MATCH THREAD: Munster vs Leinster, Mon 26th Dec 17:30, Thomond Park, TG4 & SS2

molloyjh · 23-12-2016 3:01pm #1

THE TOP TWO?

It's been an interesting season for both Munster and Leinster. Leinster have started to turn around their fortunes from previous seasons since the season kicked off and have overcome the sudden loss of their defence coach and the subsequent reshuffling of their coaching set-up. Munster have more recently started to turn their fortunes around also, overcoming the tragic loss of one of their greats. The two sides seem to be on a parallel path back to where they want to be. Both are looking good for a place in the European knock-outs and they are the top two sides in the league. While it was Connacht flying the flag for Irish rugby last season it could easily be said that our two most successful provinces are back doing it again this year.

So a St Stephens Day clash between both sounds like a real mouth watering prospect, doesn't it? Unfortunately the answer to that is no. The dominating feature to this game is the relative strengths of the two squads. Munster are full strength and Leinster are far from it. Obviously Leo Cullen has one eye on the Ulster game in the RDS 5 days later. Whether this selection is driven by the Pro12 scheduling, orders from the IRFU or simply a decision from the coaches it seriously undermines what could, and should, be a fantastic contest. There simply is no getting away from that. And even the most optimistic Leinster fan would struggle to see a way for their side to come away from Limerick with the win. But still, there is a game to be played. So with that in mind...

The Fatties:

2ndhalfscrum.jpg?w=560

Leinster have named a strong front row to face Munsters first choice. In a straight forward head to head Leinster can more than hold their own here. However at second row Munster have plenty of power compared to Leinster. Ross Molony, a very promising young lock, is still a little under powered compared to the Munster pairing. In the back row Munster have 3 internationals and a very fine combination in POM, TOD and Stander. Leinsters back row are no slouches themselves. All 3 have shown great ability and will be keen to prove that they can make a mark against a strong Munster selection.

On the bench Leinster have named a number of solid options, but they will struggle to make a significant impact on proceedings. Munsters bench isn't hugely better outside of Kilcoynes carrying until you get to Jack O'Donoghue. Another promising Irish back row he will surely make his presence felt.

Looking at the line-up you'd have to think that Leinster might be able to manage parity at scrum time, but the line-out could be a real area of weakness. Ross Molony struggled there last time out and will likely be calling again this time. At the breakdown I'd expect Leinster to be combative again, but Munster to have the edge. The one area that Leinster may have an advantage is in the carrying department. Leinster have a few good carrying options throughout the pack, possibly more so than Munster.

This very much is the case of a very good pack facing a good pack. It'll be a good contest, but the home side look likely to come out on top.

The Nancies:

Munster have arguably the best scrum half in the world on current form alongside a Kiwi out-half who has impressed many (although I've yet to be convinced). Leinster have selected a good Kiwi scrum half next to a hugely inexperienced (albeit promising) young 10. The last time both started together Leinster really lacked leadership from their half backs. Leinster will hope that the last 2 weeks have helped bring Byrne on, but this will be his first time facing a challenge like this. And in the hostile atmosphere that will be Thomond Park it is a big ask for the guy to deliver. Munster have a very clear advantage here.

In the centre Rory Scannell will look to continue his excellent form with Jaco Taute possibly playing his last game for Munster next to him. The South African has been a huge presence for Munster lately, although he's not without his flaws. His defensive game has been exposed at times. They'll be facing another world class player in Robbie Henshaw who will be partnering yet another young, inexperienced and promising player. O'Loughlin is well capable of making line breaks and while Munster do have the edge here it wouldn't be a shock to see him make a big line break or two.

In the back 3 Munster have 2 players in very good form right now in Sweetnam and Zebo, but the selection of O'Mahony ahead of Conway is a slight surprise. O'Mahony has struggled at times this season, especially against Leinster in the Aviva. However Leinster have an even more inexperienced player in Barry Daly themselves. While Isa Nacewa has been superb for Leinster this season you'd have to say that again Munster have the edge here.

On the bench Munster have far more impact and experience. A lot will come down to how well Rory O'Loughlin can cope in midfield and how well Bleyendaal gets his backs moving. While Munster should have a clear advantage in the back line there is a chance this Leinster back line can step up and make things a lot tighter on the day. However they really are up against it.

The Prediction:

It's very hard to see where Leinster have an edge in this game. Against most other sides this selection wouldn't be a huge concern. But against a full strength Munster in Thomond it's hard to give them much of a chance. As a Leinster fan I'd be very happy with a LBP from this if I'm honest. Although even that will be a struggle. It's such a shame that what should be a massive encounter has been reduced to what appears to be a foregone conclusion. While it's great to see these 2 sides finding their feet again there is no way that this game will highlight that. And this from someone who tries to remain positive!

Munster by 8-12.

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Neil3030 · 23-12-2016 3:05pm

Leinster by at least a double-figure window for me. They'll keep giving the ball to that large farmer they imported form the Western Cape, and we'll deal with him accordingly. Brains over brawn, every time. Do it for Darce, lads.

Peregrine · 23-12-2016 3:08pm

At least your images are centred.

Bridge93 · 23-12-2016 3:10pm

Using the very scientific method of a joint XV I would have it 10-5 to Munster. But the gap between some of the Munster players and the Leinster guy they're chosen over is massive

Stheno · 23-12-2016 3:10pm

Peregrine wrote: »

At least your images are centred.

The Leinster table is wider than the Munster one, but i reckon thats to give them a noost.

Hard to see anything other than a Munster win, must go check the odds

molloyjh · 23-12-2016 3:12pm

Stheno wrote: »

The Leinster table is wider than the Munster one, but i reckon thats to give them a noost.

Hard to see anything other than a Munster win, must go check the odds

Blame Gibson-Park for that. Bloody project players!

Stheno · 23-12-2016 3:13pm

molloyjh wrote: »

Blame Gibson-Park for that. Bloody project players!

Aha i didn't notice him

it is a most excellent op

Venjur can learn much

Peregrine · 23-12-2016 3:15pm

Stheno wrote: »

The Leinster table is wider than the Munster one, but i reckon thats to give them a noost.

Credit for that goes to Leinster's talent spotting team who must surely have been searching for a New Zealand equivalent of the glorious name that is Royce Burke-Flynn when they found Jamison Gibson-Park.

Buer · 23-12-2016 3:17pm

Centred images, nice table, crests the same size, grammar and syntax don't make my eyes bleed......

3/10

Stheno · 23-12-2016 3:18pm

Buer wrote: »

Centred images, nice table, crests the same size, grammar and syntax don't make my eyes bleed......

3/10

Thats harsh!

former total · 23-12-2016 3:21pm

Ah here, Munster are taking this very seriously aren't they? What happened to fielding a mix of young fellas, journeymen and the odd disinterested first choicer?

It's only a bit of craic like.

AbusesToilets · 23-12-2016 3:22pm

Adam Bryne injured or rested for this?

molloyjh · 23-12-2016 3:24pm

AbusesToilets wrote: »

Adam Bryne injured or rested for this?

Rested I'd say. You could predict next weeks team to face Ulster with near total accuracy based off this.

Peregrine · 23-12-2016 3:24pm

Hey, wait a minute. Where's Adam Byrne?

They have two Scannells, two O'Mahonys and two Ryans in their starting 15 and we can only field two Dalys between our 23?

That's an outrage.

Wasted opportunity to field two Dalys, at least two McGraths and two or three Byrnes.

Neil3030 · 23-12-2016 3:25pm

AbusesToilets wrote: »

Adam Bryne injured or rested for this?

Ulster will feel the Byrne.

leakyboots · 23-12-2016 3:33pm

Is the weather meant to be manky enough for this? Could be a bit of a slogfest.

former total · 23-12-2016 3:36pm

Neil3030 wrote: »

Ulster will feel the Byrne.

And we'll remind them of it on a Daly basis.

Peregrine · 23-12-2016 3:37pm

leakyboots wrote: »

Is the weather meant to be manky enough for this? Could be a bit of a slogfest.

I think it's supposed to be cold but dry after Sunday night.

Neil3030 · 23-12-2016 3:44pm

Maybe if our esquires can soundly thrash the strongest Munster first team in history, the IRFU will finally wise up and stop hemorrhaging cash on Munster's magic beans fund, and instead get some heated seats installed in the RDS.

Bridge93 · 23-12-2016 3:50pm

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_rugby_union_matches_between_Leinster_and_Munster

Interesting to look at the fixtures down the years. Swung back and forth so regularly

23-12-2016 3:52pm

Very clever Leinster team. They are putting forward a second string team in an effort to minimise the ticket sales and therefore starve Munster of much needed resources. It's an ingenious long term strategy. Leo Cullen is playing chess whilst Munster are playing Connect 4.

pickarooney · 23-12-2016 4:38pm

Peregrine wrote: »

Hey, wait a minute. Where's Adam Byrne?

They have two Scannells, two O'Mahonys and two Ryans in their starting 15 and we can only field two Dalys between our 23?

That's an outrage.

Wasted opportunity to field two Dalys, at least two McGraths and two or three Byrnes.

Not to mention a pair of McCarthys (and two more Byrnes on the bench). And we're completely Kearneyless.

thomond2006 · 23-12-2016 4:40pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Very clever Leinster team. They are putting forward a second string team in an effort to minimise the ticket sales and therefore starve Munster of much needed resources. It's an ingenious long term strategy. Leo Cullen is playing chess whilst Munster are playing Connect 4.

Too late, it was already sold out.

Bridge93 · 23-12-2016 4:49pm

It's disappointing we won't get to see young Garry going for a leisurely stroll through the middle of the Munster defence for a third game in a row. Sure it was games against you Southern lot that got the hype train hitting its full speed and a spot in the Irish team for him. Could've been calls for Lions spot after Monday but alas...

Peregrine · 23-12-2016 5:03pm

pickarooney wrote: »

Not to mention a pair of McCarthys (and two more Byrnes on the bench). And we're completely Kearneyless.

There's huge potential at Leinster to one day name 23 players using only 11 names. Munster will be sorry they tried to beat Leinster in the name department.

swiwi_ · 23-12-2016 5:06pm

Great to see Leinster showing Munster maximum respect by picking their strongest lineup.

Munster will have hard Qs to answer if they lose this one.

I'll be interested to see how TB & JGP front up.

(It's a bit disappointing not to have the strongest possible lineups for this one I must say)

thomond2006 · 23-12-2016 5:07pm

16 Rhys Marshall, 17 Dave Kilcoyne, 18 Stephen Archer, 19 Billy Holland, 20 Jack O'Donoghue, 21 Duncan Williams, 22 Francis Saili, 23 Andrew Conway

16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Peter Dooley, 18 Michael Bent, 19 Ian Nagle, 20 Dominic Ryan, 21 Charlie Rock, 22 Noel Reid, 23 Tom Daly

Comfortable difference in quality and experience there. Saili in particular will be wanting to prove a point, just maybe without the stupid penalty per game he loved last season.

I'd like to think that whenever a global season can be agreed that we can avoid all to common interpros where it's Team A firsts vs Team B seconds. Munster's lineup going to Connacht on NYE is likely to be in for a hammering.

Hippo · 23-12-2016 5:47pm

Hard to disagree with any of JH's assessment. Very disappointed but not wholly surprised by the Leinster selection. I am not looking forward to this one bit.

23-12-2016 5:55pm

Remember that depleted Ulster side that went down to Thomand at the end of the last season?

matthew8 · 23-12-2016 6:25pm

Leinster may be resting players but it's still a good team, the forwards especially look perfectly good.

23-12-2016 6:30pm

Bit of a lose lose for Munster here. If they win it's against a firmly second string Leinster. If they lose it's against a firmly second string Leinster.

The headlines if Munster lose will be very hard reading I'd imagine. Should be an interesting if one sided game!

MATCH THREAD: Munster vs Leinster, Mon 26th Dec 17:30, Thomond Park, TG4 & SS2

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