Rescheduled CC Game - Racing 92 v Munster Sat 7/1/17 15:45 (Irish Time) Sky Sports

phog

As is well documented this match was postponed last October due to sudden and untimely death of Axel.

The rescheduled game kicks off next Saturday at 16:45 local time (15:45 here in Ireland).

Referee: Matthew Carley

Munster have had a good run of games since the beginning of the season, their last loss in the league was to Leinster in the Aviva which was the week prior to Muster kicking off their Champions Cup games away to Racing, for that game Munster travelled to Paris as underdogs. We won our two home CC games and then away to Leicester we managed a vital Losing BP. I think Munster are now heading back to Paris with a better looking team than were a few months back and I hope we're heading there with a realistic chance of winning. I just hope the players and management can cope with the memories & emotions that this trip will bring to them but if the week of funeral and the Glasgow game has shown us anything then it's that this team is special and should cope with what this weekend will bring.

Digifriendly

Glasgow won in Paris so no reason Munster can't. Racing look out of contention for knockout stages and I would favour Munster to turn them over.

Can't see anything other than an away win. Racing out of the tournament and struggling in top 14. Might even be one sided.

leakyboots

You're the most optimistic Munster fan I know Venjur, fair play

Bridge93

I'd be massively cautious about this one. I'm backing Munster to win as they have more to play for but it won't be as easy as some hope. Racing will not want to lose all 6 games and the home crowd won't stand for humiliation especially given their other results in both the league and CC. Their squad is also very deep.
Munster by 3 is my call

leakyboots

Could I suggest changing the time in the thread title? I know it says it in the post underneath but I genuinely didn't spot that til now, why bother with the French time

leakyboots

As for the game, would love an early try (ideally a maul) to take the wind out of Racing's sails - like a lot of French teams if they get their tails up and the crowd vociferous behind them they'll be dangerous. I think we'll take them.

A win and an eventual home quarter would be a massive boost (both in terms of getting the buzz around Munster at the moment into fever pitch and financially) we'll fancy our chances against anyone

phog

leakyboots wrote: »

Could I suggest changing the time in the thread title? I know it says it in the post underneath but I genuinely didn't spot that til now, why bother with the French time

Done

thomond2006

It should be a comfortable win. Putting out a full side hasn't stopped Racing being rubbish.

ScrubsfanChris

I think a win is more than good enough and thats what the team should be aiming for. If there is a whiff of four tries latter in the game then all well and good.

Felix Jones is God

If you said now we'd win 6-7 id snap your arm off right away

Flashdean

Hard to know wat way Racing 92 approach this.... full strength side at home will be hard to beat but I can't see them picking a strong team here

Kristopherus

How did they get on in the Top 14 last game?

Squidgy Black

Kristopherus wrote: »

How did they get on in the Top 14 last game?

Lost 17:11 to Toulon

Digifriendly

While I favour Munster I wouldn't be overconfident as post 9 would seem to indicate. Racing have a classy backline and still IMHO the best 10 playing in the NH. They haven't clicked yet in Europe but they owe their supporters a big performance. Munster will have to be at their best and if I can say this produce their 'gnarling in your face rugby' that has served them so well over last few weeks to take the points. I hope they do and this will set up a real cracker of a game in Glasgow a week later to virtually decide who tops the pool.

ScrubsfanChris

Lost - Toulon away
Won - Castres home
Lost - Glasgow home
Lost - Glasgow away
Drew - La Rochelle away
Won - Grenoble home
Lost - Pau away

Think thats the right order.

Squidgy Black

They put out a fairly strong side against Toulon on Sunday, and I'd imagine they're probably focusing on trying to get a win against Leicester to redeem their European campaign, so they could field a weaker team this Saturday.

.ak

Well, Goosen won't be playing anyway...

.ak

.ak wrote: »

Well, Goosen won't be playing anyway...

Will Ben Betts be starting for Munster do you think?

Felix Jones is God

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Will Ben Betts be starting for Munster do you think?

Think he's out injured

phog

Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) tweeted at 5:21 pm on Tue, Jan 03, 2017:
Racing have added Kiwi back row So'otala Fa'aso'o to their Champions Cup squad ahead of the #Munster clash. Rémi Talès deregistered.

Tomtom364

phog wrote: »

Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) tweeted at 5:21 pm on Tue, Jan 03, 2017:
Racing have added Kiwi back row So'otala Fa'aso'o to their Champions Cup squad ahead of the #Munster clash. Rémi Talès deregistered.

Tales and goosen gone from racing, is it just Dan Carter left at out half in the European squad?

thomond2006

Tomtom364 wrote: »

Tales and goosen gone from racing, is it just Dan Carter left at out half in the European squad?

Benjamin Dambielle. He's an experienced backup, been at Racing since 2012.
I'd be shocked if Carter plays, perhaps he's carrying an injury like last season.

Bridge93

If the Top14 is Racings priority I would assume this may be the game they target. Gives them the longest amount of time after it to rest players for the next Top14 fixture while getting off the 0 points

Buer

Thornley reporting that Racing plan on resting their big names. Carter, Machenaud and Szarezwski all set to rest up.

Buer

Buer wrote: »

Thornley reporting that Racing plan on resting their big names. Carter, Machenaud and Szarezwski all set to rest up.

former total

Buer wrote: »

Thornley reporting that Racing plan on resting their big names. Carter, Machenaud and Szarezwski all set to rest up.

And says this is a bad thing because the second string will "want to impress". Hmmmm.

Munster are going to stroll this.

letowski

Buer wrote: »

Thornley reporting that Racing plan on resting their big names. Carter, Machenaud and Szarezwski all set to rest up.

To be honest, I've only seen Racing play against Glasgow twice and Toulon last week but Carter looks like he is there on a holiday, nothing more. I mean he must be standing at least ten yards behind the gainline at first receiver, he is giving there attack no edge what so ever. They are the fifth lowest scoring team in the Top 14, which kind of says it all, that they don't really know what they are at this year. Machenaud would probably be their biggest loss, he is the general/main leader on the team.

It's hard to know with this crowd really, I remember we played them in the first round of Europe in 2012 (iirc). We dominated the first half hour and they showed little interest. Next thing Murray puts in a reckless challenge and the whole home support go mental and the team responds and beats us. I guess discipline will be a focus for Munster this week.

It will be interesting to see who Munster select in the backrow, they have some monster ball carriers like Nakarawa, Vulivuli, Masoe, etc.

irishbucsfan

If Carter is being rester who will play 10?

thomond2006

irishbucsfan wrote: »

If Carter is being rester who will play 10?

Dambielle

aloooof

letowski wrote: »

It will be interesting to see who Munster select in the backrow, they have some monster ball carriers like Nakarawa, Vulivuli, Masoe, etc.

Forgot Nakarawa was with Racing now, class player. He demolished us in the Pro12 final 2 years ago.

sydthebeat

munster gone from -3 to -6

probably end up at -9 before kick off

thomond2006

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/munster-fans-blown-away-by-phenomenal-kindness-and-gesture-by-racing-92-35343633.html

Great stuff.

budhabob

thomond2006 wrote: »

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/munster-rugby/munster-fans-blown-away-by-phenomenal-kindness-and-gesture-by-racing-92-35343633.html

Great stuff.

When i read about this a few days ago I wont lie, I had a lump in my throat. Such a lovely gesture.

thomond2006

No less than ten changes are made to the side that defeated Connacht last weekend as Munster resume Champions Cup action in the rescheduled round 1 encounter away to Racing 92 at the Stade Yves-du-Manoir tomorrow - ko 3.45pm (Irish time). Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus also names his first changed European side this season.

Five personnel changes are seen in the pack. Niall Scannell and John Ryan both return to join James Cronin in the front row while Donnacha Ryan comes into the second row in partnering Billy Holland who makes the positional switch from number 6.

Tommy O'Donnell has overcome an ankle injury sustained at the Sportsground last weekend to continue at openside with the returning duo of captain Peter O'Mahony and CJ Stander taking charge at 6 and 8 respectively.

Conor Murray and Tyler Bleyendaal resume their half back partnership, as do Rory Scannell and Jaco Taute in midfield.

Simon Zebo's return at fullback sees Andrew Conway move to the right wing with Ronan O'Mahony named on the opposite flank.

Included among the replacements, should he feature tomorrow, Keith Earls will make his 50th European appearance.

Along with those ruled out through injury, Jean Kleyn and Thomas Du Toit were unavailable for selection this week due to illness.

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/rugby/23723.php

Munster XV:
Simon Zebo; Andrew Conway, Jaco Taute, Rory Scannell, Ronan O'Mahony; Tyler Bleyendaal, Conor Murray;
James Cronin, Niall Scannell, John Ryan; Donnacha Ryan, Billy Holland; Peter O'Mahony - capt., Tommy O'Donnell, CJ Stander.

Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Dave Kilcoyne, Stephen Archer, Dave Foley, Jack O'Donoghue, Duncan Williams, Keith Earls, Francis Saili.

thomond2006

When was the last time Keith Earls was on the bench for Europe? Perhaps he's not fully fit.

No Keatley in the 23 either with Scannell acting as the outhalf cover. Perhaps that's a bad sign for his Munster future.

thomond2006

15. Juan Imhoff; 14. Joe Rokocoko, 13. Casey Laulala, 12. Anthony Tuitavke, 11. Teddy Thomas; 10. Benjamin Dambielle, 9. Xavier Chauveau;
1. Khatchik Vartanov, 2. Camille Chat, 3. Luc Ducalcon, 4. Gerbrandt Grobler, 5. Francois van der Merwe, 6. Chris Masoe, 7. Matthieu Voisin, 8. Antonie Claassen

16. Virgile Lacombe, 17. Julien Brugnaut, 18. Cedate Gomes Sa, 19. Ali Williams, 20. So'otala Fa'aso'o, 21. James Hart, 22. Dan Carter, 23. Henry Chavancy

letowski

thomond2006 wrote: »

15. Juan Imhoff; 14. Joe Rokocoko, 13. Casey Laulala, 12. Anthony Tuitavke, 11. Teddy Thomas; 10. Benjamin Dambielle, 9. Xavier Chauveau;
1. Khatchik Vartanov, 2. Camille Chat, 3. Luc Ducalcon, 4. Gerbrandt Grobler, 5. Francois van der Merwe, 6. Chris Masoe, 7. Matthieu Voisin, 8. Antonie Claassen

16. Virgile Lacombe, 17. Julien Brugnaut, 18. Cedate Gomes Sa, 19. Ali Williams, 20. So'otala Fa'aso'o, 21. James Hart, 22. Dan Carter, 23. Henry Chavancy

Strong enough team to be fair, dangerous back three. Machenaud and Carter not starting though. Glad Nakarawa isn't either.

phog

We're much weaker on the wing than if we had Sweetnam available but other than Earls on the bench and the return of TOD the team is as expected.

Buer

letowski wrote: »

Strong enough team to be fair, dangerous back three. Machenaud and Carter not starting though. Glad Nakarawa isn't either.

Strong team but way off their first choice.

Machenaud, Carter, Szarzewski, Ben Arous, Nyanga, Lauret, Dulin and Nakarawa all left out of the team.

Munster to win with a little room to spare. Certainly shouldn't be a walk in the park but I reckon the bookies are pretty accurate with Munster as 7 point favourites.

letowski

Buer wrote: »

Strong team but way off their first choice.

Machenaud, Carter, Szarzewski, Ben Arous, Nyanga, Lauret, Dulin and Nakarawa all left out of the team.[/B]

Munster to win with a little room to spare. Certainly shouldn't be a walk in the park but I reckon the bookies are pretty accurate with Munster as 7 point favourites.

Yeah that's fair enough, I think Vulivuli and Chavancey are their first choice centers too, they have crazy depth. I think Munster will be looking to keep this one tight, with their kicking on point.

Felix Jones is God

Buer wrote: »

Strong team but way off their first choice.

Machenaud, Carter, Szarzewski, Ben Arous, Nyanga, Lauret, Dulin and Nakarawa all left out of the team.

Munster to win with a little room to spare. Certainly shouldn't be a walk in the park but I reckon the bookies are pretty accurate with Munster as 7 point favourites.

Half the players left out are playing like drains in Europe, that teams going to be very dangerous

Buer

Felix Jones is God wrote: »

Half the players left out are playing like drains in Europe, that teams going to be very dangerous

You appear do have dropped something....

Felix Jones is God

Buer wrote: »

You appear do have dropped something....

Carter, Machenaud and Nakarawa when Ive seen them have been pretty ineffectual, Carter especially. Regardless, it's a very strong backline they've put out and anyone claiming this is an easy victory for Munster is def off their meds

Felix Jones is God

Just noticed that ex Munster prop Julien Brugnaut is on the bench for Racing

phog

Felix Jones is God wrote: »

Just noticed that ex Munster prop Julien Brugnaut is on the bench for Racing

Yes, three former Munster players are involved with Racing tomorrow

phog

thomond2006 wrote: »

When was the last time Keith Earls was on the bench for Europe? Perhaps he's not fully fit.

No Keatley in the 23 either with Scannell acting as the outhalf cover. Perhaps that's a bad sign for his Munster future.

From Twitter

Cian Tracey ‏@CianTracey1 30m30 minutes ago
Tomorrow’s @ChampionsCup game against Racing will be just the 2nd time that Keith Earls has started on the bench in 52 appearances in Europe

Felix Jones is God

phog wrote: »

Yes, three former Munster players are involved with Racing tomorrow

Ha, Laulala and ROG also ...

irishbucsfan

Felix Jones is God wrote: »

Carter, Machenaud and Nakarawa when Ive seen them have been pretty ineffectual, Carter especially. Regardless, it's a very strong backline they've put out and anyone claiming this is an easy victory for Munster is def off their meds

Is it? Where?

The best player in that backline is Imhoff and he's a winger out of position. Benjamin Dambielle and Xavier Chauveau at half back are nobodies when it comes to Europe.

James Hart in line for his first ever Champions Cup game though which is good for him, if Racing continue to play weak sides he might get a start.

Buer

phog wrote: »

From Twitter

Is the other one the 2008 HEC final?

Zzippy

So, Taute was signed as a back 3 player, yeah...