Munster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

CatFromHue · 21-03-2012 11:30PM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

I think Hanrahan is on a contract now, so hopefully he'll feature next season. I remain to be convinced by him tbh, I think he's a decent prospect but he has a long way to go.

I have to say I think talk of JJ Hanrahan and what he can or can't do should be banned from the forum. He's a 19 year old academy player who's played once, I think, for the senior side in a pre season friendly when Munster played 28 different players. It's not really fair on him the hype that he's getting at the moment.

When you do a search on here for the name Hanrahan it comes up 335 times!

Amazotheamazing · 21-03-2012 11:33PM

CatFromHue wrote: »

I have to say I think talk of JJ Hanrahan and what he can or can't do should be banned from the forum. He's a 20 year old academy player who's played once, I think, for the senior side in a pre season friendly when Munster played 28 different players. It's not really fair on him the hype that he's getting at the moment.

That's kind of what I mean. He should be allowed slip into the team like a guy like O'Dea is doing, not arriving with this massive rep to fulfill.I follow most of the A and u20 games and I don't recall any massive hype for O'Dea but he's been solid in his few cameos.

Fishooks12 · 21-03-2012 11:34PM

I think the talk of JJ is justified, especially from a Munster point of view (talk of senior caps is too much now)

Serious quality

Flincher · 21-03-2012 11:39PM

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

But the rules changed and from next season on you can only have 4+1 NIQs afaik. That is Botha, WDP, Lualua, and Howlett. Would you have Mafi ahead of one of those?

I'd keep him ahead of Laulala. I'm not saying Mafi is a better player than him, but I'm in favour holding on to our own players where possible. I don't particularly agree with letting a player who has been with us for years leave so we can bring in a (in my view) marginally better player.

I'm sure I posted here before that I think we've signed Laulala 2 years too late. He has been quieter this year (even before his injury), and he is slightly older than Mafi, so it is not like we're building towards the future. Maybe the brains trust feel we needed a genuine 13. But Earls is determined to focus on playing there, and both Barnes and Mafi can do a job there, so I don't think the need is as bad as it was a year ago. Between Downey, Mafi, Earls, Barnes (with Hanrahan coming through) I don't think that would be a bad pool of centres.

Amazotheamazing · 21-03-2012 11:43PM

Flincher wrote: »

I'd keep him ahead of Laulala. I'm not saying Mafi is a better player than him, but I'm in favour holding on to our own players where possible. I don't particularly agree with letting a player who has been with us for years leave so we can bring in a (in my view) marginally better player.

I'm sure I posted here before that I think we've signed Laulala 2 years too late. He has been quieter this year (even before his injury), and he is slightly older than Mafi, so it is not like we're building towards the future. Maybe the brains trust feel we needed a genuine 13. But Earls is determined to focus on playing there, and both Barnes and Mafi can do a job there, so I don't think the need is as bad as it was a year ago. Between Downey, Mafi, Earls, Barnes (with Hanrahan coming through) I don't think that would be a bad pool of centres.

Tbf, I think it's hard to get a feel for what motivates Munster's signings. We've bought in two decent centres when in reality we need one top class 12 above anything else, or a top level outhalf to replace O'Gara.

Fireball07 · 22-03-2012 12:02AM

Hanrahan looked class for the U-20s but of course that doesn't mean that will translate into senior form but I'm hopeful.

We'll see how he does next season.

I'm not a fan of the whole project player thing tbh. I think there are enough IQ players for the team. The only place we are stuck is prop but by the time a player comes through now, I'd hope that we have sorted out the problem ourselves.

Munster need a SH imo.

Amazotheamazing · 22-03-2012 12:16AM

Fireball07 wrote: »

Hanrahan looked class for the U-20s but of course that doesn't mean that will translate into senior form but I'm hopeful.

We'll see how he does next season.

I'm not a fan of the whole project player thing tbh. I think there are enough IQ players for the team. The only place we are stuck is prop but by the time a player comes through now, I'd hope that we have sorted out the problem ourselves.

Munster need a SH imo.

The concept of a project player is fairly repellant, imo.

I wonder are we really stuck for props or does our system just back the wrong horses? We're trying to turn athletes into props (well, sorta) rather than turning props into athletes (well sorta)

Amazotheamazing · 22-03-2012 12:54AM

O'Connell and Murray on target for return against Ulster
In this section »
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Rugby digest
JOHN FALLON

PRO12 LEAGUE: CAPTAIN PAUL O’Connell looks on course to return to the Munster side for the Heineken Cup quarter-final against Ulster at Thomond Park on April 8th.

And Munster coach Tony McGahan is also confident that scrumhalf Conor Murray will return before that game after both of them suffered knee injuries playing against France earlier this month. “Paul’s making progress as you would expect at this stage. He won’t be leaving any stone unturned to make sure he gets back on the field. He’s on target and we are certainly hoping there’s a return in the Ulster week. That looks, at this stage, on target.

“Conor Murray’s making wonderful progress. He’s getting a scan at the beginning of next week and it will make a decision on his return to play, but he looks on progress to be back before the quarter-final,” said McGahan.

The Munster coach could do with some stability in a season which has seen a high number of departures – McGahan himself heads home to Australia at the end of the campaign – along with several lengthy injuries to key players.

McGahan revealed that Munster are currently in talks with Peter Stringer regarding next season – the former scrumhalf has joined Newcastle Falcons on loan until the end of the season after a spell with Saracens. McGahan said Munster were “in the process” of organising Stringer’s return.

And he confirmed that Lifeimi Mafi would be leaving Munster at the end of the season for Perpignan. “Lifiemi’s been a real success story of our recruitment. To bring him in as an unknown player and the way that he adapted to professional rugby first off, and then to Munster and to European rugby because at the peak of his powers he was probably one of the best centres in Europe at that period of time, through July 2008 and August 2009.

“He was at the peak of his powers and injuries derailed him a bit in the last period but as a Munster person and player he’s made a significant imprint on the organisation and he’ll certainly go down as one of Munster’s favourite imports in that group because there’s been some really strong names there.

“His input, not only into the playing side of things but also into the group itself, especially down in Cork, he’s an exceptionally popular member of the group. With regard to playing, he’s a wonderful professional and we’ve been very lucky to have him in our group for such a period of time. He’ll be sorely missed,” said McGahan.

But he said it was the nature of professional sport that players and coaches come and go. “One person leaves, another comes in to take his place. The organisation is certainly stronger for the input of those people,” added McGahan.

Munster will take on Connacht at the Sportsground on Saturday in the RaboDirect PRO12 as they bid to secure a top-four finish.

Amazotheamazing · 22-03-2012 12:55AM

Didn't realise Mafi had been injured, might explain some things. Great news about O'Connell and Murray.

budhabob · 22-03-2012 07:26AM

So that's confirmation of the mafi move anyway. Also sounds like stringer will be definitely returning to the setup next season. Makes sense I suppose for both parties.

Great news on the POC and Murray injury front.

22-03-2012 03:55PM

dont know if this has been covered but whos going to replace mafi at inside center next year

CIARAN_BOYLE · 22-03-2012 03:57PM

Diana Lively Survivor wrote: »

dont know if this has been covered but whos going to replace mafi at inside center next year

Downey

thomond2006 · 22-03-2012 07:02PM

http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/news/16259.php

Borlase, Wally and LOD added to Munster's Heineken Cup squad.

CiaranMT · 22-03-2012 07:03PM

O' Dea, Borlase (???) and Wally added the the HEC squad:

http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/news/16259.php

There's no way O' Dea is 26??

CiaranMT · 22-03-2012 07:03PM

Snap Thomond.

val_jester · 22-03-2012 07:11PM

CiaranMT wrote: »

O' Dea, Borlase (???) and Wally added the the HEC squad:

http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/news/16259.php

There's no way O' Dea is 26??

He is 22 at some stage this year, not sure where ERC got that date of birth.

Amazotheamazing · 22-03-2012 11:13PM

Interesting to see Tokula (?) wasn't added. Shame it hasn't worked out for him but as a rule I'm happier to see local lads like O'Dea included.

Really hope Wallace gets some time against Connacht, he'd be a great bench option in the quarter final. As for Borlase, the mystery continues....

danthefan · 22-03-2012 11:15PM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Interesting to see Tokula (?) wasn't added. Shame it hasn't worked out for him but as a rule I'm happier to see local lads like O'Dea included.

Really hope Wallace gets some time against Connacht, he'd be a great bench option in the quarter final. As for Borlase, the mystery continues....

You'd have to wonder does either Botha or Archer have an injury problem.

Amazotheamazing · 22-03-2012 11:22PM

danthefan wrote: »

You'd have to wonder does either Botha or Archer have an injury problem.

Considering what Ulster did to Archer already this season, Munster might fear what they could do to him again.

durkadurka · 22-03-2012 11:25PM

Team announcement tomorrow should be telling

jm08 · 23-03-2012 01:01AM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Interesting to see Tokula (?) wasn't added. Shame it hasn't worked out for him but as a rule I'm happier to see local lads like O'Dea included.

Really hope Wallace gets some time against Connacht, he'd be a great bench option in the quarter final. As for Borlase, the mystery continues....

Borlase was already in the squad for the group stages. They haven't updated the squads on the erc website yet - wallace and o'dea are not on it and chambers is still there).

Might have been included in the list because of his loan move to connacht in case there was any confusion about it.

Amazotheamazing · 23-03-2012 11:52AM

jm08 wrote: »

Borlase was already in the squad for the group stages. They haven't updated the squads on the erc website yet - wallace and o'dea are not on it and chambers is still there).

Might have been included in the list because of his loan move to connacht in case there was any confusion about it.

It'll be interesting to see what happens with him. Ireland are obviously short on tightheads, Borlase must have had some level of ability to play tighthead for Canterbury in the NPC, injury has really ****ed him over.

Amazotheamazing · 23-03-2012 03:23PM

The Irish Times - Friday, March 23, 2012
McGahan excited about Wallaby role
In this section »
Leinster's leaders back on board
If change occurs, all is not lost for Ireland
Morris to chair Hartley hearing
JOHN FALLON

TONY McGAHAN’S new role with Australia is more extensive than originally envisaged and he has revealed that he would not have left Munster if it was just to take over as the Wallabies defensive coach.

McGahan has been appointed coaching co-ordinator with the Australian management team headed up by Robbie Deans and he admitted that it was the sort of job “you would chase down or apply for”.

McGahan will bring over seven seasons with Munster to an end at the end of the current campaign. McGahan was defensive coach when Munster won the Heineken Cup in 2006 and doubled up as backs coach when they retained the title two years later.

He took over as head coach when Declan Kidney was appointed Ireland boss in 2008 and since then has guided them to two Magners League titles.

“I was asked to consider the position and I certainly wouldn’t have considered going back as a specialised unit coach, whether it be defence or attack, so it’s a coaching co-ordinator’s role.

“I’ll run the whole training programme while the national side is in Test-match mode from June to December and also run the programme and the players back in their provinces from January through to June.

“So I’ll be dealing with the totality of the strength and conditioning, the medical, the rugby side of things, strategy, the review, preview of the game itself and also the individuals.

“It’s a coaching co-ordinator role I’m going back for and it’s an exciting role. The coaching side of it is one I’m very keen to continue but also there’s a strong administrative side of the programme so, coupled with that and the opportunity to go back to Australia with a young family and all those facets, I suppose you always want to make sure that you leave the party at the right time,” he said.

McGahan paid tribute to the support he has received in Munster from chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald and the other officials.

“I’ve had wonderful support from Garrett and the board. We’ve seen good times and rocky times and they’ve been a tremendous support so it wasn’t a case of choosing one over the other, it’s all about opportunity.”

McGahan says Anthony Foley has all the attributes to be the next Munster coach.

The former Irish international has been working his way up through the coaching structure in Munster.

“Anthony has proven himself as a leader after captaining Munster for a long period of time and very successfully.

“He’s built excellent relationships with the staff and the players as it is and he has the capabilities of doing the role, I don’t think there’s any doubt to that,” said McGahan.

Amazotheamazing · 23-03-2012 03:24PM

I can see why he went for what Oz were offering, huge opportunity, I really hope it works out for him, not just because he's a good guy but also because a good Oz team is always good to watch.

Interesting he comes out and backs Foley, he could easily have sidestepped the question.

CatFromHue · 23-03-2012 03:34PM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

I can see why he went for what Oz were offering, huge opportunity, I really hope it works out for him, not just because he's a good guy but also because a good Oz team is always good to watch.

Interesting he comes out and backs Foley, he could easily have sidestepped the question.

I don't think what Munster were offering was enough to keep him to be honest.

Amazotheamazing · 23-03-2012 03:36PM

CatFromHue wrote: »

I don't think what Munster were offering was enough to keep him to be honest.

Afaik, we offered him a two year deal or if he preferred a one year deal with a renew clause. I don't think we could have done much better but frankly, he's been offered a massive chance to really be involved in Oz rugby, he'd have been mad to turn it down.

CatFromHue · 23-03-2012 03:47PM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Afaik, we offered him a two year deal or if he preferred a one year deal with a renew clause. I don't think we could have done much better but frankly, he's been offered a massive chance to really be involved in Oz rugby, he'd have been mad to turn it down.

I thought it was a one year deal with the option for a second.

"The Queenslander had been offered a one-year extension to his Munster deal, with the option of a further year."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17124877

To put in perspective Joe Schmidt got a three year deal with Leinster and Mark Anscombe got a two year deal with Ulster.

Amazotheamazing · 23-03-2012 03:51PM

CatFromHue wrote: »

I thought it was a one year deal with the option for a second.

"The Queenslander had been offered a one-year extension to his Munster deal, with the option of a further year."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/17124877

To put in perspective Joe Schmidt got a three year deal with Leinster and Mark Anscombe got a two year deal with Ulster.

The one year offer was offered after he turned down a two year deal, afaik. We really wanted to keep him but fair's fair, if you get a chance like has been offered, you have to take it. I'm slightly gutted the young team he's helped build will have to develop further without him.

CatFromHue · 23-03-2012 03:52PM

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

The one year offer was offered after he turned down a two year deal, afaik. We really wanted to keep him but fair's fair, if you get a chance like has been offered, you have to take it. I'm slightly gutted the young team he's helped build will have to develop further without him.

Fair enough, I didn't know he was offered a full two year deal.

Amazotheamazing · 23-03-2012 04:55PM

CatFromHue wrote: »

Fair enough, I didn't know he was offered a full two year deal.

Yeah, Munster were pretty keen to keep him.

For the first time an age i can't wait for the 4 nations (you know what I mean), a new team, a weakened NZ after the RWC etc. Going to be great.

Munster Team Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread.

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