season.

What is sure is that Stringer is now second choice SH, Duncan Williams isn't in the aforementioned injury list so it looks like he's been demoted to third choice.

molloyjh

thomond2006 wrote: »

I wouldn't be so sure, I think Keatley is in the same boat as Downey in being benched because he's played a lot so far this season.

What is sure is that Stringer is now second choice SH, Duncan Williams isn't in the aforementioned injury list so it looks like he's been demoted to third choice.

I hope so. I reckon Keatley is the way to go. As for SH that's not much of a surprise really.

No word on the Ospreys side? Not sure I know what to expect from them having missed most of last weeks Welsh derby.

Podge_irl

Impossible to know what the real story is with ROG starting til next week. Could be resting Keatley or it could be letting ROG play into form in the position. The selection for Leinster will tell a lot. Interesting that they are trying Laulala/Earls midfield. It had to be tried at some point but I'm sceptical of it working. Big test for Archer.

profitius

One criticism I'd have is they should have rested Botha last week and played him this week. The Ospreys will look to target the scrum and it could cost Munster the match.

Interesting selection from Penney. Keatley, Downey and Dougal would be my favourites to start the big games although penney might rotate the team more.

[Jackass]

Based on performance so far this season as well as sticking to a plan of rebuilding and development, I would be amazed if Keatley isn't first choice for Munster this season in the big games.

Looks a handy enough team, Earls certainly isn't going to give up that 13 jersey without a fight, was superb there last time out.

I'll be very interested to see how that Munster pack performs.

Fireball07

I posted my brief thoughts in the Munster thread but basically that centre partnership is the most interesting thing, and if it works it will give us another real option. There are some games where having Downey at 12 will be more useful, but having two more creative options could give us a lot of penetration.

leftleg

profitius wrote: »

One criticism I'd have is they should have rested Botha last week and played him this week. The Ospreys will look to target the scrum and it could cost Munster the match.

Interesting selection from Penney. Keatley, Downey and Dougal would be my favourites to start the big games although penney might rotate the team more.

maybe last year with Adam Jones at Tight Head but hes not there this year so i dunno how much of an issue that will be now.

irishbucsfan

leftleg wrote: »

maybe last year with Adam Jones at Tight Head but hes not there this year so i dunno how much of an issue that will be now.

Yes he is!

He may not be fit though, it's touch and go

GerM

leftleg wrote: »

maybe last year with Adam Jones at Tight Head but hes not there this year so i dunno how much of an issue that will be now.

It was Duncan Jones that turned Archer into a human pretzel last year and had him yellow carded for his own safety. Going on his performance against Llanelli last week, he's in good shape and scrummaging well. Will be a decent test for Archer.

ray jay

profitius wrote: »

One criticism I'd have is they should have rested Botha last week and played him this week. The Ospreys will look to target the scrum and it could cost Munster the match.

Or maybe Munster will have to play like they did against Northampton last year and win despite being trounced in the scrum!

thomond2006 wrote: »

Players not considered due to injury:
P O’Connell (back)

I thought POC was out with a knee problem. Is this a fresh injury?

ed7890

ray jay wrote: »

I thought POC was out with a knee problem. Is this a fresh injury?

Ya, not sure how they're overlapping, I think he's been having back spasms as well.

theKramer

ed7890 wrote: »

Ya, not sure how they're overlapping, I think he's been having back spasms as well.

I definitely saw an article with POC this week where he said the knee was all good, but that he had a back spasm that set him back a couple of weeks ago, but I think he is close to being good to go after that...

profitius

Its a massive game for ROG. The Welsh know how to target him so it should be fascinating to see how that goes.

thomond2006

profitius wrote: »

Its a massive game for ROG. The Welsh know how to target him so it should be fascinating to see how that goes.

Yup Tipuric and co. had a field day with him back in May. ROG getting turned over in contact led to at least two Ospreys tries.

Higher

Rumours abound that ROG has been quite disruptive around the Munster camp.

budhabob

Higher wrote: »

Rumours abound that ROG has been quite disruptive around the Munster camp.

About lack of game time, or management changes? Obviously I understand they're rumours, but just wondering.

thomond2006

Higher wrote: »

Rumours abound that ROG has been quite disruptive around the Munster camp.

Where did you hear this from and can you elaborate on disruptive?

irishbucsfan

Well I don't think anyone is surprised at all that that rumour was started!

slievenamon fella

if these rumours of him being disruptive are true i would be very disappionted of a player of his stature acting in such a manor

Fireball07

While it's not impossible, I wouldn't read too much into rumours. I couldn't see Penney standing for any player being disruptive...and they certainly wouldn't be starting.

Otacon

Higher wrote: »

Rumours abound that ROG has been quite disruptive around the Munster camp.

Hagz

He's been doing cocaine?!

Cpt_Blackbeard

thomond2006 wrote: »

Where did you hear this from and can you elaborate on disruptive?

In fairness, the poster who mentioned it has previous with making up similar rumours iirc. Can't imagine there being any truth to the "rumours".

ed7890

Was it Higher who had the story before about Earls causing trouble in the Ireland camp because he wanted to play at 13?

irishbucsfan

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

In fairness, the poster who mentioned it has previous with making up similar rumours iirc. Can't imagine there being any truth to the "rumours".

While you're probably absolutely right and as unlikely as it is, from the perspective of a neutral I hope it's true! Would make fascinating viewing!

[Jackass]

I heard this rumour too. O'Gara isn't talking to Downey because he took the last of the cocopops at breakfast and ROG felt he stacked the bowl and could have left some.

That's why Downey is on the bench, as ROG is refusing to be on the same pitch as him and told Penney that there's a 1/5f chance that he'll walk off the pitch if Downey comes on...

Fishooks12

[Jackass] wrote: »

I heard this rumour too. O'Gara isn't talking to Downey because he took the last of the cocopops at breakfast and ROG felt he stacked the bowl and could have left some.

That's why Downey is on the bench, as ROG is refusing to be on the same pitch as him and told Penney that there's a 1/5f chance that he'll walk off the pitch if Downey comes on...

I bet you did :rolleyes:

If only you had something concrete to back it up rather than hearsay or speculation.

I really wish this kind of thing wasn't entertained here

justsomebloke

I heard a rumour that you were all going to get back on topic.

profitius

Reading about Andrew Bishop there. Those Welsh rugby players love their nights out!

ed7890

15 Richard Fussell
14 Hanno Dirksen
13 Andrew Bishop
12 Ashley Beck
11 Tom Isaacs
10 Dan Biggar
9 Kahn Fotuali'i
1 Ryan Bevington
2 Richard Hibbard
3 Aaron Jarvis
4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
5 Ian Evans
6 Ryan Jones
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Joe Bearman

REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Baldwin
17 Duncan Jones
18 Adam Jones
19 Jonathan Thomas
20 George Stowers
21 Rhys Webb
22 Matthew Morgan
23 Ross Jones

Teferi

Fishooks12 wrote: »

I bet you did :rolleyes:

If only you had something concrete to back it up rather than hearsay or speculation.

I really wish this kind of thing wasn't entertained here

Bro, Jackass was clearly making a joke. Read his post back

Hagz

Fishooks12 wrote: »

I bet you did :rolleyes:

If only you had something concrete to back it up rather than hearsay or speculation.

I really wish this kind of thing wasn't entertained here

.......WOW

Fireball07

ed7890 wrote: »

15 Richard Fussell
14 Hanno Dirksen
13 Andrew Bishop
12 Ashley Beck
11 Tom Isaacs
10 Dan Biggar
9 Kahn Fotuali'i
1 Ryan Bevington
2 Richard Hibbard
3 Aaron Jarvis
4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
5 Ian Evans
6 Ryan Jones
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Joe Bearman

REPLACEMENTS
16 Scott Baldwin
17 Duncan Jones
18 Adam Jones
19 Jonathan Thomas
20 George Stowers
21 Rhys Webb
22 Matthew Morgan
23 Ross Jones

I know they lost a lot of players but that's still a pretty strng team. With the two Joneses, Thomas and Webb all well able to make an impact from the bench.

Should be an intriguing game.

Fishooks12

Teferi wrote: »

Bro, Jackass was clearly making a joke. Read his post back

Hagz wrote: »

.......WOW

hmmmmmmmm, well I'm an idiot

In my defense I did skip over the cocopops line!

Apologies to Jackass

GerM

Very surprised to see the Ospreys turn down the opportunity to attack the Munster scrum. As it stands, Archer should be able to get through this test and BJB will come on for the last 20-25 minutes. Big boost for their chances. Props aside though, it's a strong Ospreys side.

irishbucsfan

I rate Bevington, and Hibbard is a very competent scrummager. Both of them in front of one of the better locks in European rugby at the moment (EDIT: no wait... they're in front of AWJ who I don't rate as a scrummager, my bad!) I wouldn't write off this challenge for Archer yet. If he performs well he's earned it.

jacothelad

GerM wrote: »

Very surprised to see the Ospreys turn down the opportunity to attack the Munster scrum. As it stands, Archer should be able to get through this test and BJB will come on for the last 20-25 minutes. Big boost for their chances. Props aside though, it's a strong Ospreys side.

If he get s an easy ride that's him in for the A.I.s.

Fireball07

I've never rated Archer as a scrummager but to be fair to him, he's been okay-decent this season so far.


And the reports about John Ryan from England seemed encouraging too.

phog

Fireball07 wrote: »

I've never rated Archer as a scrummager but to be fair to him, he's been okay-decent this season so far.


And the reports about John Ryan from England seemed encouraging too.

Ryan is back from London Irish, his place has now been taken by Alan Cotter. Ryan was today named in the H/cup squad for Munster.

thomond2006

jacothelad wrote: »

If he get s an easy ride that's him in for the A.I.s.

No Frankie no.

Benny Cake

Fishooks12 wrote: »

hmmmmmmmm, well I'm an idiot

In my defense I did skip over the cocopops line!

Apologies to Jackass

You mustn't have read the charter.... You NEVER apologise to Jackass!!!

Fireball07

phog wrote: »

Ryan is back from London Irish, his place has now been taken by Alan Cotter. Ryan was today named in the H/cup squad for Munster.

Yeah I know, but apparently he did really well in the scrum. If he works on his game in the loose, he could be another useful option.


What age is Cotter actually? I know he was very highly-rated at AIL level.

I know Condon is fairly old and it seems unlikely he'll break through at this stage, don't think he's even started for the A team yet.

Higher

Heres hoping ROG can back up his 'talk' as hes annoyed quite a few people in the squad particularly Keats. ROG is renowned for this behaviour when his place is in jeproady

pappyodaniel

Higher wrote: »

Heres hoping ROG can back up his 'talk' as hes annoyed quite a few people in the squad particularly Keats. ROG is renowned for this behaviour when his place is in jeproady

When the stakes are high RO'G will up the ante. He's just a very competitive guy and will work extra hard to make Keats earn that jersey. I wouldn't go bad mouthing the guy, it's probably the trait that's kept him as one of the best fly-halves to have graced the game over the last 10 years. Sexton up at Leinster has the same thing and just like RO'G, it comes across as petulance at times.

I think it's great and it adds to the soap opera that is a Munster/Leinster derby.




On a sensitive note, the coverage for Ulster and Cardiff is starting now on BBC2.
Tune in.

justsomebloke

Higher wrote: »

Heres hoping ROG can back up his 'talk' as hes annoyed quite a few people in the squad particularly Keats. ROG is renowned for this behaviour when his place is in jeproady

Please take your trolling to another forum and don't post on this thread again

thomond2006

Munster:
D Hurley; D Howlett (capt), K Earls, C Laulala, S Zebo, R O'Gara, C Murray;
W Du Preez, M Sherry, S Archer; D O'Callaghan, B Holland; T O'Donnell, N Ronan, P Butler.

Replacements: D Varley, D Kilcoyne, BJ Botha, D Ryan, P O'Mahony, P Stringer, I Keatley, J Downey.

Ospreys:
R Fussell; H Dirksen, A Bishop, A Beck, T Isaacs; D Biggar, K Fotuali'I;
R Bevington, R Hibbard, A Jarvis; A Wyn Jones (capt), I Evans; R Jones, J Tipuric, J Bearman.

Replacements: S Baldwin, D Jones, A Jones, J Thomas, G Stowers, R Webb, M Morgan, R Jones.

C'mon Munster!!!

Teferi

Stadium looking fairly empty. Looking forward to this.

CIARAN_BOYLE

I've heard of 10 man rugby but George Hook seems to be suggesting that five man ruggby is where it is at, nothing matters outside 6-10