Pro12 final: Munster v Scarlets Dublin 27-05-2017

So tomorrow ends the Pro-12, who will be the champions?

Munster: Simon Zebo; Andrew Conway, Francis Saili, Rory Scannell, Keith Earls; Tyler Bleyendaal, Conor Murray; CJ Stander, Tommy O'Donnell, Peter O'Mahony (captain), Billy Holland, Donnacha Ryan, John Ryan, Niall Scannell, Dave Kilcoyne

Replacements: Rhys Marshall, Brian Scott, Stephen Archer, Jean Deysel, Jack O'Donoghue, Duncan Williams, Ian Keatley, Jaco Taute

Scarlets: Johnny McNicholl; Liam Williams, Jonathan Davies, Scott Williams, Steffan Evans; Rhys Patchell, Gareth Davies; John Barclay (captain), James Davies, Aaron Shingler, Tadhg Beirne, Lewis Rawlins, Samson Lee, Ryan Elias, Rob Evans

Replacements: Emyr Phillips, Wyn Jones, Werner Kruger, David Bulbring, Will Boyde, Jonathan Evans, Hadleigh Parkes, DTH Van der Merwe

Referee: Nigel Owens (WRU)

Assistant Referees: David Wilkinson (IRFU) & Ian Davies (WRU)

TMO: Neil Paterson (SRU)


In my opinion (as a Munster fan) Munster are making a mistake in starting Saili. I think his lack defensive skills will be exposed by the Scarlets. I would have started Taute.

Ta for the thread Irish William

Afraid I'm still going to be rooting for Scarlets for this one. I like the attacking way they play and John Barclay is captain fantastic for them.

This said, I can see Munster winning this one though.

All good tiger bud, I have also appreciated the Scarlets attacking style but I do love the Munster way

Good luck Scarlets. May Barclay and Shingler continue to do the dirty work and have cubby take all the plaudits.

Normally I always support the Irish province, and I think Munster do deserve to win the way they have played this season.

However I think it would be better for the League as a whole if Scarlets won.

Being Pro 12 Champions would help them attract more through the turn styles next season, it may foster a bit more love for the Pro 12 in Wales.
I think that the regions do suffer a bit of apathy in Wales as they are not winning, and winning teams attract fans and silence doubters.

I like the Scarlets as well, and hope that they win, and hope they have a jump in attendance figures, on the back of it, and gain the confidence from winning to go on a good run in Europe as well. If they can beat Leinster at the RDS and Munster at the Aviva in knock out games they should take that into next season and not fear anyone in Europe. Hopefully we see a full PYS full for these games which will hopefully drive the players on more. Hopefully it snowballs for them.

in sying that even if they lose there will still be a feel good factor with them next year, getting to the Pro 12 final, beating Leinster at the RDS in a knock out game. I think there will be a positivity with Scarlets next year and hopefully the fans get behind them, a good start to the season is must to keep them onboard.

If Scarlets beating Munster generates growth in the league, I am for it. If it wouldn't result in improvement in the league then Munster all the way.

Amdani, Scarlets. Mae'r wlad i gyd tu ol i chi (heblaw am y Gweilch, efallai).

Kingshu wrote:Normally I always support the Irish province, and I think Munster do deserve to win the way they have played this season.

However I think it would be better for the League as a whole if Scarlets won.

Being Pro 12 Champions would help them attract more through the turn styles next season, it may foster a bit more love for the Pro 12 in Wales.
I think that the regions do suffer a bit of apathy in Wales as they are not winning, and winning teams attract fans and silence doubters.

I like the Scarlets as well, and hope that they win, and hope they have a jump in attendance figures, on the back of it, and gain the confidence from winning to go on a good run in Europe as well. If they can beat Leinster at the RDS and Munster at the Aviva in knock out games they should take that into next season and not fear anyone in Europe. Hopefully we see a full PYS full for these games which will hopefully drive the players on more. Hopefully it snowballs for them.

in sying that even if they lose there will still be a feel good factor with them next year, getting to the Pro 12 final, beating Leinster at the RDS in a knock out game. I think there will be a positivity with Scarlets next year and hopefully the fans get behind them, a good start to the season is  must to keep them onboard.

If Scarlets beating Munster generates growth in the league, I am for it. If it wouldn't result in improvement in the league then Munster all the way.

Agree with all this. A Scarlets win would be good for the game in Wales - that's more important than anything. And attendances need boosting.

It's my Welsh team playing my Irish team. Gotta come down on the side of the Scarlets though.

If the Scarlets can pull this off they will have achieved exactly what the stay away armchair fans have been shouting about since the move to PYS, they will have won something playing entertaining rugby. If that does not add at least a thousand season ticket sales then I don't think anything will.
I'm under no illusion about how big a task they face tomorrow against Munster but as long as we're in it we have a chance. Let's hope the weather holds as this game could be an absolute classic.

2ndtimeround wrote:If the Scarlets can pull this off they will have achieved exactly what the stay away armchair fans have been shouting about since the move to PYS, they will have won something playing entertaining rugby. If that does not add at least a thousand season ticket sales then I don't think anything will.
I'm under no illusion about how big a task they face tomorrow against Munster but as long as we're in it we have a chance. Let's hope the weather holds as this game could be an absolute classic.

I think unfortunately the stay at home armchair fans are just that, no matter the result.

I heard a load of "you're boys" at the start of the season and a whole loaf of "us" "we" and "our boys" in the last three weeks. However, is here doesn't seem to be any genuine interest just bandwagoning.

As far as the game goes, obviously I prey the Scarlets win. However, I think there would also be a fitting tribute to Foley for Munster to win (much like when Ulster did under tragic circumstances). As long as the boys go out there and give it their all, I'll leave the Aviva a proud West Walian.

2ndtimeround wrote:If the Scarlets can pull this off they will have achieved exactly what the stay away armchair fans have been shouting about since the move to PYS, they will have won something playing entertaining rugby. If that does not add at least a thousand season ticket sales then I don't think anything will.
I'm under no illusion about how big a task they face tomorrow against Munster but as long as we're in it we have a chance. Let's hope the weather holds as this game could be an absolute classic.

11am and it's p1ssing down in Dublin right now although forecast is for rain to clear by mid afternoon. Aviva pitch is excellent though ball might be a bit greasy - probably better for Munster grunt and grind game than Scarlets throw the ball about game?

Well after three glorious sunny days in Dublin, I too can confirm the weather is gash. But the wife still seems happy

If we're talking about raising the profile of the league, might be a good idea not to have the match overlap with the FA Cup Final like...

Well you could say an Irish team and a Welsh team with both countries steeped in nationalism wouldn't be too bothered about English football, esspecialy two London clubs.
But hey that's just me

carpet baboon wrote:Well you could say an Irish team and a Welsh team with both countries steeped in nationalism wouldn't be too bothered about English football, esspecialy two London clubs.
But hey that's just me

You could, but you would be in denial over which sport enjoys the most prestige and interest in both of those countries.

ScarletSpiderman wrote:

2ndtimeround wrote:If the Scarlets can pull this off they will have achieved exactly what the stay away armchair fans have been shouting about since the move to PYS, they will have won something playing entertaining rugby. If that does not add at least a thousand season ticket sales then I don't think anything will.
I'm under no illusion about how big a task they face tomorrow against Munster but as long as we're in it we have a chance. Let's hope the weather holds as this game could be an absolute classic.

I think unfortunately the stay at home armchair fans are just that, no matter the result.

I heard a load of "you're boys" at the start of the season and a whole loaf of "us" "we" and "our boys" in the last three weeks.  However, is here doesn't seem to be any genuine interest just bandwagoning.

As far as the game goes, obviously I prey the Scarlets win.  However, I think there would also be a fitting tribute to Foley for Munster to win (much like when Ulster did under tragic circumstances).  As long as the boys go out there and give it their all, I'll leave the Aviva a proud West Walian.

Very generous of you ScarletsSpiderman.

Stone Motif wrote:

carpet baboon wrote:Well you could say an Irish team and a Welsh team with both countries steeped in nationalism wouldn't be too bothered about English football, esspecialy two London clubs.
But hey that's just me

You could, but you would be in denial over which sport enjoys the most prestige and interest in both of those countries.

Your right, I know. Just wishful thinking on my part

It has been bucketing down in Dublin for a few hours. Supposed to clear up later but the pitch might be a bit wet.

Well, on to the Pro-12 final now. Not sure if it will live up to the Premiership final which was absolutely outstanding.

eirebilly wrote:Well, on to the Pro-12 final now. Not sure if it will live up to the Premiership final which was absolutely outstanding.

Which is often the case against Munster in tight games, and no offence meant with that as you have a fantastic team.

mikey_dragon wrote:

eirebilly wrote:Well, on to the Pro-12 final now. Not sure if it will live up to the Premiership final which was absolutely outstanding.

Which is often the case against Munster in tight games, and no offence meant with that as you have a fantastic team.

Munster are a lot more attacking than people give them credit for I feel. That said, Scarlets have been a very exciting team this year but also a team that can defend solidly. A very good and balanced team, should be a great match.

Munster are a good attacking force which we've seen plenty of this year, but are also capable of strangling teams and keeping the score low just like the vintage Munster a few years back. I thought the Munster/Ospreys semi final was atrocious viewing and can see Munster also just keeping the score low in this game.

Without a doubt Munster will try and contain the Scarlets attack mikey but they have the ability to counter and punish the Scarlets. Still think it will be a great game

Would love the Scarlets to win to boost the pro game in Wales, but can't see it sadly. That said I wouldn't begrudge Munster winning something for Foley too. Hope it's a good game.

BTW, I love that Munster Change shirt.

Gave that to James Davies way too early.

Scarlets already showing great attacking intent.

Surely that was a deliberate knock-on by Saili?

I agree with Jiffy. Bad execution of a three on two and his arm was up to tackle.

Scarlets counter attacking is awesome.

I said in my main post that I thought it was a risky decision to start Saili as his defence will be exposed. I am not wrong am I...

Wonderful stuff from the Scarlets.

Hope that doesn't cost them

That's why I rate Shingler higher than Cubby - both of them doing very well in this game though. Scarlets don't have a game plan, it's just Kiwi rugby. The Munster game plan getting possession in the opposite teams corner hasn't worked.

With a little composure, Scarlets could already be out of site...

Wonderful display of attacking rugby from the Scarlets

It's just impressive Kiwi rugby. I wish Wales would play like this but that will require a few pseronnsel changes.

Forward every day of the week but hey ho, its the way it is. Saili again involved in a defensive mess up. Scarlets are just too good, excellent rugby.

I know I'm keeping on but this scarlet support play is very Kiwi

eirebilly wrote:Forward every day of the week but hey ho, its the way it is. Saili again involved in a defensive mess up. Scarlets are just too good, excellent rugby.

I thought so at first but it looked flat in the replay. Scarlets have perfected the flat pass.

Wow another try, this time from the Scarlets Irish player. Does he have a Welsh granny?

All over already. I hate this as a Munster fan but cant help but appreciate the Scarlets as a rugby fan.

Well. Scarlett's are up for this.

Munster, not so much

mikey_dragon wrote:It's just impressive Kiwi rugby. I wish Wales would play like this but that will require a few coaching changes.

Fixed.

RiscaGame wrote:

mikey_dragon wrote:It's just impressive Kiwi rugby. I wish Wales would play like this but that will require a few coaching changes.

Fixed.

A bit of both I think.

That try may boost Munster somewhat but I do feel that it is already over. The Scarlets have simply been excellent in attack. Saili has been targeted brilliantly by them as a weak link in defence and in all fairness, its led to two try's for them.

If Munsters game plan was to try and nullify the Scarlets attack then Saili was the incorrect selection. Scarlets can score from anywhere, simply mesmerising at times.

Missed the first 30 minutes and could barely believe the scoreline. Not a surprise that Scarlets are leading but I wasn't expecting 29-3.

Munster are probably my favourite team outside of England but it'd be great for Welsh rugby for Scarlets to beat 2 Irish teams in Ireland in the play-offs. Above all I just hope Munster get the next score so the game stays alive.

Munster struggling to get over the gain line with ball in hand and trying desperate little kicks. They are so desperate that they are falling right into the Scarlets hands. Even when they get a line break, they have little composure.

How good is the Scarlets breakdown work, simply brilliant.

eirebilly wrote:How good is the Scarlets breakdown work, simply brilliant.

Yet two of their backrow aren't good enough for Team Wales

Are Scarlets playing in yellow?

Nigel Owens is a cheat pure and simple. Aided and abetted by that other linesman gifted scarlets 14 points.

Chin up butt