Munster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

thomond2006 · 17-04-2011 09:53PM

Yes basically Downey said he was happy at Northampton and wouldn't entertain a move.

CatFromHue · 18-04-2011 12:02AM

you can see why downey would be very happy in northampton.

after being with 3 of the irish provinces he ends up in the wilderness in Calvisano i think it was.

he manages to get a trial at northampton and is doing very well in a team that is also doing very well.

why would he want to leave to come back to munster were he was told his services were no longer required?

from munsters point of view he is a similar player to tuitoupu, its debatable but i think tuitoupu is more effective, who i dont think is the style of player munster need at that position at this time.

PhatPiggins · 18-04-2011 12:05AM

CatFromHue wrote: »

you can see why downey would be very happy in northampton.

after being with 3 of the irish provinces he ends up in the wilderness in Calvisano i think it was.

he manages to get a trial at northampton and is doing very well in a team that is also doing very well.

why would he want to leave to come back to munster were he was told his services were no longer required?

from munsters point of view he is a similar player to tuitoupu, its debatable but i think tuitoupu is more effective, who i dont think is the style of player munster need at that position at this time.

I actually agree, I think Downey is another Sky Sports over hyped player. He's good at what he does but he doesn't do much. Backline moves start and finish with him. Munster are showing signs of creative back play, Downey is not the player to take that forward imo.

Amazotheamazing · 18-04-2011 01:44AM

CatFromHue wrote: »

why would he want to leave to come back to munster were he was told his services were no longer required?

That's not quite correct, Munster offered him a contract but he wanted gametime as he was coming back from a bad injury, Munster couldn't promise him that so he headed off to Italy. Completely right thing to do and it's worked out great for him but Munster did want him.

I'm actually happy enough we're not signing him, he's a decent player but he's not going to be the 12 we need to get the most out of Earls, Zebo, Jones and Howlett. We need an intelligent, creative player there.

SomeFool · 18-04-2011 02:51AM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

That's not quite correct, Munster offered him a contract but he wanted gametime as he was coming back from a bad injury, Munster couldn't promise him that so he headed off to Italy. Completely right thing to do and it's worked out great for him but Munster did want him.

I'm actually happy enough we're not signing him, he's a decent player but he's not going to be the 12 we need to get the most out of Earls, Zebo, Jones and Howlett. We need an intelligent, creative player there.

Gavin Henson would be worth a shot imo

durkadurka · 18-04-2011 07:02AM

Please, please sign Henson munster!!!

It'll be a whole three months or so of pure entertainment

jacothelad · 18-04-2011 08:25AM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Sadly Sexton has more Munster connections than most, his father is from Kerry and he used to spend his summers in Listowel. He's a nephew of Willie Sexton, (has a few pubs in Limerick) who played for Munster and Ireland in the 80's.

When I say "sadly" I mean it's a pity he's such a divisive figure in irish rugby.

No, he isn't.

cartoonninja wrote: »

Tbh ive only seen downey a few times but hes impressed me
Id expect him to oust paddy wallace as second choice 12 for ireland if he came back, but then again maybe somebody whos seen more of him could correct me on this

That would possibly be true if Downey had any skill at all - but he doesn't. paddy wallce is immeasurably better. Now Fergus McFadden has and should be, if not back-up 12, then actually starting. He is the best 12 in Ireland by a long way at the moment.

DownTownLesta · 18-04-2011 08:56AM

Do you think Zebo is in real contention for a regular starting place now?

TheJims · 18-04-2011 09:26AM

DownTownLesta wrote: »

Do you think Zebo is in real contention for a regular starting place now?

Earls wont be on the left wing for many weeks next year, with the world cup and 6 nations, so i'd expect too see him there for a few starts next season!

Next year should be his defining year as a pro, Show his worth, only problem is in munster he will always be behind Earls.

buck65 · 18-04-2011 09:32AM

Yes but Howlett will be retiring after next season so there will be a chance there. Earls at 13 may not be finished either!

buck65 · 18-04-2011 09:40AM

jacothelad wrote: »

No, he isn't.

That would possibly be true if Downey had any skill at all - but he doesn't. paddy wallce is immeasurably better. Now Fergus McFadden has and should be, if not back-up 12, then actually starting. He is the best 12 in Ireland by a long way at the moment.

Actually Sexton is a very divisive player as is ROG. All you have to do is look at the numerous threads about him and O Gara over the years.
To say Downey has no skill is a bit harsh. He is a typical up the middle player that serves some teams well. To see him holding his place on a very good and possibly European Cup winning team is a credit to him.
If McFadden is a better 12 than D'arcy why isn't he playing there for Leinster and Ireland?

jacothelad · 18-04-2011 10:06AM

buck65 wrote: »

Actually Sexton is a very divisive player as is ROG. All you have to do is look at the numerous threads about him and O Gara over the years.
To say Downey has no skill is a bit harsh. He is a typical up the middle player that serves some teams well. To see him holding his place on a very good and possibly European Cup winning team is a credit to him.
If McFadden is a better 12 than D'arcy why isn't he playing there for Leinster and Ireland?

There is nothing divisive about Johnny Sexton except in the minds of those who still think at the level of the school playground. As for - "If McFadden is a better 12 than D'arcy why isn't he playing there for Leinster and Ireland?2 - it's one of the mysteries of Irish rugby selection. Like John Hayes and Buckley being selected ahead of Ross or Mincer ahead of McFadden, or Fitzgerald being selected for Ireland at full back - or at all given his form.

PhatPiggins · 18-04-2011 10:12AM

buck65 wrote: »

Yes but Howlett will be retiring after next season so there will be a chance there. Earls at 13 may not be finished either!

Howlett is never retiring :mad:. Wash out your mouth immediately and say 10 Hail Marys.

buck65 · 18-04-2011 10:31AM

jacothelad wrote: »

There is nothing divisive about Johnny Sexton except in the minds of those who still think at the level of the school playground. As for - "If McFadden is a better 12 than D'arcy why isn't he playing there for Leinster and Ireland?2 - it's one of the mysteries of Irish rugby selection. Like John Hayes and Buckley being selected ahead of Ross or Mincer ahead of McFadden, or Fitzgerald being selected for Ireland at full back - or at all given his form.

Actually I don't know how to respond to this, what is more baffling is that you were thanked by Emmet and phat.

18-04-2011 10:36AM

Hardly baffling, I agree with him.

Rationality can be affected by a person's team preference.

When you ignore that preference or bias that you have, it is easier to make rational decisions. Fwiw, there is little divisiveness on the subject outside of Munster fans. This is simply an example of this bias that is admittedly hard to remove for all fans.

EDIT: btw I meant "you" as in "one" there, not actually directed at buck65

buck65 · 18-04-2011 10:42AM

Deleted User wrote: »

Hardly baffling, I agree with him.

Rationality can be affected by a person's team preference.

When you ignore that preference or bias that you have, it is easier to make rational decisions. Fwiw, there is little divisiveness on the subject outside of Munster fans. This is simply an example of this bias that is admittedly hard to remove for all fans.

Emmet, all I said is that Sexton is a divisive player nothing more. My Munster bias doesn't change that at all. I would start him over O Gara every time. I think the original point made is that alot of people in Munster don't actually like the guy because of 2 well publicised incidents in Munster v Leinster games.
Personally I am coming around to him and think he is a good guy and a fine player but that doesn't mean I don't think he's divisive!

bazzajf · 18-04-2011 10:52AM

This may be premature and impulsive on my part but do we reckon that Zebo could conceivably be a bolter for inclusion in the Irish WC Squad come the Autumn, if he gets more game time and continues to impress, he may have an outside chance..

buck65 · 18-04-2011 10:55AM

Probably not as we have the wings well covered with Trimble, Earls, Bowe, McFadden, Luke, Horgan etc.
Felix Jones may be the dark horse on the plane as both Geordan and Kearney are just getting back to training now and may not be fully fit come September.
He is still not even first choice for Munster so I wouldn't get carried away just yet!

18-04-2011 10:56AM

Bowe
Earls
Trimble
Fitz

McFadden
Horgan
J.Murphy

Would all be ahead of him for a wing slot I think. It's the next RWC that might feature Zebo, this one has come a bit early.

Risteard · 18-04-2011 11:04AM

bazzajf wrote: »

This may be premature and impulsive on my part but do we reckon that Zebo could conceivably be a bolter for inclusion in the Irish WC Squad come the Autumn, if he gets more game time and continues to impress, he may have an outside chance..

No.

Wing is where we're stuffed to the gills with players. Plus he probably won't start for Munster ahead of Howlett or Earls. If there's any winger to be included that probably was down he pecking order of international wings, it should be Horgan.

KevinK · 18-04-2011 11:05AM

Deleted User wrote: »

Bowe
Earls
Trimble
Fitz

McFadden
Horgan
J.Murphy

Would all be ahead of him for a wing slot I think. It's the next RWC that might feature Zebo, this one has come a bit early.

I would add F.Carr and C.Gilroy to that list.

Also if such an injury crises actually occurred I think Kidny would be more likely to re positon players that call up someone like Zebo.

For example G.D'arcy, G.Murphy, R.Kearney, G.Duffy, A.D'arcy or T.O'Leary are all more likely to play on the wing in this WC than Zebo, IMO.

jacothelad · 18-04-2011 11:41AM

buck65 wrote: »

Actually I don't know how to respond to this, what is more baffling is that you were thanked by Emmet and phat.

I'll help you out.

"Na na, na, na, na. our 10 is better than your 10."

"No he's not."

"Yes he is."

"No he's not."

"Yes he is."

"No he's not."

"Yes he is."

Do you get my drift now? There are no 'divisive' players only divisive 'fans' who are weak minded.

jacothelad · 18-04-2011 11:42AM

bazzajf wrote: »

This may be premature and impulsive on my part but do we reckon that Zebo could conceivably be a bolter for inclusion in the Irish WC Squad come the Autumn, if he gets more game time and continues to impress, he may have an outside chance..

No.

CatFromHue · 18-04-2011 11:53AM

jacothelad wrote: »

There is nothing divisive about Johnny Sexton except in the minds of those who still think at the level of the school playground.

there is alot of these guys about though!

also the only time ive seen brent pope actually lose his cool was on the sexton o gara subject when hook was slating sexton.

Amazotheamazing · 18-04-2011 01:05PM

bazzajf wrote: »

This may be premature and impulsive on my part but do we reckon that Zebo could conceivably be a bolter for inclusion in the Irish WC Squad come the Autumn, if he gets more game time and continues to impress, he may have an outside chance..

Not a chance, far, far more likely that Jones will make the squad ahead of him.

I was surprised Zebo got MOTM the last day, he was good but I didn't think he was the best player on the pitch.

PhatPiggins · 18-04-2011 02:26PM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Not a chance, far, far more likely that Jones will make the squad ahead of him.

I was surprised Zebo got MOTM the last day, he was good but I didn't think he was the best player on the pitch.

He was the best of a bad bunch imo, who on the Munster would you have given it to instead?

phog · 18-04-2011 02:33PM

PhatPiggins wrote: »

He was the best of a bad bunch imo, who on the Munster would you have given it to instead?

Based on Setanta highlights - Leamy or MOD looked likely contenders.

bamboozle · 18-04-2011 02:38PM

bazzajf wrote: »

This may be premature and impulsive on my part but do we reckon that Zebo could conceivably be a bolter for inclusion in the Irish WC Squad come the Autumn, if he gets more game time and continues to impress, he may have an outside chance..

absolutely not. He'll be far better off served getting a run of Magners league games next season while the WC is on to show what he's capable of.

GreenHell · 18-04-2011 02:38PM

Think Zebo could do with a sprinting coach. There is a lot of potential there if developed properly.

PhatPiggins · 18-04-2011 02:49PM

phog wrote: »

Based on Setanta highlights - Leamy or MOD looked likely contenders.

There were highlights of that game :eek::eek: . Must have been about 98 seconds long.

Munster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

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