Just thinking about next season’s backs

How does this sound as a potential back line?


11 Dowling
12 Halstead (if stays, if not Duffy if could get him)
13 Murphy
14 Maafi
15 TOL


Good bit of pace and size and youth there.

[Arthur Guinness]

We'll worry about all that when we've retained the Heineken Cup.

Forward planning is how we retain it this season and win it again next.

[Ruck]

if the rumours are true on potential signings, i wonder could downling move to 12?

Mafi was signed as a 12, although he'll need to improve his defence if he's going to get that position if Halstead leaves.
If the rumoured signings come to happen, then I'd like to see Kearney at fullback with G Murphy on the wing. TO'L could also battle for a wing spot, as could Mafi.
I wonder would Dowling make a good 12?

[MCBOGMAN]

Looking forward to seeing Mafi come into the first team when Horgan's hung up his boots (As sad as the day will be) Seems to be quite a talent.
Is there any chance he could qualify for Ireland?

[bruffian]

Looking forward to seeing Mafi come into the first team when Horgan's hung up his boots (As sad as the day will be) Seems to be quite a talent.
Is there any chance he could qualify for Ireland?


doubt horgan will retire next year,hes only 30.whether he gets picked or not will be a diiferent matter.


mafi cant qualify for ireland since hes played 7s for n.z.,as for next year,you never you who'll come through or be bought.guys like earls and d.hurley could all come through next year,and who knows maybe even stephen kelly if he keeps progressing like he is

[daveirl]

Why the hell would you want Duffy?

Halstead will be leaving, I've no doubt about that.

[MCBOGMAN]

Looking forward to seeing Mafi come into the first team when Horgan's hung up his boots (As sad as the day will be) Seems to be quite a talent.
Is there any chance he could qualify for Ireland?


doubt horgan will retire next year,hes only 30.whether he gets picked or not will be a diiferent matter.


mafi cant qualify for ireland since hes played 7s for n.z.,as for next year,you never you who'll come through or be bought.guys like earls and d.hurley could all come through next year,and who knows maybe even stephen kelly if he keeps progressing like he is








Shame that. Hurley is looking like quite a tasty prospect. Apart from Geordan Murphy and Gordon D'arcy who else have we been linked with?

[The Dave]

Looking forward to seeing Mafi come into the first team when Horgan's hung up his boots (As sad as the day will be) Seems to be quite a talent.
Is there any chance he could qualify for Ireland?


doubt horgan will retire next year,hes only 30.whether he gets picked or not will be a diiferent matter.


mafi cant qualify for ireland since hes played 7s for n.z.,as for next year,you never you who'll come through or be bought.guys like earls and d.hurley could all come through next year,and who knows maybe even stephen kelly if he keeps progressing like he is








Shame that. Hurley is looking like quite a tasty prospect. Apart from Geordan Murphy and Gordon D'arcy who else have we been linked with?





I'm sure the speculation regarding any NZer coming off contract soon will begin within the next few months

[thecoolfreak]

Looking forward to seeing Mafi come into the first team when Horgan's hung up his boots (As sad as the day will be) Seems to be quite a talent.
Is there any chance he could qualify for Ireland?


doubt horgan will retire next year,hes only 30.whether he gets picked or not will be a diiferent matter.


mafi cant qualify for ireland since hes played 7s for n.z.,as for next year,you never you who'll come through or be bought.guys like earls and d.hurley could all come through next year,and who knows maybe even stephen kelly if he keeps progressing like he is








Shame that. Hurley is looking like quite a tasty prospect. Apart from Geordan Murphy and Gordon D'arcy who else have we been linked with?








smileys/lol.gifsmileys/lol.gifsmileys/lol.gif

[dropkick]

if the rumours are true on potential signings, i wonder could downling move to 12?




Ithink he's be better suitedplaying in 12 too and could make an impact there. A bit like D'Arcy inbody shape. It could be his future.

[daveirl]

tcf, D'Arcy hasn't signed a new contract yet smileys/wink.gif

Dowling got used by Shannon at IC the odd time last season IIRC. HGe'd do a good job there. We've been liked with Lewis, Kearney and d'Arcy and none came south before so I woudln't hold your breath. Kearney will probably have Dempsey/Hickie under pressure for their places by end of this season anyway and if Lewis is prepared to bench or not even that forever then others may well feel same.

[Cling Cling]

What's the story with halstead leaving? Is he out of contract at the end of the seasonor have there been some rumours floating about him moving elsewhere?

He's out of contract at the end of the season. He always said 2 years was his lot here.

[munsterbouy]

hopefully they(MB) will be encouraging him to stay.I woiuld'nt hold my breath thoughHe will be a big loss.

[shtove]

What about Murphy at 12, Mafi 13? Murphy could do a Darcy and release the speedster. I'd like to see it this season, because the tries are going to have to come through the backs if the HEC is to be retained.

[gelly]

I would be surprised to see either GMurphy or D'arcy ever come to Munster. The same rumors float around every year last year we were linkd to @@@@SPAN name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTXT">Bergamasco who would be a great signing
DK should give and young Irish backs he has afew runs in ML this yr
I didnt think Halstead would really leave this yr if he does its very dissapointing to lose him, he has been invaluable
To lose JK, Sp and Halstead in the samesmileys/sad.gif

Mafi looks good ,very strong
T'OL needs to improve
Is Cullen gone after this yr too?
anywho just bookd my twickenham tickets north stand section 26 smileys/cool.gif
@@@@/SPAN>

[beanflick]

15.g.murphy
14.kearney
13.b.murphy
12.halstead
11.mafi
10.o gara
9.stringer
8.leamy
7.wallace
6.j.o connor
5.doc
4poc
3.bull
2.fla
1.hurley

[Goofy]

Champers still hasnt decided to go back to SA. He said in a recent article that he might stay another year.

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[dropkick]

I'd say we can forget about Kearney. He'll be staying at Leinster. The jury's still out on how good he'll become. Has plenty of talent but seems a bit of a headless chicken at times.


Anybody see McCarron last night. Looks like Leinster could have another class back.


Munster would be better off giving some youth a chance. Leinster has plenty of talented backs so why shouldn't Munster.

[Ruck]

15.g.murphy
14.kearney
13.b.murphy
12.halstead
11.mafi
10.o gara
9.stringer
8.leamy
7.wallace
6.j.o connor
5.doc
4poc
3.bull
2.fla
1.hurley



Halstead is going home at the end of this season. Possibly retiring from rugby.

[shep]

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Is is not widely expected that after the World Cup that there will be a whole load of S.Hemisphere players wanting to try movingNorth to try their luck. If so, then Munster should prepare to lose Halstead, Thank him for the fantastic contribution he has made and will never be forgotten, and look for a replacement before everyone else gets first pick.

[thecoolfreak]

tcf, D'Arcy hasn't signed a new contract yet smileys/wink.gif


I know butdon't be expecting him down South anytime soon

[Clubman]

I'd say we can forget about Kearney. He'll be staying at Leinster. The jury's still out on how good he'll become. Has plenty of talent but seems a bit of a headless chicken at times.


Anybody see McCarron last night. Looks like Leinster could have another class back.


Munster would be better off giving some youth a chance. Leinster has plenty of talented backs so why shouldn't Munster.

The answer to the rhetorical question is that Munster should, but don't do back production. Just watch at any age level, same old same old, sad to say. There is a huge gap arising between ourselves and Leinster at the moment in backs and back play at all ages.
On the other subject, Kearney is coming.

[epaddy]

So was I and laughing

[bruffian]

I'd say we can forget about Kearney. He'll be staying at Leinster. The jury's still out on how good he'll become. Has plenty of talent but seems a bit of a headless chicken at times.


Anybody see McCarron last night. Looks like Leinster could have another class back.


Munster would be better off giving some youth a chance. Leinster has plenty of talented backs so why shouldn't Munster.




The answer to the rhetorical question is that Munster should, but don't do back production. Just watch at any age level, same old same old, sad to say. There is a huge gap arising between ourselves and Leinster at the moment in backs and back play at all ages.
On the other subject, Kearney is coming.



bit of a generalisation there.i mean stringer,o garamurphy,kelly,horgan all came through the munster system.we might not produce as many as leinster but we're not as titoally devoid of back talent as some might suggest.


i mean 4 of last seasons backline for the heineken cup winners came through the munster systemsmileys/biggrin.gif

[socks]

doesn't make a difference what backs we have next year if we have the same crash-bang-wallop merchants coaching them.

How's Earls doing this season? We could also look at bringing back Matthews and Tuohy as wing/OCs. The problem position is inside centre but Doyle has played that at U21 level so he might be able to come through, if he's brought through this season. There's Munster backs around it's just we have had so little opportunity for them that they don't come through - Mossie is a prime example. Ireland U21 international who just dispappeared into the black hole of utility back because that's what we needed and never got a chance to fully establish himself in one position. In fact with Doyle if we can get him some IC games alongside ROG he might be a viable challenger to Manning.

[Hakaman]

How's Earls doing this season?


There's Munster backs around it's just we have had so little opportunity for them that they don't come through - Mossie is a prime example. Ireland U21 international who just dispappeared into the black hole of utility back because that's what we needed and never got a chance to fully establish himself in one position. In fact with Doyle if we can get him some IC games alongside ROG he might be a viable challenger to Manning.





Two great points EO. I'd say many Munster fans will be interested inmonitoring the progress of Keith Earls. Where is he playing at the moment? How's he been playing?


On the other point, how easy is it to convert a player into a position such as IC or OC? Mossie must be frustrated as hell with the way the cards have been dealt to him over the years. The Utility back scourge has ruined him, especially for a player as good as Mossie, and surely there is still plenty of time for him to prime himself for one position only? As an Ex-Forward, wouldn't know much of how difficult / easy it is to remould players into the Centre positions?

[socks]

Two great points EO. I'd say many Munster fans will be interested inmonitoring the progress of Keith Earls. Where is he playing at the moment? How's he been playing?

playing with the aristocrats of limerick running rugby, thomond.

TBH if you're looking at an IC to do what Halstead does, they need to be that type of player already as it's hard to change someone's style completely. It's why I find it odd Mafi is supposed to be an IC. Unless I've missed something he's a player who looks to hit gaps and take people on for pace. He doesn't look like an offloader or confined space player and that's what I'd rather see us put at IC. If anything Murphy is better suited. His carrying in 2 hands means opponents can't work him out, he steps well of either foot and always seems to look to offload in the tackle. His tackling has also improved and he seems to be like Halstead in he tries to hold up the player/ball as long as possible to give the defence time. I don't see (yet?) Mafi doing those things.


If Mossie is going to make it anywhere now then FB would be the option. His kicking game is strong enough, he's got good pace, carries well and seems to have bulked up a lot since the previous injuries. I'd also say though that TOL might be suited to that position so there might be a bit of competition between the 2.

[bruffian]

How's Earls doing this season? We could also look at bringing back Matthews and Tuohy as wing/OCs. The problem position is inside centre but Doyle has played that at U21 level so he might be able to come through, if he's brought through this season. There's Munster backs around it's just we have had so little opportunity for them that they don't come through - Mossie is a prime example. Ireland U21 international who just dispappeared into the black hole of utility back because that's what we needed and never got a chance to fully establish himself in one position. In fact with Doyle if we can get him some IC games alongside ROG he might be a viable challenger to Manning.





earls is playing well and scoring regulatlt with thomond.whilst doyle seems to be doing well this year,i dont see him becoming a IC,i think hes too small.


tuohy and matthews would be good options though

[Ruck]

I don't think Murphy's passing would be up to playing at 12. He generally tends to offload, I can't recall him making too many killer passes.

[JoeyFantastic]

Two great points EO. I'd say many Munster fans will be interested inmonitoring the progress of Keith Earls. Where is he playing at the moment? How's he been playing?




playing with the aristocrats of limerick running rugby, thomond.



Thomond's backs are being coached by Shaun Payne, might not be a visionary but at least they'll be flawless.

[Ruck]

Two great points EO. I'd say many Munster fans will be interested inmonitoring the progress of Keith Earls. Where is he playing at the moment? How's he been playing?




playing with the aristocrats of limerick running rugby, thomond.



Thomond's backs are being coached by Shaun Payne, might not be a visionary but at least they'll be flawless.
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I've only seen them play once this season, and they looked good .. but that was against the cookies backline.</DIV>

[JoeyFantastic]

I don't think Murphy's passing would be up to playing at 12. He generally tends to offload, I can't recall him making too many killer passes.


Murphy played 12 for the Irish u-21's, iirc.

[who?]

TBH if you're looking at an IC to do what Halstead does, they need to be that type of player already as it's hard to change someone's style completely. It's why I find it odd Mafi is supposed to be an IC. Unless I've missed something he's a player who looks to hit games and take people on for pace. He doesn't look like an offloader or confined space player and that's what I'd rather see us put at IC. If anything Murphy is better suited. His carrying in 2 hands means opponents can't work him out, he steps well of either foot and always seems to look to offload in the tackle. His tackling has also improved and he seems to be like Halstead in he tries to hold up the player/ball as long as possible to give the defence time. I don't see (yet?) Mafi doing those things.

Perhaps because Munster (as Ireland used to) think of 12 as a non-creative position. Put someone big and hard to stop there, give him the ball and he'll get across the gainline and give the forwards something to hit and go again. It's pretty much a low-risk way of getting around their fringe defence.

In fairness, Halstead has offered a lot more, showing a willingness and ability to pass before/out-of the tackle, but he's still no great passer/jinker.

[scotscor]

Munster used to have dutched at 12, another who definitely wouldnt be described as crash ball

[socks]

Thomond's backs are being coached by Shaun Payne, might not be a visionary but at least they'll be flawless.

i thought shaun payne was friendly with ul bohs? well there you go - learn something new everyday.

Thomond's backs are being coached by Shaun Payne, might not be a visionary but at least they'll be flawless.




i thought shaun payne was friendly with ul bohs? well there you go - learn something new everyday.



And Chris Wyatt is coaching the forwards

[Don Munsafano]

if the rumours are true on potential signings, i wonder could downling move to 12?

Mafi was signed as a 12, although he'll need to improve his defence if he's going to get that position if Halstead leaves.
If the rumoured signings come to happen, then I'd like to see Kearney at fullback with G Murphy on the wing. TO'L could also battle for a wing spot, as could Mafi.
I wonder would Dowling make a good 12?



I've been thinking the same thing for a while now, he hasn't the out and out pace for the wing IMO but is strong, a good tackler and can make hard yards?

Who? that was my thinking on Halstead, he has an ability to offload at the right moment that a player like Murphy can really profit from. Murphy himself also looks to keep the ball alive and looks for support runners. I don't expect to see many at 12 with the passing of ROG - which is the kind of passing that would complete the package. Certainly the only Irish centre I've seen with it is BOD. Only other player who can play IC and has the full range of passing around these days is Carter. Even someone like Catt who's deemed to be a playmaker IC isn't that great a passer.


I think Murphy, with a good OC, would do a great job for us, better than Mafi in that position. I didn't think Doyle was that small and I didn't think he was a defensive weaknessplus he's seen as more an OH style of IC so he'd be an alternative option. Again if you're looking for a passing IC that's got the bulk as well you're not going to find too many of them around.

[dropkick]

doesn't make a difference what backs we have next year if we have the same crash-bang-wallop merchants coaching them.


Thats the most sensible thing I've read all night. Munsters backs are good but they don't have a clue when working as a team. I don't think they got a 4 try bonus point all season.

[lahinch_lass]

Thomond's backs are being coached by Shaun Payne, might not be a visionary but at least they'll be flawless.




i thought shaun payne was friendly with ul bohs? well there you go - learn something new everyday.



mrs payne is working with bohs, running their academy, so champers is friendly with them alright, but not himself associated with bohs.


Apparently barry murphy shows up at some of the under-age games &amp; training for bohs, and a few of his senior colleagues also come in to train some of the bohs teams. I did get told names, but I've completely forgotten them already smileys/redface.gif

[Balla Boy]

Who? that was my thinking on Halstead, he has an ability to offload at the right moment that a player like Murphy can really profit from. Murphy himself also looks to keep the ball alive and looks for support runners. I don't expect to see many at 12 with the passing of ROG - which is the kind of passing that would complete the package. Certainly the only Irish centre I've seen with it is BOD. Only other player who can play IC and has the full range of passing around these days is Carter. Even someone like Catt who's deemed to be a playmaker IC isn't that great a passer.


I think Murphy, with a good OC, would do a great job for us, better than Mafi in that position. I didn't think Doyle was that small and I didn't think he was a defensive weaknessplus he's seen as more an OH style of IC so he'd be an alternative option. Again if you're looking for a passing IC that's got the bulk as well you're not going to find too many of them around.





Catt not a great passer? Are you sure? Every time I see him play for LI he's pingingpasses aroundlike a man doing a very good impression of a great passer.

[Shefflin]

Has Stephen Kelly a realistic chance of making it or is it only pub talk?

[jonjon07]

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murphy 12 earls 13 for the future

[galinka]

I'm definite Geordan Murphy will play for Munster next season. Was he not in the company of the Munster fans after the Leicester game in the Walkabout!


Coincidence? So was Lewis Moody. Also very good piece on him in S Times a few weeks back - his mammy wants him home. Can get out of final year if he tells Tigers by February!

[bruffian]

Has Stephen Kelly a realistic chance of making it or is it only pub talk?


well he has by all accounts been playing quite well for shannon this year,scoring regularly.played for the munster development team a couple of weeks ago.


hes actually playing for limerick in a football friendly this weekend.i read a few weeks ago that he plans on playing both sports this year.


the way i see it,if hes being picked for munster development teams alongside regular squad players,they're at least looking at him as a possible munster player.pro training would bring him on leaps and bounds,far more than most players

[Keano]

Geordan Murphy has been crying out for Munster to come and get him! He'd be an interesting signing. Hope he'd be moreconsistent than he has been for Ireland over the last few years...