Munster Team Talk Thread - Beirne After Reading

As that interview phog posted earlier touches on, Rowntree knows what it was like to be left out of the 2003 RWC (for form reasons) and prided himself on getting back after that and playing again for England. I don't think there's a man better suited to empathise with Carbery's situation right now (whatever it is) and both Rowntree and Munster will do everything they can to get him back to his best.

(And if the parallels fully hold, it also means Ireland win the RWC!)

I don't think anyone would honestly say we're a better team than leinster.

I would!

You drive for show, you putt for dough.

Better than Kitsoff, Dweeba, Malherbe?

Because we had no issues with them...

I guess it depends on what you mean by "you need more front row talent".

By the classic definition, where your front row are there primarily to scrummage, you could argue that our scrum could improve as a weapon, for sure, but it's more than holding its own against top scrummaging sides like Stormers. And any improvements here will come at costs elsewhere in the system.

Under Rowntree's system, (much like Leinster and Ireland) our front row need to offer more in terms of link play, carrying, tackling and poaching. What you're arguing for, it seems, is a player more in the latter mold. And tbh, they've done such incredible work with the players they have (ARCHER OFFLOADED THE BALL IN CASE YOU MISSED THAT), I'm happy enough to wait and see how the likes of Loughman and Wycherley continue to develop.

Don't get me wront, if we signed Ox Nche I'd of course be over the moon, but front row is nowhere near the priority I thought it was, even a few months ago.

Pet peeve, but you know that phrase actually means you DO care about scrimmaging?

He’s had a couple of chase backs too, first to the breakdown. I think he had one where he got back and got in for a jackal for ages, and Porter cleaned him. Should’ve been blown much sooner, but he was so quick getting back.

They are saying on the Munster fans forum that O’Connor will be converted to a 10 in the academy.

This is both a fitting tribute to a true legend, but also a poignant reminder of what we soon stand to loose when he retires. Leadership, breakdown, grit and a nastiness that always just stays inside the line. I feel it will be one of those scenarios where we can't expect one man to replace him. But a combination of men carrying forward specific aspects of his legacy.

https://youtu.be/HVSG7MtDONs

5 seems very low for what is a talented bunch of 19's and 20's. Danny and Jacob Sheehan can both feel pretty aggrieved having been involved with the 20's as 19's qualified. At least they'll have another shot next year. It's probably the end of the road for Oji, Buttimer and Condon in pro rugby. Josh Costello and even Sean Edogbo's chances of a pro career are hanging by a thread.