Scarlets v Munster

[An Tarbh]

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Munster have made no changes to their match day squad for their trip to the Scarlets, so no more of the internationals to return until at least next weekend where they could also be joined by De Villiers who arrives today.

Rhys Thomas is in line for a possible return although how he escaped a ban for his antics during the Leinster match is beyond me.

The Scarlets will still be without Jones and Rees.

I'd expect Munster to win by a score if Manning shows the form of last weekend rather than the first one.

Munster (from): Danny Barnes, Felix Jones, Scott Deasy, Denis Hurley, Doug Howlett, Barry Murphy, Tom Gleeson, Lifeimi Mafi, Jeremy Manning, Toby Morland, Peter Stringer, Marcus Horan, Tony Buckley, Julian Brugnaut, John Hayes, Denis Fogarty, Damian Varley, Mick O'Driscoll, Donnacha Ryan, Alan Quinlan, Billy Holland, Tommy O'Donnell, Niall Ronan, Denis Leamy, James Coughlan.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

Scarlets backs exactly the same as last week, bar 13, while the props have been changed, and the second row too, I belive.

15 Daniel Evans, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Gareth Maule, 12 Jonathan Davies, 11 Mark Jones ©, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Martin Roberts, 1 Iestyn Thomas, 2 Ken Owens, 3 Rhys Thomas, 4 Lou Reed, 5 Dominic Day, 6 Simon Easterby, 7 Dafydd Jones, 8 David Lyons. Reps - 16 Phil John, 17 Emyr Phillips, 18 Deacon Manu, 19 Vernon Cooper, 20 Richie Pugh, 21 Lee Williams, 22 Dan Newton.

 

[monkeypigeon]

Munster:
15 F Jones;
14 D Howlett,
13 B Murphy,
12 L Mafi,
11 D Hurley;
10 J Manning,
9 T Morland;
1 J Brugnaut,
2 D Varley,
3 J Hayes;
4 D Ryan,
5 M ODriscoll (capt);
6 A Quinlan,
7 N Ronan,
8 D Leamy.

Subs D Fogarty, T Buckley, B Holland, T O'Donnell, T O'Leary, S Deasy, T Gleeson

Will be interesting to see how that front row does. I quite like Varley so far, seems reliable at the lineout and good around the park.

Good to see O'Leary on the bench (about 4 months ahead of schedule in recovery from that leg break that kept him out of the Lions). No sign of Stringer,

And the rest of the team stays the same. Warwick still injured and Deasy still sitting on the bench incase Manning picks up an injury. I'd feel really bad for the guy if he doesn't get some time in the match. Sitting on the bench for 240 minutes consecutive minutes of gametime waiting for a competative debut must be infurriating.

 

[munstermuffin]

Lads,
New on this but always read and laugh at some comment but well just studying team for tomorrow night and should we read much in to Marcus been dropped.
Watched the Glasgow game on tv and having been in to see game in flesh against Cardiff our front row is struggling at times. I think Buckley is too much hit and miss been honest like played well last week (v Cardiff) but has off days too.

On positive note delighted to see O'Leary back and in great time too but hope he's not rushed and is full prepared for H'Cup.
And now De Villiers has arrived I think not only is he a serious operator but a commanding centre which is what we need.
He offers those leadership skills that Tipoki did and can have major influence on our backs.But back to tomorrow i can see us sneaking a victory although the Valley's are never easy place to go.

 

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 18 2009, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Lads,
New on this but always read and laugh at some comment but well just studying team for tomorrow night and should we read much in to Marcus been dropped.
Watched the Glasgow game on tv and having been in to see game in flesh against Cardiff our front row is struggling at times. I think Buckley is too much hit and miss been honest like played well last week (v Cardiff) but has off days too.

On positive note delighted to see O'Leary back and in great time too but hope he's not rushed and is full prepared for H'Cup.
And now De Villiers has arrived I think not only is he a serious operator but a commanding centre which is what we need.
He offers those leadership skills that Tipoki did and can have major influence on our backs.But back to tomorrow i can see us sneaking a victory although the Valley's are never easy place to go.[/b]

Welcome.

Don't read into Marcus being dropped. The IRFU have placed a limit on the number of games they want the internationals playing before the November Internationals and seeing as he's started the previous 2 they're probably just trying to keep him below the quota and saving him for the HCup matches and the Leinster match.

Also they probably want to give Frenchie a game.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Sep 18 2009, 06:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 18 2009, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Lads,
New on this but always read and laugh at some comment but well just studying team for tomorrow night and should we read much in to Marcus been dropped.
Watched the Glasgow game on tv and having been in to see game in flesh against Cardiff our front row is struggling at times. I think Buckley is too much hit and miss been honest like played well last week (v Cardiff) but has off days too.

On positive note delighted to see O'Leary back and in great time too but hope he's not rushed and is full prepared for H'Cup.
And now De Villiers has arrived I think not only is he a serious operator but a commanding centre which is what we need.
He offers those leadership skills that Tipoki did and can have major influence on our backs.But back to tomorrow i can see us sneaking a victory although the Valley's are never easy place to go.[/b]

Welcome.

Don't read into Marcus being dropped. The IRFU have placed a limit on the number of games they want the internationals playing before the November Internationals and seeing as he's started the previous 2 they're probably just trying to keep him below the quota and saving him for the HCup matches and the Leinster match.

Also they probably want to give Frenchie a game.
[/b][/quote]
Agreed. The fact that Horan is out of the 22 has more to do with IRFU policy than being dropped. I assume Stringer is out of the squad for the same reason.

 

[MunsterMan]

Stringer was shite last week, and Morland outperformed him, so who knows.

Great to see O'Leary back :bana:

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MunsterMan @ Sep 18 2009, 09:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Stringer was shite last week, and Morland outperformed him, so who knows.

Great to see O'Leary back :bana:[/b]

Stringer's been shite for years if you ask me! Ireland lack viable scrumhalves so, despte Stringer's apparent lack of form, I'm guessing he's going to be wrapped in cotton wool.

 

[An Tarbh]

I normally don't agree with Franno but I think he has a fair point with O'Leary, it does seem like a rushed comeback from what was a horrific injury. Don't get me wrong we need him back, but you'd hate to see him put in the rehab only to aggravate the problem on a premature comeback.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (An Tarbh @ Sep 18 2009, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I normally don't agree with Franno but I think he has a fair point with O'Leary, it does seem like a rushed comeback from what was a horrific injury. Don't get me wrong we need him back, but you'd hate to see him put in the rehab only to aggravate the problem on a premature comeback.[/b]

Well it seems stringer is injured and that is why O'Leary is on bench maybe as there is such shortage in scrum halves but will be interesting to see if he gets game time.
Also, thanx for the update on Marcus didn't know there was limits on games, I tought it'd be just that they have to take 11weeks for pre season etc.
But also whats everyones opinion on Varley, I know he did OK in england but lads as we've seen this before like (not including Geordan Murphy) players who can't make match day 22s for Irish provinces go over and play well for week or 2 and all of sudden Sky describe them as world-class I seen it only last week with Jeremy Staunton.

Also I think Niall Ronan could force his way into H'Cup backrow if he plays like he has so far we really are getting some competition now within the team which is great

 

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 18 2009, 11:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (An Tarbh @ Sep 18 2009, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I normally don't agree with Franno but I think he has a fair point with O'Leary, it does seem like a rushed comeback from what was a horrific injury. Don't get me wrong we need him back, but you'd hate to see him put in the rehab only to aggravate the problem on a premature comeback.[/b]

Well it seems stringer is injured and that is why O'Leary is on bench maybe as there is such shortage in scrum halves but will be interesting to see if he gets game time.
Also, thanx for the update on Marcus didn't know there was limits on games, I tought it'd be just that they have to take 11weeks for pre season etc.
But also whats everyones opinion on Varley, I know he did OK in england but lads as we've seen this before like (not including Geordan Murphy) players who can't make match day 22s for Irish provinces go over and play well for week or 2 and all of sudden Sky describe them as world-class I seen it only last week with Jeremy Staunton.

Also I think Niall Ronan could force his way into H'Cup backrow if he plays like he has so far we really are getting some competition now within the team which is great
[/b][/quote]

We'll discuss Varley tomorrow after he's played a full competetive match for Munster.

Ronan was absolutely brilliant last week so it'll be interesting to see if Wallace comes in for Leamy who hasn't done anything brilliant yet or if Ronan will get the kick.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Sep 19 2009, 12:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 18 2009, 11:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (An Tarbh @ Sep 18 2009, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I normally don't agree with Franno but I think he has a fair point with O'Leary, it does seem like a rushed comeback from what was a horrific injury. Don't get me wrong we need him back, but you'd hate to see him put in the rehab only to aggravate the problem on a premature comeback.[/b]

Well it seems stringer is injured and that is why O'Leary is on bench maybe as there is such shortage in scrum halves but will be interesting to see if he gets game time.
Also, thanx for the update on Marcus didn't know there was limits on games, I tought it'd be just that they have to take 11weeks for pre season etc.
But also whats everyones opinion on Varley, I know he did OK in england but lads as we've seen this before like (not including Geordan Murphy) players who can't make match day 22s for Irish provinces go over and play well for week or 2 and all of sudden Sky describe them as world-class I seen it only last week with Jeremy Staunton.

Also I think Niall Ronan could force his way into H'Cup backrow if he plays like he has so far we really are getting some competition now within the team which is great
[/b][/quote]

We'll discuss Varley tomorrow after he's played a full competetive match for Munster.

Ronan was absolutely brilliant last week so it'll be interesting to see if Wallace comes in for Leamy who hasn't done anything brilliant yet or if Ronan will get the kick.
[/b][/quote]


What you reckon about Quinny loosing out and been impact sub wit Leamy at 6 and Wally at 8 I know it disrupts whole balance but all in all great for team having competition.

Agree also that will reserve judgement on Varley because havent seen enough of him but will take alot to overtake Fogarty who i think is constantly improving.

 

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 19 2009, 12:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Sep 19 2009, 12:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Sep 18 2009, 11:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (An Tarbh @ Sep 18 2009, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I normally don't agree with Franno but I think he has a fair point with O'Leary, it does seem like a rushed comeback from what was a horrific injury. Don't get me wrong we need him back, but you'd hate to see him put in the rehab only to aggravate the problem on a premature comeback.[/b]

Well it seems stringer is injured and that is why O'Leary is on bench maybe as there is such shortage in scrum halves but will be interesting to see if he gets game time.
Also, thanx for the update on Marcus didn't know there was limits on games, I tought it'd be just that they have to take 11weeks for pre season etc.
But also whats everyones opinion on Varley, I know he did OK in england but lads as we've seen this before like (not including Geordan Murphy) players who can't make match day 22s for Irish provinces go over and play well for week or 2 and all of sudden Sky describe them as world-class I seen it only last week with Jeremy Staunton.

Also I think Niall Ronan could force his way into H'Cup backrow if he plays like he has so far we really are getting some competition now within the team which is great
[/b][/quote]

We'll discuss Varley tomorrow after he's played a full competetive match for Munster.

Ronan was absolutely brilliant last week so it'll be interesting to see if Wallace comes in for Leamy who hasn't done anything brilliant yet or if Ronan will get the kick.
[/b][/quote]


What you reckon about Quinny loosing out and been impact sub wit Leamy at 6 and Wally at 8 I know it disrupts whole balance but all in all great for team having competition.

Agree also that will reserve judgement on Varley because havent seen enough of him but will take alot to overtake Fogarty who i think is constantly improving.
[/b][/quote]

Fogarty is very strong in the loose alright. If he can sort out his lineout throwing he'll be very good. Have to up his work-rate a bit to be as good as Flannery though.

 

[munstermuffin]

Oh yea agreed on that was just comparing for no.16 shirt Jerry is in different league but what you think of our front row option do ya think the frenchy or Buckley will back up the lads. I been hearin' the frenchy is very similar what to freddy was for us and if he come near that i'd be very happy. A solid scrummager

 

[MunsterMan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (An Tarbh @ Sep 18 2009, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I normally don't agree with Franno but I think he has a fair point with O'Leary, it does seem like a rushed comeback from what was a horrific injury. Don't get me wrong we need him back, but you'd hate to see him put in the rehab only to aggravate the problem on a premature comeback.[/b]

I believe the McGahan/Kidney know how important he is too, and won't play him unless he is fully fit. The bone itself would have been healed in 1-2 months, and with Tomás's appetite for work i see no reason why he couldn't be fully fit by now.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MunsterMan @ Sep 19 2009, 10:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (An Tarbh @ Sep 18 2009, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I normally don't agree with Franno but I think he has a fair point with O'Leary, it does seem like a rushed comeback from what was a horrific injury. Don't get me wrong we need him back, but you'd hate to see him put in the rehab only to aggravate the problem on a premature comeback.[/b]

I believe the McGahan/Kidney know how important he is too, and won't play him unless he is fully fit. The bone itself would have been healed in 1-2 months, and with Tomás's appetite for work i see no reason why he couldn't be fully fit by now.
[/b][/quote]

Yeah think you right but just hope he dosen't risk it too much because dont think Stringer is at same level any more and Tomas just offers that bit of extra bulk around the scrum area etc and we need that.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

It'll be interesting to see how Varley gets on. He's being anointed as a future star in some quarters after a fantastic performance off the bench last week. What people tend to forget is how utterly rubbish he was the previous week. Hopefully he has a good game since Ireland are lacking hookers at present with Best and Flannery injured, Jackman nearing the end of his career and Sean Cronin unproven.

I scoffed at the thought of Denis Fogarty playing for Ireland a couple of months ago. Given his performances thus far this season, I may have to eat a large slice of humble pie. Perhaps Damien Varley is driving him on to a greater extent than Frank Sheahan last year. If both hookers are as good as advertised, Munster will have some selection headaches once Jerry Flannery regains fitness, never mind what will happen if Sean Cronin returns next season! What is it about Munster that sees them churn out so many quality hookers and second rows?

 

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (snoopy snoopy dog dog @ Sep 19 2009, 04:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

It'll be interesting to see how Varley gets on. He's being anointed as a future star in some quarters after a fantastic performance off the bench last week. What people tend to forget is how utterly rubbish he was the previous week. Hopefully he has a good game since Ireland are lacking hookers at present with Best and Flannery injured, Jackman nearing the end of his career and Sean Cronin unproven.

I scoffed at the thought of Denis Fogarty playing for Ireland a couple of months ago. Given his performances thus far this season, I may have to eat a large slice of humble pie. Perhaps Damien Varley is driving him on to a greater extent than Frank Sheahan last year. If both hookers are as good as advertised, Munster will have some selection headaches once Jerry Flannery regains fitness, never mind what will happen if Sean Cronin returns next season! What is it about Munster that sees them churn out so many quality hookers and second rows?[/b]

Don't forget scrumhalfes....
Stringer, Reddan, Frank Murphy and O'Leary.

What is it with Leinster and Fullbacks? How many do you have coming through the acedemy at the moment?

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Sep 19 2009, 05:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (snoopy snoopy dog dog @ Sep 19 2009, 04:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It'll be interesting to see how Varley gets on. He's being anointed as a future star in some quarters after a fantastic performance off the bench last week. What people tend to forget is how utterly rubbish he was the previous week. Hopefully he has a good game since Ireland are lacking hookers at present with Best and Flannery injured, Jackman nearing the end of his career and Sean Cronin unproven.

I scoffed at the thought of Denis Fogarty playing for Ireland a couple of months ago. Given his performances thus far this season, I may have to eat a large slice of humble pie. Perhaps Damien Varley is driving him on to a greater extent than Frank Sheahan last year. If both hookers are as good as advertised, Munster will have some selection headaches once Jerry Flannery regains fitness, never mind what will happen if Sean Cronin returns next season! What is it about Munster that sees them churn out so many quality hookers and second rows?[/b]

Don't forget scrumhalfes....
Stringer, Reddan, Frank Murphy and O'Leary.

What is it with Leinster and Fullbacks? How many do you have coming through the acedemy at the moment?
[/b][/quote]
In the academy there's Dave Kearney, Niall Morris, Ian Madigan and Andrew Conway. Kearney and Morris can also play on the wing, Madigan can play flyhalf while Conway is an out and out 15. Then there's Noel Reid (who can play anywhere from 10-15) in the sub-academy and Ferdia Doherty who was an Ireland u18 fullback last year. Along with Girvan Dempsey, Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald in the full squad, there are Geordan Murphy, Johne Murphy, Fionn Carr and Felix Jones plying their trade for other teams. Then there's Gavin Duffy of Connacht who came through the Leinster schools system. So there's lots of fullbacks in Leinster!

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (snoopy snoopy dog dog @ Sep 19 2009, 05:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Sep 19 2009, 05:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (snoopy snoopy dog dog @ Sep 19 2009, 04:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It'll be interesting to see how Varley gets on. He's being anointed as a future star in some quarters after a fantastic performance off the bench last week. What people tend to forget is how utterly rubbish he was the previous week. Hopefully he has a good game since Ireland are lacking hookers at present with Best and Flannery injured, Jackman nearing the end of his career and Sean Cronin unproven.

I scoffed at the thought of Denis Fogarty playing for Ireland a couple of months ago. Given his performances thus far this season, I may have to eat a large slice of humble pie. Perhaps Damien Varley is driving him on to a greater extent than Frank Sheahan last year. If both hookers are as good as advertised, Munster will have some selection headaches once Jerry Flannery regains fitness, never mind what will happen if Sean Cronin returns next season! What is it about Munster that sees them churn out so many quality hookers and second rows?[/b]

Don't forget scrumhalfes....
Stringer, Reddan, Frank Murphy and O'Leary.

What is it with Leinster and Fullbacks? How many do you have coming through the acedemy at the moment?
[/b][/quote]
In the academy there's Dave Kearney, Niall Morris, Ian Madigan and Andrew Conway. Kearney and Morris can also play on the wing, Madigan can play flyhalf while Conway is an out and out 15. Then there's Noel Reid (who can play anywhere from 10-15) in the sub-academy and Ferdia Doherty who was an Ireland u18 fullback last year. Along with Girvan Dempsey, Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald in the full squad, there are Geordan Murphy, Johne Murphy, Fionn Carr and Felix Jones plying their trade for other teams. Then there's Gavin Duffy of Connacht who came through the Leinster schools system. So there's lots of fullbacks in Leinster!
[/b][/quote]

Are we like the good old days Munster Forwards and Leinster backs although it great to see it mixed and provinces producing good backs AND forwards.
But snoopy what are these Ruddock boys like I hear 1 of them could be an Irish backrow enforcer in years to come ....