A great big Munster thread

[Feicarsinn]

I'd let Ruddock go for either Nagle or Foley.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Ruddock is out of contract so Leinster could get nothing in return. He's been fully capped, has Heineken Cup experience and has captained Leinster. Given those facts, I think he's worth more than either Nagle or Foley but would be relatively happy if one of those players moved to Leinster in exchange. A straight swap of Ruddock for Nagle would be a good move for both Leinster and Munster while Ruddock for Foley and Sean Henry would also be a decent move for all parties.

Getting Laulala, Downey and Ruddock would be a big statement of intent for Munster. If they could add a decent backup tighthead, they'd be in very good shape for next season.

 

[big ginger 8]

Hope Ruddock stays with Leinster.

 

[Feicarsinn]

Ruddock is out of contract so Leinster could get nothing in return. He's been fully capped, has Heineken Cup experience and has captained Leinster. Given those facts, I think he's worth more than either Nagle or Foley but would be relatively happy if one of those players moved to Leinster in exchange. A straight swap of Ruddock for Nagle would be a good move for both Leinster and Munster while Ruddock for Foley and Sean Henry would also be a decent move for all parties.

Getting Laulala, Downey and Ruddock would be a big statement of intent for Munster. If they could add a decent backup tighthead, they'd be in very good shape for next season.

Yup, Ruddock was very smart last year in only signing a one year deal - gave himself lots of wiggle room should he not be able to win a regular starting spot. I wouldn't be all that upset about losing him, personally I'm a bigger fan of Dom Ryan.

I don't know about this statement of intent though. They'll have two centres in their 30's and a backrow who still has a long way to come. Strange mix of long term and short term solutions. Their back row still wouldn't be up to scratch for Heineken knockout rugby.

 

[Peat]

Getting Laulala, Downey and Ruddock would be a big statement of intent for Munster. If they could add a decent backup tighthead, they'd be in very good shape for next season.

What, that they intend to bosh it up through the centres all season long?

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Yup! At least they'll go forward unlike the present situation where Mafi sidesteps sideways all day long, Barnes gets nailed behind the gainline and Earls passes the ball directly into touch.

 

[Gavin]

The money that Munster waste on foreign centers is shocking. Chambers hasn't been exciting, neither was Tuitupou. Let's hope the next batch doesn't go the same way.

 

[Peat]

Yup! At least they'll go forward unlike the present situation where Mafi sidesteps sideways all day long, Barnes gets nailed behind the gainline and Earls passes the ball directly into touch.

True. At least they'll be bringing a knife to the knife fight. I don't think its a particularly sharp looking one... more half a brick tbh!

 

[profitius]

I think they should look at getting an Ulster center in. Ian Whitten for example would walk into the Munster team and hes about 3rd or 4ft choice for Ulster. Luke Marshall would be even better.

 

[Peat]

I think they should look at getting an Ulster center in. Ian Whitten for example would walk into the Munster team and hes about 3rd or 4ft choice for Ulster. Luke Marshall would be even better.

Now you should, but you can keep your thieving hands off of both of them. Don't get any clever ideas about Chris Farrell either. They're too good for the likes of you

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I actually think Whitten would be a good call. Ulster are stacked at inside centre with Wallace the incumbent starter, Marshall the heir apparent, Whitten a very solid Pro 12 player and Farrell the bruising youngster. With Cave and Spence duking it out at outside centre, Whitten could get lost in the shuffle. He's the least talented of a talented bunch.

 

[Peat]

No argument there Snoopy and tbh I couldn't blame Whitten for thinking "I could be starting elsewhere". I also don't get why Munster are targeting Downey and not Whitten.

But from an Ulster PoV, keeping Whitten (who's ok on the wing as well) gives us some real depth, and I don't want to sacrifice that. So I'm going to keep on hoping that they don't notice/he wants to stay.

 

[profitius]

Theres talk of McGahan heading to Australia to link up with Robbie Deans. Munster could be looking for a new coach.

 

[munstermuffin]

Theres talk of McGahan heading to Australia to link up with Robbie Deans. Munster could be looking for a new coach.

This is old news as his contract is up and well lets maybe change "looking" to maybe "lined up"

 

[Groundhog]

Shame I don't think McGahan has done a bad job considering the situation he's been given

 

[profitius]

This is old news as his contract is up and well lets maybe change "looking" to maybe "lined up"

What do you mean, MM? They have somebody in mind?

 

[munstermuffin]

Shame I don't think McGahan has done a bad job considering the situation he's been given

Has done an excellent job, Yes he hasn't won a Heineken Cup but he took over a team in transition, has developed alot of talent, won a Magners League beating a good Leinster team after easily topping League stage, beat Austrailia and impressively (against all odds and injuries) got us to be best team in groups stages of Heineken Cup.

 

[munstermuffin]

What do you mean, MM? They have somebody in mind?

No secret that Jim Williams assisted by Axel (forwards) and Dougie (backs) is doeng rounds

 

[Feicarsinn]

This is old news as his contract is up and well lets maybe change "looking" to maybe "lined up"

We could do that, but it'd be terrible grammar.

 

[coonor]

McGahan has done a terrific job with Munster. He was given a degrading team with little outstanding up and coming prospects but he has given players chances and players like Jones, Murray, O'Mahony, Ryan, Zebo, Barnes all look to have good future at Munster. I think McGahan has really brought the best out of this Munster team and players like O'Connell, O'Gara, Hurley, Coughlan, Varley have been in good form while he's been in charge.