Edinburgh v Munster HC

 Is this the non event of the weekend? Are there any Munster posters here? Can Edinburgh put up any sort of contest? Why is the sky blue?

Only injury concern for Munster is POM with the "alleged" concussion last weekend.....

Munster team and Edinburgh team below...Butler on instead of POM who is ruled out...

Munster:  Felix Jones; Keith Earls, Casey Laulala, James Downey, Simon Zebo; Ian Keatley, Conor Murray; Dave Kilcoyne, Mike Sherry, Stephen Archer; Donncha Ryan, Paul O’Connell Capt.; Paddy Butler, Niall Ronan, James Coughlan. Replacements: Damien Varley, James Cronin, BJ Botha, Donncha O’Callaghan, CJ Stander, Duncan Williams, JJ Hanrahan, Denis Hurley.

15 Cuthbert
14 Fife
13 De Luca
12 Scott
11 Visser
10 Leonard
9 Laidlaw CAPTAIN
1 Dickinson
2 Ford
3 Nel
4 Gilchrist
5 Cox
6 Basilaia
7 Du Preez
8 Denton

Embra subs – 16 Lutui 17 Blaauw 18 Cross 19 Atkins 20 Grant 21 Kennedy 22 Dominguez 23 Hidalgo-Clyne

Edinburgh to win by 3  

Coverage of the game to cut away suddenly to breaking news that a squirrel can waterski...

Edinburgh by 5 in a surprisingly good game (despite what I just said...).

Edinburgh to be within 6 points up until 5 minutes before half time. Munster will have someone yellow carded and we'll leak 14 points by the time they come back on.

How did Munster get a group like this. How is this group even possible!

Any news on the Edinburgh team....

I am impressed with the er...positivity...

Edinburgh to romp home in style courtesy of a Lee Jones & Ben Atiga hatrick...

Bill Lothian (local newspaper journo) Tweeted that he wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if Edinburgh somehow beat Munster – that is the way Scottish rugby works! Some of our biggest wins have come on the back of some of our darkest times.

Not that I think it will happen.

I think we’ll see the same kind of routine from Edinburgh – competitive for 60 minutes then Munster run away with it to win by +20 points.
TBH I’d be happy with us scoring a try. Actually, scoring points would be an improvement on last year!

Wow, don't be so defeatist RDW, looks like Solomons been working on some new tactics in training http://instagram.com/p/fNV2S8Obag/

A home win as Edinburgh are clearly targeting the HC this year!

We're just lulling Munster into a false sense of security taff - get pumped in the Rabbo and then unleash lots of secret weapons for the HK!

In terms of selection, based in his previous selections, which have been pretty consistent, the Edinburgh team is probably going to be:

1 Dickinson
2 Ford
3 Nel
4 Gilchrist
5 VDV
6 Basalaia
7 Grant
8 Denton
9 Laidlaw
10 Leonard
11 Visser
12 Scott
13 De Luca
14 Fife
15 Tonks

Subs - Blaauw, Lutui, Cross, Cox, Du Preez, Kennedy, Cuthbert, AN other

On paper not a bad team, but unfortunately rugby isn't a game played on paper!

In contemplation of this match, I am reminded of the Blackadder quote:

Our only hope is that the enemy kill so many of us that they become slightly depressed.

 
Who honestly knows, to be honest? Edinburgh battered their way to a HC semi- whilst finishing third bottom of the league that same year. This year, they are already scraping the arse of the league so by extrapolation, this year they should romp to the Heiney final. Simples.

You're forgetting that last year we were scraping the bottom of the league table AND crap in the hk!

Jeez its like listening to Marvin the robot from Hitch Hikers guide looking at your posts....I feel I should be depressed in sympathy....

RDW_Scotland wrote:You're forgetting that last year we were scraping the bottom of the league table AND crap in the hk!

So we're versatile. I was hoping that nobody would dwell on that.  

I'm remembering that last year poor Bradley was getting it in the neck for the 'versatility'. Seems the present coach is lucky enough to have taken over a ship already holed under the waterline. He's just a victim and few would blame him if he did a Schettino on it.

But having said all that. Munster isn't the monster it once was, and I wouldn't be at all surprised by a surprise

SecretFly wrote:I'm remembering that last year poor Bradley was getting it in the neck for the 'versatility'.  Seems the present coach is lucky enough to have taken over a ship already holed under the waterline.  He's just a victim and few would blame him if he did a Schettino on it.

But having said all that.  Munster isn't the monster it once was, and I wouldn't be at all surprised by a surprise

 
Quite right. We will be awesome and win a famous victory*.
 
* Provided that O’Mahony, Earls, Zebo, Keatley, O’Connell and Stander all come down with a 24 hour virus at the appropriate time.

The Munster lineup should be interesting. I'd say Penney might stick with the same front row or at least give Archer one game out of the next 2 especially with the Ireland squad announcement due after the HEC matches.

Kilcoyne is under fierce pressure from James Cronin but they'll stick with Kilcoyne I'd say.

Dougal in for Ronan could be the only unforced change from the backrow.

Murray will come in for Williams and the rest of the backline will remain the same I think.

I’m wondering what kind of crowd we’ll get on Saturday. Given that we’ve had a rubbish start to the season and the game is on a Saturday afternoon – probably the least popular time with Edinburgh fans (club rugby games on, people doing other things) – I think 5k would probably be a decent turnout. Can’t see us getting much more unless there is a big Munster travelling support.

I’m meant to be playing rugby down in Jedburgh on Saturday afternoon but buggered my hand playing last weekend, so may be there after all!

RDW_Scotland wrote:
I’m wondering what kind of crowd we’ll get on Saturday.  Given that we’ve had a rubbish start to the season and the game is on a Saturday afternoon – probably the least popular time with Edinburgh fans (club rugby games on, people doing other things) – I think 5k would probably be a decent turnout.  Can’t see us getting much more unless there is a big Munster travelling support.

I’m meant to be playing rugby down in Jedburgh on Saturday afternoon but buggered my hand playing last weekend, so may be there after all!

Are the words "with myself" missing from that last sentence?  

I thought you were a sensible mature professional GC?  

And yes I've already had those jokes from my team mates, but luckily our nice, female, Irish physio didn't make any comments!

RDW_Scotland wrote:I thought you were a sensible mature professional GC?  

And yes I've already had those jokes from my team mates, but luckily our nice, female, Irish physio didn't make any comments!

If she was really nice she'd offer you a hand!  

sorry

I'll get my coat  

http://thescore.thejournal.ie/rob-penney-munster-1120217-Oct2013/

Rob Penney pays tribute to Earls. Must say I agree. Without wanting to take a shot at anyone in particular I dont think Munster or Ireland have ever managed to get the best out of Earls.

Personally I feel he is Irelands most talented back in terms of attacking space. He also has a decent enough try scoring record. Really hope he has a big year and Penney's evolving attacking style helps rejuvinate Earls' game.

Where are Munster playing Earls these days?

I think he's a brilliant player but neither Munster or Ireland know where to play him - kind of like what happened with Chris Paterson and Scotland.

Has started on the wing against Leinster last weekend which would point to him playing there against Edinburgh. But has also started at OC this season so its possible he will play there as well. Unlikely as that would not be our strongest team.

GunsGerms wrote:http://thescore.thejournal.ie/rob-penney-munster-1120217-Oct2013/

Rob Penney pays tribute to Earls. Must say I agree. Without wanting to take a shot at anyone in particular I dont think Munster or Ireland have ever managed to get the best out of Earls.

Personally I feel he is Irelands most talented back in terms of attacking space. He also has a decent enough try scoring record. Really hope he has a big year and Penney's evolving attacking style helps rejuvinate Earls' game.

Yeah crazy that nobody could figure out he's a top winger before this,while the first half of his career hasn't been wasted it has been underwhelming considering the talent the guy has.

So do the MFLs have any chance? Can the pack get us the ball? can our backs do anything with it? Will we play kick chase badly all game again?

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:http://thescore.thejournal.ie/rob-penney-munster-1120217-Oct2013/

Rob Penney pays tribute to Earls. Must say I agree. Without wanting to take a shot at anyone in particular I dont think Munster or Ireland have ever managed to get the best out of Earls.

Personally I feel he is Irelands most talented back in terms of attacking space. He also has a decent enough try scoring record. Really hope he has a big year and Penney's evolving attacking style helps rejuvinate Earls' game.

Yeah crazy that nobody could figure out he's a top winger before this,while the first half of his career hasn't been wasted it has been underwhelming considering the talent the guy has.

Most of the criticism he gets is as a winger  

Like last 6Ns when BOD bawled him out for not offloading to him!

TJ wrote:So do the MFLs have any chance?  Can the pack get us the ball?  can our backs do anything with it?  Will we play kick chase badly all game again?

Nope, nope, about as likely as Satan skating to work and probably.  

Sin é wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:http://thescore.thejournal.ie/rob-penney-munster-1120217-Oct2013/

Rob Penney pays tribute to Earls. Must say I agree. Without wanting to take a shot at anyone in particular I dont think Munster or Ireland have ever managed to get the best out of Earls.

Personally I feel he is Irelands most talented back in terms of attacking space. He also has a decent enough try scoring record. Really hope he has a big year and Penney's evolving attacking style helps rejuvinate Earls' game.

Yeah crazy that nobody could figure out he's a top winger before this,while the first half of his career hasn't been wasted it has been underwhelming considering the talent the guy has.

Most of the criticism he gets is as a winger  

Like last 6Ns when BOD bawled him out for not offloading to him!

He kinda deserved it that time in fairness Sin.

Sin é wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:http://thescore.thejournal.ie/rob-penney-munster-1120217-Oct2013/

Rob Penney pays tribute to Earls. Must say I agree. Without wanting to take a shot at anyone in particular I dont think Munster or Ireland have ever managed to get the best out of Earls.

Personally I feel he is Irelands most talented back in terms of attacking space. He also has a decent enough try scoring record. Really hope he has a big year and Penney's evolving attacking style helps rejuvinate Earls' game.

Yeah crazy that nobody could figure out he's a top winger before this,while the first half of his career hasn't been wasted it has been underwhelming considering the talent the guy has.

Most of the criticism he gets is as a winger  

Like last 6Ns when BOD bawled him out for not offloading to him!

Yeah that's one instance where people criticised him for not passing,most people didn't criticise him as a winger but as a rugby player who took a bad option and turned over the ball wasting a good attacking opportunity.

I know there is an element out there that doesn't rate him at all but I very much doubt there are many people who would criticise him by saying he isn't as good on the wing as he is at centre or fullback.

I think he just gets criticised no matter where he plays. I think it may be down to Munster are not allowed to produce great Backs.

Sin é wrote:I think he just gets criticised no matter where he plays. I think it may be down to Munster are not allowed to produce great Backs.

They dont have any IRB hall of famers but they have had some great backs.

Doug Howlett, Christian Cullen, Jean DeVilliers etc.

I agree that Earls seems to be a bit underrated/pilloried by other provincial fans. Averaging a try a every three games for your national side is really not a bad return. Not by Scottish standards anyway.

George Carlin wrote:I agree that Earls seems to be a bit underrated/pilloried by other provincial fans. Averaging a try a every three games for your national side is really not a bad return. Not by Scottish standards anyway.

Yeah its a great return.

GunsGerms wrote:

Sin é wrote:I think he just gets criticised no matter where he plays. I think it may be down to Munster are not allowed to produce great Backs.

They dont have any IRB hall of famers but they have had some great backs.

Doug Howlett, Christian Cullen, Jean DeVilliers etc.

Ah, but Munster didn't produce them.

Sin é wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

Sin é wrote:I think he just gets criticised no matter where he plays. I think it may be down to Munster are not allowed to produce great Backs.

They dont have any IRB hall of famers but they have had some great backs.

Doug Howlett, Christian Cullen, Jean DeVilliers etc.

Ah, but Munster didn't produce them.

Yeah you're right.

Sin é wrote:I think he just gets criticised no matter where he plays. I think it may be down to Munster are not allowed to produce great Backs.

God forbid...I mean when BOD et al were doing the business for Ireland clearly the SH and OH they had weren't very good. Whats that Sin É you mean you didn't know that the OH from Munster (whose name is not mentionable) is not only the highest points scorer but the highest try scorer for an OH as well. You didn't know he was top try scorer or joint top in one Six nations?????

as Dunphy would say, good players, but not great players.


Anyone see where the South African Finance Minister talking to Geldof about rugby, described Munster as 'killers'.  

Sin é wrote:I think he just gets criticised no matter where he plays. I think it may be down to Munster are not allowed to produce great Backs.

That's a pretty ignorant comment really.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

Sin é wrote:I think he just gets criticised no matter where he plays. I think it may be down to Munster are not allowed to produce great Backs.

That's a pretty ignorant comment really.

Its just the usual the world is against us Munsterisms, though more than likely tongue in cheek.

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

Sin é wrote:I think he just gets criticised no matter where he plays. I think it may be down to Munster are not allowed to produce great Backs.

That's a pretty ignorant comment really.

Only explanation really, I'm afraid.

GunsGerms wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

Sin é wrote:I think he just gets criticised no matter where he plays. I think it may be down to Munster are not allowed to produce great Backs.

That's a pretty ignorant comment really.

Its just the usual the world is against us Munsterisms, though more than likely tongue in cheek.

Well, I can't figure out why he gets so much criticism, particularly when he comes across as being a really nice guy who is very popular with his international team mates.

I think its because he is exceptionally talented and with a few tweaks should be a good bit better than Drico now. Sometimes though he frustrates. Im one of his biggest fans but was screaming at the TV for him to offload to Drico that time for a certain try. Its a bit like aidan McGeedy in football. Does everything really really well but smoetimes faulters when it comes to the end product.

I would have said a provocative comment. To call it ignorant is just well...ignorant. Its like saying Leinster cant produce decent forwards...which is clearly not true...although given they have made up the majority of the Irish pack since 2009/10 season there might be some truth to it.

ME-109 wrote:I would have said a provocative comment. To call it ignorant is just well...ignorant. Its like saying Leinster cant produce decent forwards...which is clearly not true...although given they have made up the majority of the Irish pack since 2009/10 season there might be some truth to it.

Zzzzzzzzzzz.

Well then just Zzzzzzz off back to your l'boys thread....  

Sin é wrote:

GunsGerms wrote:

asoreleftshoulder wrote:

Sin é wrote:I think he just gets criticised no matter where he plays. I think it may be down to Munster are not allowed to produce great Backs.

That's a pretty ignorant comment really.

Its just the usual the world is against us Munsterisms, though more than likely tongue in cheek.

Well, I can't figure out why he gets so much criticism, particularly when he comes across as being a really nice guy who is very popular with his international team mates.

 

Updated with Munster team. POM ruled out possibly due to concussion...Paddy Butler to start...Murray instead of Williams only other change from last weeks team.

How are Butler and Ronan starting ahead of Stander?