Munster v Connacht, sat 6th Jan, 7:35 tg4 - build up, probably match thread

wp_rathead

Bundee, Dillane and Marmion apparently to be left out as per IRFU Player Welfare- expect more rotations too from KK

Munster look to win their first Interpro of the season, Cloete, TOD and Holland are confirmed out

thomond2006

Prediction:
Kilcoyne, KOB, Archer, Kleyn, Wycherley, POM, JOD, Stander;
Murray, Keatley, Sweetnam, R Scannell, Farrell, ROM, Conway

Casey/Sherry, Cronin, J Ryan, DOS, Oliver, Hart, Johnston, Earls

Injured: Marshall, N Scannell, LOC, Holland, Grobler, DOC, TOD, Cloete, Bleyendaal, Taute, Goggin, Nash
Rested: Arnold (or suspended), Wootton, Zebo

It would be a massive boost if Farrell is fit in time.

Connacht were very impressive at the RDS. This is a potential banana skin for Munster, albeit Connacht will be resting key starters.

Zzippy

I'm disappointed we targeted the Leinster game and are resting players for this - would have thought this was a better bet for an away win, all things being equal. Heading down for the game anyway, been a couple years since I was in TP. A win would be a superb result, I'd be happy with a LBP.

Wegians89

McCabe McCartney Carey
Roux cannon
Masterson Muldoon butler
Mitchell carty/Ronaldson
Farrell ahki
Healy toh niyi
Heffernan coulson bealham Gallagher dawai blade carty/Ronaldson leader
Something like that from Connacht maybe

stephen_n

Zzippy wrote: »

I'm disappointed we targeted the Leinster game and are resting players for this - would have thought this was a better bet for an away win, all things being equal. Heading down for the game anyway, been a couple years since I was in TP. A win would be a superb result, I'd be happy with a LBP.

If Munster lose a second interpro in Thomond, things would become very uncomfortable, very quickly for Van Graan. I don’t think it will be an easier task to win there than the RDS.

stellenbosch

thomond2006 wrote: »

Prediction:
Kilcoyne, KOB, Archer, Kleyn, Wycherley, POM, JOD, Stander;
Murray, Keatley, Sweetnam, R Scannell, Farrell, ROM, Conway

Casey/Sherry, Cronin, J Ryan, DOS, Oliver, Hart, Johnston, Earls

Injured: Marshall, N Scannell, LOC, Holland, Grobler, DOC, TOD, Cloete, Bleyendaal, Taute, Goggin, Nash
Rested: Arnold (or suspended), Wootton, Zebo

It would be a massive boost if Farrell is fit in time.

Connacht were very impressive at the RDS. This is a potential banana skin for Munster, albeit Connacht will be resting key starters.

Arnold gets 6 weeks reduced to 3

aloooof

stephen_n wrote: »

If Munster lose a second interpro in Thomond, things would become very uncomfortable, very quickly for Van Graan. I don’t think it will be an easier task to win there than the RDS.

They haven't won an interpro yet this season, losing in the Sportsground, twice to Leinster and in the Kingspan. Badly need a win here to have some momentum going into the Racing game.

Wegians89

I think that the desperate need to win added to the few injuries and suspensions could be munsters down fall.

thomond2006

Probable Munster team for Connacht:
Zebo, Sweetnam/Earls, Earls/Farrell, R Scannell, Conway, Keatley, Murray,
Kilcoyne, O'Byrne, Archer, Kleyn, O'Shea, O'Mahony, O'Donoghue, Stander.

Per Limerick Leader

CowboyTed

Wegians89 wrote: »

McCabe McCartney Carey
Roux cannon
Masterson Muldoon butler
Mitchell carty/Ronaldson
Farrell ahki
Healy toh niyi
Heffernan coulson bealham Gallagher dawai blade carty/Ronaldson leader
Something like that from Connacht maybe

Agreed on all except I would have Coulson over McCabe normally but he had 80 minutes on Monday. Belham and McCartney both played 60 min so he might be a starter...

Wegians89

CowboyTed wrote: »

Agreed on all except I would have Coulson over McCabe normally but he had 80 minutes on Monday. Belham and McCartney both played 60 min so he might be a starter...

Could see delahunt come back in for tom and wouldn't be upset if bealham was on the bench with Carey starting, a bit of quality in dept in Connachts front row

CowboyTed

Wegians89 wrote: »

Could see delahunt come back in for tom and wouldn't be upset if bealham was on the bench with Carey starting, a bit of quality in dept in Connachts front row

Looking at the team they put out, I would like us to beat them up in the front row like we did in the Sportsground... The backrow fight will be the winning of this game and the tight five made there job a lot easier first time out...

At this moment we are playing as the second best team in Ireland.

As a side note I am gutted Deegan played so well on Monday. He had 26 tackles and no miss. I was banking on a fit Heaslip and Conan giving feck all playing time and was ripe for us... He is a cracking player but Leinster are letting go nowhere now... When get over there backrow injury problems they are going to have to let a player or two go... Jordie is gone, who is next...

Wegians89

CowboyTed wrote: »

Looking at the team they put out, I would like us to beat them up in the front row like we did in the Sportsground... The backrow fight will be the winning of this game and the tight five made there job a lot easier first time out...

At this moment we are playing as the second best team in Ireland.

As a side note I am gutted Deegan played so well on Monday. He had 26 tackles and no miss. I was banking on a fit Heaslip and Conan giving feck all playing time and was ripe for us... He is a cracking player but Leinster are letting go nowhere now... When get over there backrow injury problems they are going to have to let a player or two go... Jordie is gone, who is next...

I was hoping one of deegan or Doris would come west, deegan would be further developed and has a better injury record but Doris is from mayo and could swing it, we need an 8 but doubt we'll get either.

Think butler could have a match winning preformance again, with Quinn roux and cannon having monster games

Bridge93

Only one winner for me. Strongest possible munster team, seething after the last two games and eyeing form before the biggest game of the season against a Connacht team shorn of their best players.

Called Leinster to win by 3 or 4. I'm going for munster by 15 with a bonus point.

This is all predicated on munster picking their strongest available team. Connacht had a choice between the RDS and Thomond and picked the RDS. Can't really blame them for that. I'm sure KK weighed up the likeliehood of facing and the chance of beating a lucky dip of a Leinster team (who had 3 days less of a turnaround) or the munster first XV.

Mr Shikadance

Home advantage should swing it to Munster, but we have a good chance. I don't particularly rate Munster this season. 
Certainly nothing like Leinster and we are starting to hit our straps, even with the need to rotate.
I am confident.

2smiggy

Mr Shikadance wrote: »

Home advantage should swing it to Munster, but we have a good chance. I don't particularly rate Munster this season. 
Certainly nothing like Leinster and we are starting to hit our straps, even with the need to rotate.
I am confident.

:pac: :pac:

Mr Shikadance

2smiggy wrote: »

Mr Shikadance wrote: »

Home advantage should swing it to Munster, but we have a good chance. I don't particularly rate Munster this season. 
Certainly nothing like Leinster and we are starting to hit our straps, even with the need to rotate.
I am confident.

:pac: :pac:

It will be a good game eh!!

Zzippy

2smiggy wrote: »

:pac: :pac:

A well constructed argument, and you make some good points, but I feel you could have made more of an effort, a couple of emojis might help get your point across.
Like this... :rolleyes:

It is a pity Connacht have decided to rest guys in this match, they could have had a good crack at Munster otherwise.

Mr Shikadance

George Large String wrote: »

It is a pity Connacht have decided to rest guys in this match, they could have had a good crack at Munster otherwise.

We still will.

Mr Shikadance

Mr Shikadance wrote: »

We still will.

Hopefully but I don't think Connacht have the depth.

Wegians89

George Large String wrote: »

Hopefully but I don't think Connacht have the depth.

Replacing dillane with a internationally capped roux, big chance for new signings Mitchell and ahki to show they're not far off marmion and bundee, personally think if it's just these three being rested there's a good chance if the likes of masterson, carty, Healy and toh get rested too it'll be hard to see Connacht being too competitive

bennyl10

Mr Shikadance wrote: »

We still will.

Munster were very good in the second against Leinster, and barring the red would by most margins have won comfortable last week..

this Munster team aren't as bad as some are making out here.. let's not forget their coasting in Europe(champions cup also) and barring Christmas have been very consistent in the league..

Munster by 15+ Saturday.
Connacht bringing the B's to thomond, with a full strength munster who need a win.

Maybe not as bad as last year, bit its hard to see anything but a Munster win here
.

molloyjh

bennyl10 wrote: »

Munster were very good in the second against Leinster, and barring the red would by most margins have won comfortable last week..

this Munster team aren't as bad as some are making out here.. let's not forget their coasting in Europe(champions cup also) and barring Christmas have been very consistent in the league..

Munster by 15+ Saturday.
Connacht bringing the B's to thomond, with a full strength munster who need a win.

Maybe not as bad as last year, bit its hard to see anything but a Munster win here
.

Ulster had turned things around before the red card last week. They had all the momentum and had put Munster under a lot of pressure to the extent that Munsters discipline dropped and they started conceding penalties which led to the yellow for persistent infringements. Ulster got their first try before the red card was issued and so were, in reality, 7-17 before Arnold was sent off. And in the ascendancy. There's no guarantee they would have won from there obviously, but they were certainly putting Munster under huge pressure and it would have been close regardless.

As for Europe, Munster beat a pretty awful Leicester team and there was a song and dance made over it. This is the Leicester team that are 9th in the premiership, just 1 place above Saints. Munster beat Racing at home by a single score in what was hardly the most memorable game you can think of and drew with Castres. They are 4 points clear of Racing with an away game to Racing to come which could easily see them neck and neck going into the final round. I'd hardly call that "coasting".

Munster will be without several players tomorrow too so won't be full strength. They've lost all 4 of their inter-pro games and if you combine the 2 conferences at the moment Munster would be 5th behind Glasgow, Scarlets, Leinster and Ulster.

This isn't to say Munster are bad, but let's be real about things for a second here. They aren't that good either at the moment. A 15 point win would be a very, very good result for them.

Jump_In_Jack

thomond2006 wrote: »

Probable Munster team for Connacht:
Zebo, Sweetnam/Earls, Earls/Farrell, R Scannell, Conway, Keatley, Murray,
Kilcoyne, O'Byrne, Archer, Kleyn, O'Shea, O'Mahony, O'Donoghue, Stander.

Per Limerick Leader

Twitter saying Munster team will be announced at 12,
Really looking forward to this contest,
Expecting Munster to try to be ruthless from the start, and Connacht to give a strong underdog performance,
Should be like the Munster/Leinster match, could be an upset if Connacht can get a good start I think.

On second glance at the Limerick Leader prediction that Ronan O'Mahony and Conor Oliver will be playing with their clubs, and assuming Farrell and Zebo both start,

Could see Munster lining out like this:
1. Kilcoyne, 2. O'Byrne, 3. Archer,
4. O'Shea, 5. Kleyn,
6. O'Mahony, 8. Stander, 7. O'Donoghue,
9. Murray, 10. Keatley,
11. Earls, 12. Scannell, 13. Farrell, 14. Conway,
15. Zebo.

16. Sherry, 17. Cronin, 18. Ryan, 19. Wycherley, 20. Copeland, 21. Hart, 22. Johnston, 23. Sweetnam.

Will be interesting if a few players are to be held back, considering the following match against Racing 8 days later, and Castres 7 days after that.
Can't really afford to spare too many guys against Connacht though as there is a lot of pride at stake now given the Interpro results this season.

Munster will be stretched at hooker, second row, back row, and centre, for the next 3 matches at least.

Connacht might find Munster a little battle shy if they have to protect that many players from injury for the Euro matches coming up.

thomond2006

Munster:
Simon Zebo; Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray;
Dave Kilcoyne, Rhys Marshall, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Darren O’Shea; Jack O’Donoghue, Conor Oliver, CJ Stander (C).

Replacements: Mike Sherry, James Cronin, Stephen Archer, Robin Copeland, Peter O’Mahony, Duncan Williams, Bill Johnston, Darren Sweetnam.

Big opportunity for Conor Oliver after TOD's unfortunate injury.

ClanofLams

https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/949249420142489602

Changes aplenty. Ahki Griffin in centre will be interesting. Gallagher in at 6. Conan O’Donnell and Paul Boyle on bench.

Wegians89

ClanofLams wrote: »

https://twitter.com/connachtrugby/status/949249420142489602

Changes aplenty. Ahki Griffin in centre will be interesting. Gallagher in at 6. Conan O’Donnell and Paul Boyle on bench.

A lot more change then I thought there would be, still an internationally capped back three. Bench looks weak

ClanofLams

Wegians89 wrote: »

A lot more change then I thought there would be, still an internationally capped back three. Bench looks weak

I’d say unproven/unexposed more than weak but would obviously prefer some more established players on it.

Centre is probably the biggest concern. A partnership that has never played together going up against Scannell Farrell is far from ideal.

its_phil

Munster at -13 looks right if not generous to Connacht.

budhabob

thomond2006 wrote: »

Munster:
Simon Zebo; Andrew Conway, Chris Farrell, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray;
Dave Kilcoyne, Rhys Marshall, John Ryan; Jean Kleyn, Darren O’Shea; Jack O’Donoghue, Conor Oliver, CJ Stander (C).

Replacements: Mike Sherry, James Cronin, Stephen Archer, Robin Copeland, Peter O’Mahony, Duncan Williams, Bill Johnston, Darren Sweetnam.

Big opportunity for Conor Oliver after TOD's unfortunate injury.

Strong enough team, and a mobile / effective backrow! Great to see Sherrys name on the team sheet again after his last few years - hopefully he can put all the injuries behind him now and keep fit.

Jump_In_Jack

Very strong Munster team, delighted to see Marshall, Oliver and Farrell back.
Backline is only missing Bleyendaal at 22, and arguably Taute at 23 to being completely first choice.
Forwards missing Scannell at 2, Grobler at 5, O'Mahony and O'Donoghue to swap, Cloete and O'Donnell at 7, and Holland at 19 and arguably O'Callaghan at 20 to be a completely first choice pack.

Compared to the Connacht selection Munster should be able to dominate the scrum and in the mid-field.

Both set of back 3 players could be dangerous, game management will be crucial, whichever 10 can accurately pin the ball behind the pack without giving chances for open field counter attacks could decide the match.

Sabre0001

Strong Munster team and bench has some firepower (plus Bill Johnston, which is a little surprising, but should be interesting). Hopefully everyone can stay injury-free (on the pitch would be nice too!)

Wegians89

ClanofLams wrote: »

I’d say unproven/unexposed more than weak but would obviously prefer some more established players on it.

Centre is probably the biggest concern. A partnership that has never played together going up against Scannell Farrell is far from ideal.

Yeah that's true hopefully Conan and Boyle make big impacts to prove they're capable. Worried about thornbury don't think he's at the level required. Be nice to see Ronaldson back. Strong kicking options on the bench.

I thought Griffin was very impressive in the eagles match. Be interesting to see how himself and pita go

Zzippy

Who's Paul Boyle?

The Lost Sheep

Zzippy wrote: »

Who's Paul Boyle?

http://www.rugbyworld.com/in-the-mag/hotshots/hotshot-connacht-back-row-paul-boyle-86550

Wegians89

Zzippy wrote: »

Who's Paul Boyle?

Looks a real prospect in the Connacht academy along with Sean masterson and Cillian Gallagher, has captained the eagles despite only being at Connacht for a few months and only 21. Was very impressive with the eagles against Richmond. Played at 7 for Irish under 20s but has played 8 so far this season I think. Believe he prefers 8 to 7.

Cookiemunster

budhabob wrote: »

Strong enough team, and a mobile / effective backrow! Great to see Sherrys name on the team sheet again after his last few years - hopefully he can put all the injuries behind him now and keep fit.

Sherry's been fit all season AFAIK and playing for Garryowen, He actually played the second half against Treviso in Cork in round 1. Unfortunately the 18 months out has lost him his position in the pecking order and he's now 4th choice.

prawnsambo

Is still 'probably' the match thread? I need to know. The tension is unbearable.

Rigor Mortis

I don't get this. Why rest your players in the game v your conference rivals as opposed to the Leinster match?

stephen_n

Rigor Mortis wrote: »

I don't get this. Why rest your players in the game v your conference rivals as opposed to the Leinster match?

Probably because they knew Munster would select a strong team for that very reason and Leinster wouldn’t.

Mr Shikadance

It's going to be a cracking game!!
Clearly advantage Munster but I am quietly excited about the performance to come from our guys.
It's still a strong pack. Concern at 9 for me and centre pairing is new. Bench is raw but exciting for us.
Breakdown will be key. Discipline and taking chances.

razorblunt

What's the story with Hart? Williams always seems to get a few run outs with a new coach.

razorblunt

razorblunt wrote: »

What's the story with Hart? Williams always seems to get a few run outs with a new coach.

He's just not very good.

freyners

Happy enough with the Connacht selection truth be told. As strong a team as we could put out given the limitations by Ireland and the need to rest some players like Farrell ahead of Europe. Two years ago we had Connolly have a stormer here on the road to a victory, hopefully Boyle can have a similar impact from the bench

wp_rathead

KK really doesn't seem to rate Dawai, Boyle get spot over him

Not overly worried about the pack, although the Munster backrow looks really well balanced. Im big fan of Oliver. Will have to see how McCabe goes at scrum time, not worried about Carey.
Great to see O'Donnell back in 23

Worried Scannell-Farrell could rip Ahki-Griffin to shreds.
Hopefully I'm wrong

thomond2006

razorblunt wrote: »

What's the story with Hart? Williams always seems to get a few run outs with a new coach.

Williams has done well in recent weeks to be fair. Hopefully Hart gets opportunities during the Six Nations.

wp_rathead

prawnsambo wrote: »

Is still 'probably' the match thread? I need to know. The tension is unbearable.

Probably

Zzippy

Been a cpl years since I was in TP last - what's the name of that big bar that's below the east stand? Supporters club? Arranging to meet people before the game...

awec

Zzippy wrote: »

Been a cpl years since I was in TP last - what's the name of that big bar that's below the east stand? Supporters club? Arranging to meet people before the game...

Bohemians

Zzippy

awec wrote: »

Bohemians

Is that not the clubhouse over behind the West Stand?