Munster Team Talk Thread - Beirne After Reading

I don't think Killer was ever on a central contract?

At the time he was 1st choice for Munster by a decent margin tho, iirc. Looking down the depth chart then we had Loughman, Cronin and Josh Wycherley (who was looking promising).

Cronin was quite experienced and likely on a decent wage, so it looks like they plumped for Loughman and Wycherley (Munster did offer Cronin a deal, which he turned down, I believe).

We had a similar situation at hooker, where relatively experienced guys like Rhys Marshall and Kevin O'Byrne had to be let go.

Post-Covid, they were the exact depth of guys who had to be trimmed from the budget, unfortunately. (Bearing in mind, last season I suggested I thought Cronin would've picked up some Ireland caps had he stayed at Munster and got blow-back for that…)

Ryan seems to be what Munster need, if he could be enticed. Do the IRFU ever offer incentives to coaches to go to a provence with a view to them potentially stepping up to the national team later? That sort of career progress pathway would have to be attractive to coaches.

I think most of us would be flattered that we came away tonight with 5 points after the overall performance we put in.

I was just looking at the URC stats page there, really is worth highlighting Tom Farrell's outrageous performance in attack tonight:

• Point: 15
• Tries: 3
• Carries: 8
• Clean breaks: 4
• Defenders beaten: 7
• Metres made: 151

I was thinking, it's hard to recall a better performance in attack by a Munster player in recent years. I think Zebo has had hattricks in his career, nobably away to Northampton which must be at least 10 years ago now at this stage.

Another crazy stat from the game was Gavin Coombes putting in 35 tackles tonight, one was obviously a try saver on Wilson. And I think he had a holdup over our line. Just such an important player for us.

Yeah thought so too. It was cool to see him put together a performance like that, because he was already having a fine season for us so far. I think that midfield of Farrell and Nankivell, with Crowley at 10, there's alot of enterprise and cutting edge there in attack. Crowley was good tonight in attack too.

I remember thinking half way through the game that I hadn't seen much of Gav with ball in hand which would only mean he's putting in a shift elsewhere. He probably still had a good few carries too. 36 tackles, outrageous

looks like he was taken off for a hamstring twinge as opposed to his knee. cossie said he'll be rested this week anyway. so 3 weeks until saracens game.

It would be good if Conor Murray could get back this weekend. I like Paddy Patterson but he’s box kicking isn’t a strong part of his game, and Munster haven’t been exiting from restarts well. That and improved discipline, hopefully Munster won’t but under as much pressure goal line defending.
Worried for what may be a Rory Scannell v Jordie Barrett matchup at inside centre on Friday.

I have 2 stand tickets. West Stand for Munster Leinster in Thomond Park on the 27th if anyone is interested. €40 each

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I did ….