Munster Team Talk Thread - Beirne After Reading

Jump_In_Jack · 10-12-2021 01:02PM

2 starters coming back from injury (Hodnett, Farrell) and 5 starters on their debut, all 5 of them in the academy.

Bench has 1 coming back from injury (Salanoa), 7 other benchers all on their debut, 4 of them in the academy, 2 not even in the academy and are still under the age of 21.

This has the makings of a legendary match!

Quin_Dub · 10-12-2021 01:03PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118300594#Comment_118300594

All those with clear Covid tests from the 34 that came home last week should be available for selection.

I guess it's up to the guys picked this week-end to make the selection for Castres as difficult as possible by playing out of their skins...

lawrencesummers · 10-12-2021 01:15PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118300445#Comment_118300445

Their opponents will be doing their best to be hard on them, this could be the making of some young players, its an opportunity many would normally need to spend 3-5 years more in the background toiling away before they get such a chance but it could also go the other way.

In many ways there is no pressure on Munster, its away from home and a free shot at Wasps, who would be expected to win and to win well.

Whats positive is that nearly all the young lads are playing alongside some very. experienced players who can help them along.

Its the last 20 minutes that I think could be the hardest, if the bench is called on early in some positions and we lose that leadership.

lawrencesummers · 10-12-2021 01:18PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118300498#Comment_118300498

Some fascinating clashes.

DDA vs Gopperth probably the most interesting!

Barbeary is a great ball carrier for them, he will take some watching, and plenty of tackling if he is allowed get momentum.

Cookiemunster · 10-12-2021 01:43PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118300724#Comment_118300724

It also worked out well that this season the academy lads have been allowed to play regularly in the AIL. Yes it's way below European standard, but they've all got plenty of minutes of rugby under their belts. Something that wouldn't always have been the case in previous seasons.

Faugheen · 10-12-2021 01:45PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118300846#Comment_118300846

Exactly what I was thinking. All of those lads have played plenty of rugby so at the very least they won’t be found wanting for match fitness.

Jump_In_Jack · 10-12-2021 02:00PM

The bench is clever, in that Moore and Salanoa might actually strengthen the front row with 30 minutes to go (Kilcoyne may have to play 80 if he can), and Forde and Moloney will probably only come on with 20 minutes to go at most unless there's an injury, and most likely will replace O'Connor and Okeke so shouldn't see a huge drop in ability hopefully.

I'd have no problem with Wren coming straight in at fullback with 20 to go also, but I'd expect Murray and Carbery to play 80, which they are both more than capable of doing.

Really looking forward to this.

UAEguy2020 · 10-12-2021 02:04PM

The one positive for not playing in so long is alot of the starting XV have it in them to go maybe 5-10 minutes longer than if they played alot of matches. Could be the difference.

Akrasia · 10-12-2021 02:09PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118300998#Comment_118300998

Given Salanoa's injury profile and the fact that he's just returning after another layoff, I'd say he'll be kept as a 'break glass in case of emergency' and might only be brought on with 10 mins to go if the French is gassed or heaven forbid, suffers an injury

If he is fully fit and is capable of playing a bigger role, he certainly is a powerful impact player who could make a big difference whenever he comes on

10-12-2021 02:19PM

I'm **** buzzing for this starting to believe we could actually win for some reason

10-12-2021 02:33PM

There's enough senior players in the starting XV for them to stay well in the game but if Munster ship any injuries or have to rely on the bench I think that is where things might get a bit hairy. Wasps aren't all that good at the moment, only 3 wins from 9 in the league, so Munster can definitely do it.

lawrencesummers · 10-12-2021 03:18PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118301043#Comment_118301043

Im fairly certain thats not how match fitness works.

The more you play not the less is better for your match fitness, without of course going into areas of fatigue.

leakyboots · 10-12-2021 04:06PM

Very excited about this match now, looking forward to seeing some new names in action

Quin_Dub · 10-12-2021 04:33PM

Planetrugby have Wasps by 15 , which even if that were true justifies Munster decision to play the game , but I think that it'll be a lot closer than that and given some good luck and Poite in a good mood, Munster could actually sneak this..

stephen_n · 10-12-2021 05:28PM

Wasps pack looks fairly light on experience which could be a good leveler. As long as Munster can gain parity up front, I’d give them a good chance. Be a fascinating game.

Red Silurian · 11-12-2021 07:00PM

Watching Clermont V Ulster, JJ Hanrahan is having a great game, actually hard to believe

UAEguy2020 · 11-12-2021 07:32PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118302045#Comment_118302045

And if Wasps lose it will be the salary caps fault...

aloooof · 11-12-2021 09:05PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118306692#Comment_118306692

Why exactly is it hard to believe? JJ was well capable of having great games (he had one against Clermont less than 12 months ago), his problem was consistency.

Akrasia · 11-12-2021 10:11PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118307244#Comment_118307244

I think his problem was confidence and the fact that Munster's gameplan wasn't a good fit with his strengths as a naturally talented rugby player

He was never the 'starting' 10 at Munster after coming back from Northhampton, he was either backup to Keatley, or Bleyandaal, or Carberry, so he was always dropped into a system he couldn't quite work with. He seems to have found a good fit at Clermont where his natural talents are complimented by the teams playing style and they have confidence in him as their starting 10, so they can build moves around his strengths

JJ was always a good kicker, he was always a good open field player, and he was always capable of good performances at 10, but I think he needed to be given a vote of confidence to perform well, rather than being a good backup guy constantly being expected to prove himself to 'win' the starting shirt.

Cookiemunster · 11-12-2021 10:23PM

JJ is not automatic first choice at Clermont. Camille Lopez is. He played well today but probably wouldn't have started if Lopez was available.

So the argument that he's been given a vote of confidence rather than having to constantly prove himself doesn't hold any water.

aloooof · 11-12-2021 10:43PM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118307523#Comment_118307523

He was definitely a confidence player, alright. I’d disagree slightly tho as, given the longevity of Carbery’s injury, he was de facto starting 10 for the best part of 2 seasons, so I think he had his opportunity.

As far as I’m aware, that was probably the most sustained period of his career where he was getting selected as first choice 10? (He had his injury issues at Northampton, but I think Meyler was getting selected ahead of him on occasion as well, and he was getting picked at 15?).

I always had a lot of time for JJ, he was capable of moments of brilliance. He never quite lived up to the expectations that came after his nomination for World Junior player of the year, unfortunately.

Eod100 · 12-12-2021 11:14AM

Changes to Wasps team because of covid https://www.wasps.co.uk/news/wasps-matchday-squad-update/

UAEguy2020 · 12-12-2021 12:20PM

I heard rumours that Munster may add some of the quarantined players to the bench for today's game. JvG did say the selection would go down to the wire so wouldnt surprise me.