Pro12 players to watch 2011/12

by mrzimmerman Sat Jul 23, 2011 8:36 am

Hi everyone.

First post on 606v2 but being a big fan of the old 606 so I thought I'd give it a go.

Basically I'd like for supporters to name a forward and a back that they think will really make an impact in the new season. The only small clause being the players cannot be capped at senior level. Though I'd love to hear of Pro12 players I'm more than happy for others from the Jeff and other leagues to join in. As an Ospreys fan here's mine;

Forward

Justin Tipuric

DOB 6th Aug 1989
Birthplace Neath, Wales
Height 1.86 m (6' 1")
Weight 98 kg (15 st 6 lb)
Position Back Row

Thought I'd get this one in early before he gets his first cap. The "good " Ospreys JT is so highly thought of in the Ospreys coaching set up that at the age of 21 he was given captaincy against Leinster at the RDS. Who can fail to be impressed by the youngster. Has a great rugby mind and more than makes up for lack of physicality with real power amd ability at the breakdown. Also, as all modern forwards he shows great attacking credentials, as shown by the impressive try against Edinburgh lst season.

Back

Ashley Beck

DOB 15th Apr 1990
Birthplace Neath, Wales
Height 1.90 m (6' 3")
Weight 99 kg (15 st 8 lb)
Position Centre

Again not a particularly unknown player but really feel that this season is a massive one for young Ashley and I think he'll step out of James Hook's shadow and really make an impact. I really think the O's coaches will spend a lot of time finding his best centre partner, i can see him playing at some point with Dirksen, Bowe, Bishop and Parker. Who is best partner will be I don't know but to concentrate on him for a second what i like about him is that he's a born runner and has great awareness. He'll be there to find space for those to run outside of him and he'll be a great player to make up for Biggar's lack of attacking ability.

Look forward to your views.

by MBTGOG Sat Jul 23, 2011 8:44 am

Peter O'Mahoney for Munster. He's a back rower who will probably end up at 8. He's a really good footballer with some fantastic skills for a back row forward but has had some trouble with injury over the past couple of years. I'm hoping he gets a chance at a run of games. A natural leader captaining every side he has played for up to this point apart from the full Munster side.

by Artful_Dodger Sat Jul 23, 2011 8:48 am

Welcome to v2.
Im going with.....

Forward

Paddy McAllister

DOB 20 July 1989 (age 21)
Place of birth; Lisburn, Northern Ireland
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Weight 120 kg (18 st 13 lb)
Position - Loosehead Prop

Fantastic ball carrier and wreaks havoc in the loose, he reminds me of exactly where Cian Healy was 2 seasons ago. I think he has a good chance of taking Tom Courts starting place and even if he doesn't he will get a lot of game time. I can see McAllister challenging Healy for the Ireland #1 shirt over the next few seasons.

Back

Craig Gilroy

DOB 11/03/1991
Place of Birth: Belfast
Height: 6″1
Weight 90kg / 14st 2lbs
Position: Wing

Out and out finisher, scored try's for fun in his debut season this year and still only 19. Future Ireland international for me especially given that we don't have anything particularly special coming through on the left wing. Will start most Ulster games at 11 this season, ahead of Danielli I feel.

by welshy824 Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:05 am

for scarlets since someone has done the o's i think Ben morgan-came to limelight last season but think this young man still has more to offer.

for a back i think it will be scott williams pairing up with JD2 and possibly being a future welsh partenrship.

also for the ospreys-matthew morgan?

by mrzimmerman Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:09 am

Thanks for your imputs so far, will look out for the players mentioned. As for MM welshy really don't see 11/12 as being his season. Expect much of the same in his selection (mainly in the LV). As Biggar is unlikely to feature for Wales this season it means he'll have limited game time. Personally I'm hoping to be able to name him as player to watch for 12/13. Too soon for the Pro12 for him in my opinion.

by OnASideNote Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:12 am

Yup, I see O'Mahony for Munster and raise Danny Barnes (centre) and Conor Murray (SH), especially the latter.

22, 6'3 fiery scrumhalf with a bullet of a pass.

by MBTGOG Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:14 am

For Connacht, Eoin Griffen is a player to look out for. Played a few times at centre last season for the men from the West, including Samoa, and was impressive. Hopefully with sustained game time, he can grow more into the game at this level and maybe inspire some more indigenous Connacht backs in the future.

Tiernan O'Halloran is the other home-grown Connacht back to look out for. Plays across the back three and is arguably the most talented Connacht player to come through in the past decade.

by bedfordwelsh Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:24 am

Think Faletau will go from strength to strength next season and hoping Tovey pushes on and that Martin Thomas has injury free season

by Guest Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:28 am

I'm hoping Lloyd Burns can push on this season for the Dragons. The hooker was playing semi pro for Cross Keys and working on a building site at the start of the season, but got called up for the Dragons and has made a real impression, so much so that he made the initial welsh world cup training squad, and is still there having survived the first cull. Would love to see him make the world cup, but just looking forward to him becoming no.1 hooker at the dragons thus forcing the very average captain Willis out of the team.

I haven't gone for a Dragons back as we won't see much change there in my opinion. I'm keeping a eye on Lloyd Willams at the Blues. Son of Lions scrum half Brynmor Williams he seems to be the next big thing at scrum half. Always a key position for Wales with lots of competition, he's been picked for the initial world cup squad too. Did he come on against the Baa Baas? If so then he may be capped and ineligible for this thread! Can't remember!

by Guest Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:33 am

Steffan Jones is a Dragons back worth mentioning.

For a forward, Jevon Groves from Crosskeys is getting talked up a lot by the coaches.

by bedfordwelsh Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:36 am

oops sorry didnt spot the no cap bit.

Saying that Tovey and Thomas not been capped but also Burns yeah.

by Guest Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:46 am

Forgot about Steffan Jones! Yes, will be interesting to watch him battling with Thomas and Jamie Smith for the 15 shirt, and possibly having a rustle for the 10 shirt with Tovey?

Tovey too. He had a bit of a poor start/middle to last season due to injury, etc. but came good at the end so I hope he kicks on and can be as creative as he was in the last few games. Great vision.

by Guest Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:47 am

Sorry that should read 'tussle' not rustle!

by bedfordwelsh Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:50 am

Griff,

I think he kicks on this season the one big advantage he has is that he's a lefty and gives that different option.

Needs to become more consistent with place kicking IMO.

by HammerofThunor Sat Jul 23, 2011 9:59 am

Henry Thomas - Sale Sharks

DOB 30th Oct 1991
Birthplace
Height 1.88 m (6' 2")
Weight 110 kg ( 17st 5lb)
Position Prop (Tighthead)

Already played 21 games in the front row and not even 20 yet. Hopefully he won't be pushed too hard since he is so young but I can see him having an impact.

by greybeard Sat Jul 23, 2011 10:00 am

MBTGOG wrote:For Connacht, Eoin Griffen is a player to look out for. Played a few times at centre last season for the men from the West, including Samoa, and was impressive. Hopefully with sustained game time, he can grow more into the game at this level and maybe inspire some more indigenous Connacht backs in the future.

Tiernan O'Halloran is the other home-grown Connacht back to look out for. Plays across the back three and is arguably the most talented Connacht player to come through in the past decade.

You're getting greedy and forgetful MB ;-) One back and one forward!

I'd say Connacht fans (and me to be honest) are looking forward to the return of George Naoupu. He was instrumental in their Amlin run two seasons ago where they reached the semi finals.

by Guest Sat Jul 23, 2011 10:01 am

Yes, not sure of his % kicking rate but I know it's not the best. Like his play it got better at the end of the season but was woeful at the start and middle, maybe related to the injury and a dip in confidence?

I've never really considered the lefty thing but that makes sense. A lefty at 10 and a ball playing right footed 12 could offer the best options maybe??? Or are you thinking for Wales a righty at 10 with Tovey a lefty bench option to change things up?

by **Notch** Sat Jul 23, 2011 10:20 am

Paddy McAllister, Ulsters new young loosehead prop, has been mentioned. I'm also looking forward to seeing more of Tommaso Benvenuti at Treviso. I would highlight Rhys Ruddock at Leinster as someone who could have a bit of a breakthrough season in the backrow. Ruddock is capped at senior level, I know. He got called up when almost every other backrow in Ireland was injured though, so I think it's a fair shout.

In Wales, I expect Justin Tipuric will continue to impress for the Ospreys and I like the look of Steffan Jones. As a player, I mean, I think his hair is dodgy.

I think Tommy Seymour will have a decent season for Glasgow as well.

by MBTGOG Sat Jul 23, 2011 10:29 am

Griff,

Lloyd Williams did come on in that game BUT for the Barbarians. Only saw him in two games this past season but he really looks the business with a cracking pass on him.

by Guest Sat Jul 23, 2011 10:40 am

Tovey's kicking last year was down to a change of style. I really wouldn't worry about it. He tried to add more range to his kicks, but because he had a disrupted start to the season with injury, he tried doing it mid season. When he went back to his old style at the end, he got back in his groove. I expect him to be back in business next year.

Gatland was quoted as saying his goalkicking was high 60's (percent) I think. I think he's better than that and I hope he doesn't worry too much about his range. It isn't too bad anyway.

by Turkster Sat Jul 23, 2011 10:50 am

I'm hoping to see Gareth Davies, Scarlets scrum half, doing well this season, only 21 (2 months younger than Knoyle) and looks to have it all, with Knoyle probably at the world cup he's got a huge chance to stake his claim at 9.

by manofgwent Sat Jul 23, 2011 12:33 pm

Jason Tovey did change his technique last season. Not sure why though as his accuracy was in the 90% bracket the season before. He kicked 23 consecutive goals. A record I think.
Dong forget the dragons young scrum half, jonny evans and the young groves will hopefully make his mark this season.

by Guest Sat Jul 23, 2011 12:35 pm

Jon Evans is a very good shout actually.

by GavinDragon Sat Jul 23, 2011 12:49 pm

also cant wait to see if hooker Rhys Buckley gets a chance at the dragons, only on a development contract at the moment but very much in the Lloyd Burns mould as a player, big unit with accurate throwing and a carrier,

further afield interesting to see how Stewart Maguire (a player let go from the dragons region Doh

goes at connaught (on loan from leinster?)

by Guest Sat Jul 23, 2011 2:20 pm

I would add for the Scarlets Rhodri Jones and Simon Gardiner in the front row. They both improved massively last season so looking forward to seeing how they go.

Also mentions to Emyr Phillips and Kirby Myhill at hooker, although competeing with Owens and Rees for the shirt, they might not get much game time.

by Totallybiasedscarlet Sat Jul 23, 2011 2:49 pm

Steffan Jones of Cross Keys and Dragons. If I were on the Scarlets board I'd be keeping in touch just in case the Dragons decide to let him go .... not that they will Wink

by Looseheaded Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:22 pm

I'd expect bigger and better things from Steffan Jones and Adam Hughes for the Dragons, Tipuric for the Ospreys.

by **Notch** Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:38 pm

Luke Marshall for Ulster at 12 will probably do quite well this year also.

by BelfastDickVet Sat Jul 23, 2011 3:42 pm

Jarad Payne for Uster, big things are going to be seen from this fella!

by bedfordwelsh Sat Jul 23, 2011 8:48 pm

Griff wrote:Yes, not sure of his % kicking rate but I know it's not the best. Like his play it got better at the end of the season but was woeful at the start and middle, maybe related to the injury and a dip in confidence?

I've never really considered the lefty thing but that makes sense. A lefty at 10 and a ball playing right footed 12 could offer the best options maybe??? Or are you thinking for Wales a righty at 10 with Tovey a lefty bench option to change things up?

Both but could def work in his favour

by **rodders** Mon Jul 25, 2011 9:29 am

In the backs I expect Nevin Spence, Graig Gilroy and Luke Marshall will have big seasons at Ulster. At Munster I expect Conor Murray to prove he's the best Scrum half in Ireland. It will be interesting to see if Fionn Carr and Ian keatley can deliver the goods at Leinster and Munster respectively.

In the forwards I'm expecting big things from Paddy McCallister, Willie Faloon (both Ulster), Ian Nagle (Munster), Rhys Ruddock and Dominic Ryan (Leinster).

by RuggerRadge2611 Mon Jul 25, 2011 9:33 am

I reckon Dave Denton at Edinburgh will have a very strong season. Deffo one to watch out for.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon Jul 25, 2011 9:43 am

From a Scarlets point of view I would say Ken Owens may be the one to watch in the pack. I appreciate that he has been around a few seasons now, but after a year (pretty much) out injured, and Smiler going to the World Cup I think he will/should shine.

In the backs I think Nic Reynolds will hopefully make the most of his opertunities during the RWC, especially if Williams and Davies go. He is a bit more of a classy centre and hopefully will get enough game time.

by XR Mon Jul 25, 2011 9:59 am

Dan Parks

by wales606 Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:16 am

From the Blues, I expect Lloyd Williams to displace Rees, especially if he doesnt go to the WC. Of the newer backs, Harry Robinson looks a good prospect on the wing. In the forwards, I expect Andreus Pretorious to continue his form as player of the season. Of the newer players, I hope to see more of McCauley Cook, although it may be a season to soon (he is very quick, but perhaps not bulky enough for the second row yet?).

by pioden gorllewin Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:31 am

Were you formerly jerrycollinsbiceps on 606?

For the scarlets I think it's a big season for aaron shingler. Big things were expected from him, however he has fallen behind mccusker and turnbull in the pecking order. Hopefully this season with players away at the world cup duty, he'll have plenty of game time to re establish himself.

by funnyExiledScot Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:36 am

For Glasgow it has to be Richie Gray. He's had a massive breakthrough season and now the question is whether he'll suffer second season syndrome. I'm also intrigued to see how Nathan and Seymour get on.

For Edinburgh I'd say the combination to look out for is King/Cairns in the centres, but my pick would be Dave Denton at 8. He finished the year strongly, could be a wildcard pick for the WC squad, and if Bradley puts him in a combination with Talei and Rennie, Edinburgh will be a bruising proposition next season in the back row.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:39 am

pioden gorllewin wrote:For the scarlets I think it's a big season for aaron shingler. Big things were expected from him, however he has fallen behind mccusker and turnbull in the pecking order. Hopefully this season with players away at the world cup duty, he'll have plenty of game time to re establish himself.

I think Shingler will probably play in the backrow during the RWC, alongside Edwards and Morgan, however when the boys return I would not be too suprised if he gets moved back into the second row, or dropped to the bench. Well unless he plays out for his skin whilst they are away. That said you are right it could well be a big season for him.

by pioden gorllewin Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:18 am

spiderman:

backrow of shingler,morgan and edwards sounds strong.

apparently aaron has started to bulk out a fair bit in pre season. hopefully the extra weight/size wont take away from his athleticism around the park.

Welch is another player who could have a big season this year, but all depends if nige decides to play him. Seems to have been a problem between the both of them in the past?

by bedfordwelsh Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:28 am

pioden gorllewin wrote:spiderman:

backrow of shingler,morgan and edwards sounds strong.

apparently aaron has started to bulk out a fair bit in pre season. hopefully the extra weight/size wont take away from his athleticism around the park.

Welch is another player who could have a big season this year, but all depends if nige decides to play him. Seems to have been a problem between the both of them in the past?

Surely McCusker and Turnbull would be first choice wuth Morgan at No8, great strength in depth.

by pioden gorllewin Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:36 am

bedfordwelsh:

sorry just meant during the WC, while McCusker and Turnbull are away on WC duty.

by ScarletSpiderman Mon Jul 25, 2011 11:50 am

bedford - IMO McCusker is a good players but I would rather him be on the bench with Edwards, Turnbull and Morgan starting.

by Smirnoffpriest Mon Jul 25, 2011 2:47 pm

I agree - and in regards to Wales I think it would make much more sense to take Turnbull who is a 7 and can play 6, than McCusker who is a very good 6, but isn't brilliant at 8 where Delve, Faletau and if needs be Jones can play (Jones and Delve can also cover 6).

My players to watch out for (sorry to repeat what others have said) is Gardiner and Rhodri Jones in the forwards and Nik Reynolds and Maule in the backs (JD2 will be away alot during WC, recovery time and 6N)

by Sponsored content