Munster vs Southern Kings, Fri 15th Feb 7:35pm; Eir Sports 2

JVG has been very conservative with his selections in these type of games.
Haley has played a huge amount already this season it would have been a good opportunity for his back up to get minutes there.
TB has played very poorly in his last few outings and yet Johnston can't make the 23 against a side that won't get within 20 points.

Jesus! A vintage beating coming up for the Kings.

Buer wrote: »

Would have preferred to see a little bit more experimentation here for this one. There really isn't a weaker fixture in the season for any province to use for development. 13 of the 23 that beat Exeter will feature tomorrow night.

I'm hoping/assuming that guys like Oliver and Johnston are injured but they were involved in training this week so I'm somewhat confused by their absences.

Game should be enjoyable as an opportunity to see some tries and get some match fitness for a few guys.

A fair point, but also I think this is an area that the provinces (Munster at least) have been getting better at.

In seasons past, we'd have a clear, distinct A and B team, who probably wouldn't even know each other if they met on the street. The "B" team would start the season and be.. mediocre, the "A" team would come in en masse leading up the Heineken Cup and be better but very rusty. Swapping back then during international windows..

I don't think that's the best way to go. In the above team, we have three 'breaking through' players in Cronin, Loughman and Wycherly starting; and a few more from the fringes on the bench. To me, that's about the right number. Less fringe players than that, and it's a waste of an opportunity to give them experience. More than that, and you risk a bit of a messy/disjointed game.

IMO it's not just about getting them on the field and getting a result, you want them to be playing in the moves/style and at the pace of the senior team. Having 3 fringe players surrounded by established players should lead to useful experience.

Buer wrote: »

Would have preferred to see a little bit more experimentation here for this one.

It's getting late for experimentation.
3 games after tonight - HC SF
3 games after that - domestic league ends.

These 10's need more gametime. I'd have no concerns for cover in any other position, well, maybe 15.

Lovely February night weather here. Wind seems to be blowing in all directions.

Hope farrells alright, the guy can't catch a break this season

What has happened to Farrell?