Munster v Leinster

by Jenifer McLadyboy Mon 26 Mar 2012, 11:12 am

First topic message reminder :

Here we go again.

Travelling in hope but not expectation. Would be great to win this one, but I would settle for a LBP and no (more) injuries.

Apparently there is hope on Mike Ross and Jamie Hagan. No word on White. They usually release an injury update on Mondays at lunchtime.

Don't fancy facing DuPreeyahhh and Botha with Jack McGrath at th. It was a credit to him as a first year LOOSE head prop that he did not get injured in those scrums against some serious experience and power

by Gibson Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:40 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Plus I really wish it was SOB at 7 against POM at 7. Would have been interesting.

Nah Rory, its best the lad experiences a proper 7. Do him a World of good.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:41 pm

Stag - where is Wallace though?

by MMC Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:41 pm

SecretFly wrote:MMC: "Matches are won on Grass."

Sublime comment of the Month.

Not just sublime, but original too. Whistle

by eirebilly Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:41 pm

That is a very strong Leinster side on paper. Should be brilliant match Very Happy

by red_stag Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:43 pm

Not a bloody clue Rory. Munster Rugby havent said anything about him not being picked.

by Gibson Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:44 pm

MMC wrote:
SecretFly wrote:MMC: "Matches are won on Grass."

Sublime comment of the Month.

Not just sublime, but original too.

Well Darcy should love playing on grass. It looks like he's been smoking it for a year now.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:44 pm

If Wallace shows the same form as he did before his injury, he is still the best 7 in Ireland.

by Gibson Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:45 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:If Wallace shows the same form as he did before his injury, he is still the best 6.5 in Ireland.

Fixed that for ya Rory.

by hugo124 Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:46 pm

heaslip at captain is interesting. looks like hes being considered seriously for the full time role, rather than just to fill in during injuries

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:47 pm

Sorry Gibson but I have never seen someone wear a 6.5 shirt before Wink

Wallace plays at 7, so he is a 7. And the best one in Ireland by some distance. I would rather SOB/POM/whoever learns their trade from Wallace rather than Jennings..

by **rodders** Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:47 pm

David Wallace is still the best 6.7.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:47 pm

Heaslip as captain is particularly annoying - his bad form of late is rewarded with the Leinster captaincy? Not happy about that.

by hugo124 Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:49 pm

think it shows that really us fans don't know the half of what's happening on the pitch. what i do know is i trust joe enough to believe that if heaslip is picked as captain, he's probably doing everything he's asked of in games

by **Notch** Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:50 pm

I'm sick of this 6.5 stuff. He wears 7 doesn't he?

7 is one of those positions where a variety of different styles of player exist depending on the teams tactics. We don't say that Dan Parks isn't a 10 because he doesn't play like Rhys Priestland or Berrick Barnes isn't a 12 because he plays a different style to Jamie Roberts.

Anyway, whats happened to Donnacha Ryan? Is he fit?

by **rodders** Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:51 pm

SecretFly wrote:MMC: "Matches are won on Grass."

Sublime comment of the Month.

Thats the kind of chat which cost Dallagio the England captaincy.

by Gibson Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:53 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Sorry Gibson but I have never seen someone wear a 6.5 shirt before Wallace plays at 7, so he is a 7. And the best one in Ireland by some distance. I would rather SOB/POM/whoever learns their trade from Wallace rather than Jennings..

That's where we go wrong, imo. Square-pegs in round holes. Howanever. Its an opinion-based forum.

So, reckon ye lot have enough for Aironi? Munster didnt...

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:54 pm

Notch wrote:I'm sick of this 6.5 stuff. He wears 7 doesn't he?

7 is one of those positions where a variety of different styles of player exist depending on the teams tactics. We don't say that Dan Parks isn't a 10 because he doesn't play like Rhys Priestland or Berrick Barnes isn't a 12 because he plays a different style to Jamie Roberts.

Anyway, whats happened to Donnacha Ryan? Is he fit?

THIS.

by Gibson Fri 30 Mar 2012, 12:57 pm

hugo124 wrote:think it shows that really us fans don't know the half of what's happening on the pitch. what i do know is i trust joe enough to believe that if heaslip is picked as captain, he's probably doing everything he's asked of in games

I think it's a good call Hugo. Giving him the responsibilty.

In Heaslip's defence, he has barely missed a game for 6 years and is very rarely injured. Leinster, Ireland and the Lions. People forget that. He is a physical beast and could do with a break. I doubt he will get it in the Summer either.

by debaters1 Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:00 pm

roddersm wrote:
SecretFly wrote:MMC: "Matches are won on Grass."

Sublime comment of the Month.

Thats the kind of chat which cost Dallagio the England captaincy.

Hmm, I am intrigued as to why Wally isn't on the bench at least, because with all due respect to TOD, I don't see him as being as useful off the bench for the last 20 or, indeed, as good a replacement should we pick up a back row injury. I mean, unless the managment are certain Ryan & POC are back next week, then a Wally lacking match fitness, but otherwise all good, would be my preference to have in reserve. This is based on the assumption that should Ryan & POC be fit, then the bench will look something like DOC 19 and DOCv2 at 20.

Interesting.

Oh, and if I were a Leinster fan I would be one unhappy bunny that D'Arcy is at 12. There is no way that himself & BOD are now Leinster's best centre partnership, because while Joe does rotate certain things etc, he basically has to pick that midfield next week too against Cardiff, and I don't think that is a good idea. Just an outsider's POV.

And as I was admonished before for being calm;

Boo Leinster, not fit to grace the hallowed soil of Thomond; He Slips is awful & your bench is callow........ Erm

by **rodders** Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:14 pm

red_stag wrote:Where the hell is David Wallace?

Even more importantly...where the hell is Niall Ronan?.....

by eirebilly Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:16 pm

I am happy to see Davey sit this out and get himself 100% for the HC match Very Happy

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:23 pm

I agree Debaters re: Darcy

He had a poor 6N, more than that he had a bad 6N and McFadden played very well last week against the O's. Very disappointed by that decision.

Glad Cian is given something of a rest he looks like he has been put throught the grinder a few times.

Horan vs Ross could be a decider there too, Horan is not a great player now a days and was never much of a scrummager either. Hope the lineout holds out just don't think Brad has had anytime with Cronin yet has he?

by red_stag Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:23 pm

roddersm wrote:
red_stag wrote:Where the hell is David Wallace?

Even more importantly...where the hell is Niall Ronan?.....

Another long term injury.

If Munster do win the HEC this year it will be the ultimate squad effort.

by pete (buachaill on eirne) Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:24 pm

I knew you guys had injury worries but you've been hit good and proper one like.

What do Munster guys think of the Mafi-Earls partnership?

by **Notch** Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:28 pm

So yeah, is Donnacha Ryan injured or just rested?

by Gibson Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:28 pm

[quote="red_stag"]

roddersm wrote:
red_stag wrote:Where the hell is David Wallace?

Even more importantly...where the hell is Niall Ronan?.....

Another long term injury.

If Munster do win the HEC this year it will be the ultimate squad effort.[/quote]

Very unfortunate with injuries and their timing Stag. But, that's how they won it twice already. Thro adversity. I would not back against them doing it again. Specially the way the draw has gone. I back Munster to make Twickers. Just hope we get there too.

by red_stag Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:28 pm

Im not particularly worried about our centres Pete. I think they aren't as bad a combo as people suggest. Wouldnt pick any other combo for this match.

by red_stag Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:29 pm

Notch wrote:So yeah, is Donnacha Ryan injured or just rested?

Injured. According to Munster: "News of injured trio Paul O'Connell, Donnacha Ryan and Conor Murray is positive.

Ryan took a limited part in training yesterday while O'Connell and Murray travelled to Dublin to see a Specialist who cleared them for training next week.

Ryan would look to be on track for inclusion in the squad for the Ulster game while O'Connell and Murray's participation will depend on how they come through training."

by ME-109 Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:37 pm

Red Stag even with the injuries the team is where it is on merit as are the players picked. DOCv2 is developing a lot faster than expected and TOD is starting to kick on.

For the backline missing Hurley is the only major concern in that he has been the catalyst for a lot of what has been good about our backplay.

by Gretgael1 Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:38 pm

Ryan has a shoulder problem as far as I know, should be fine for next week.

by red_stag Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:39 pm

Hurley is missing too???? Ah for feck sake I didnt see that. He is having a stormer of the season. If we have everyone fit he would be one of first names on team sheet over Felix Jones IMO.

And yes thankfully Munster seems to remain Munster no matter the guys in the shirts.

by Gretgael1 Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:45 pm

Hurley is playing great this season. I'd just love if he found a step for his game, he always seems to run straight and into contact. If he developed that part of his game he'd be a lot more dangerous from deep.

Munster by two.

by red_stag Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:48 pm

Gretgael, its works for him though. He is well able to offload out of a tackle and is also a very physical fullback at over 6 foot 2 inches.

Hurley is a creator not a finisher and is doing it excellently with straight line running and good handling.

by Gretgael1 Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:58 pm

That's true stag. I still think it would benefit him though. I'm not talking Quade Cooper trying to sidestep his way past three players in his own 22, but I think it would vary his game and leave the defenders second guessing him, which would inevitable lead to more opportunities.

by red_stag Fri 30 Mar 2012, 1:59 pm

Thats true Gret. Im happy enough to have a slightly different type of player. We have Keith Earls, Felix Jones, Simon Zebo and Doug Howlett.

Hurley offers something different.

by ME-109 Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:05 pm

Its interesting that with all the demands for Kidney to play Dave Kearney, O'Malley, McFadden as IC etc etc that two of them dont even make the bench of a Rabo league game for Leinster and McFadden is on the bench....

by SecretFly Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:07 pm

...waiting for quality opposition? Wink

by Gretgael1 Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:08 pm

It's all about balance. I was just thinking about that during the week with Horgan retiring. Ireland had a great mix of styles in their back three during the 00's with Dempsey, Horgan and Hickie, each brought something different to the table and it worked great.

by debaters1 Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:09 pm

Yes DOD, this is true, but I genuinely cannot understand what Joe is doing here. Now, I'm not going to lose too much sleep over it, but for the sake of Irish rugby, whomever replaces D'Arcy at 12, be it a Leinster or Ulster man, needs to be playing. Right now. It's April in 2 days and we're hitting the shores of New Zealand for three tests in early June. If D'Arcy at 12 we are beaten before the matches start; unlikely as a win may be in some peoples' estimation, I believe that with one or relatively minor changes, coupled with what are certain to be some key personnel missing for the ABs too, we have a shot. Without D'Arcy.

by Gibson Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:11 pm

I remember back a few years, us discussing this Stag. Leinster forwards and Munster backs coming more to the fore. It's happening.

When is Howlett back? He is a huge loss. Read about Zebo following his every movement and listening to every bit of advice Dougie gives him. Learning from a Great. He seems to have a great attitude and is wee bit special. Like Felix.

We'll miss these players for that reason alone - come the New Directive. Just how much our kids can learn from them over 2/3 years, let alone what they give us on the field.

by ME-109 Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:12 pm

But Darcy will be LEinster No.1 and with Wallace dropping down the list then Darcy will play at 12 for Ireland. End of.

by **rodders** Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:12 pm

DOD wrote:Its interesting that with all the demands for Kidney to play Dave Kearney, O'Malley, McFadden as IC etc etc that two of them dont even make the bench of a Rabo league game for Leinster and McFadden is on the bench....

I agree DOD. There's double standards at work here.

by hugo124 Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:14 pm

Hurley has had excellent form this season, but due to his extreme lack of pace, he could never play at international level so he should not be picked.

by asoreleftshoulder Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:15 pm

DOD wrote:But Darcy will be LEinster No.1 and with Wallace dropping down the list then Darcy will play at 12 for Ireland. End of.

Yet Ryan can be Munsters no.4 and DoC starts for Ireland,why the double standards?

by Gibson Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:16 pm

Gretgael1 wrote:It's all about balance. I was just thinking about that during the week with Horgan retiring. Ireland had a great mix of styles in their back three during the 00's with Dempsey, Horgan and Hickie, each brought something different to the table and it worked great.

So true Gael. Variety keeps the opposition guessing, on their toes and gives us more options. I think Kearney/Jones, Zebo/Kearney, Fitz/Earls/Mcfadden will give us those options well into the future.

by Rory_Gallagher Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:17 pm

Then again, the likes of D'Arcy, Heaslip etc who don't perform for Ireland, play pretty damn well for Leinster. I think players generally perform better when there is a good game-plan they can follow, and one that suits the playing style of the team..

by Gibson Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:19 pm

DOD wrote:But Darcy will be LEinster No.1 and with Wallace dropping down the list then Darcy will play at 12 for Ireland. End of.

Not for much longer DOD. Schmidt is using his whole squad and has developed 2 teams in the process. I trust him.

by SecretFly Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:19 pm

debaters1 wrote:Yes DOD, this is true, but I genuinely cannot understand what Joe is doing here. Now, I'm not going to lose too much sleep over it, but for the sake of Irish rugby, whomever replaces D'Arcy at 12, be it a Leinster or Ulster man, needs to be playing. Right now. It's April in 2 days and we're hitting the shores of New Zealand for three tests in early June. If D'Arcy at 12 we are beaten before the matches start; unlikely as a win may be in some peoples' estimation, I believe that with one or relatively minor changes, coupled with what are certain to be some key personnel missing for the ABs too, we have a shot. Without D'Arcy.

debaters, only problem is that Joe doesn't care about Kidney and Kidney doesn't care about Joe.

Joe will think he's sacrificed enough with his best players either gone or in imposed rest periods through the year... he now wants to settle down and do what's right for Leinster (as is his right and his job).

I'm sure McFadden and the others DOD mentions will be part of his plans by the end of the season as, unlike some, he tends to prove that he believes in rotation ... right now, rotation means D'arcy.

by Gibson Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:21 pm

Rory_Gallagher wrote:Then again, the likes of D'Arcy, Heaslip etc who don't perform for Ireland, play pretty damn well for Leinster. I think players generally perform better when there is a good game-plan they can follow, and one that suits the playing style of the team..

True Rory. I wonder why? chin

by asoreleftshoulder Fri 30 Mar 2012, 2:21 pm

DOD wrote:Its interesting that with all the demands for Kidney to play Dave Kearney, O'Malley, McFadden as IC etc etc that two of them dont even make the bench of a Rabo league game for Leinster and McFadden is on the bench....

What lunatic was calling for Kearney ofrO'Malley to play inside centre?

I suppose the difference is that Leinster are a winning team,who play good attacking rugby and so we're willin to cut Schmidt some slack wehn we don't agree with his decisions.However if he ever coaches over 2 years that are half as bad as Kidneys last 2 years with Ireland he'll be getting the same criticism.

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