Munster v Bristol (Friendly) 17/8/2012

[taz]

Hopes for this one?

A good use of the full squad or split use of the squad between Bristol and L.I.

Personally I hope we give a good run out to all players over the next few weeks.

[Colliniho]

I'd like to see them treat these like real games. Give the starting 15 an hour on Friday then change the team completely and do the same for L.I

[the plastic paddy]

I'd like to see them treat these like real games. Give the starting 15 an hour on Friday then change the team completely and do the same for L.I

Part of me hopes he hasn't finalised his starting 15 yet.

[Cowboy]

Part of me hopes he hasn't finalised his starting 15 yet.

Agreed, maybe strongest 15 available would be better.

Wian
Sla
Archer
Hayes
Holland
The Tod
Barry O'M
Cawlin

Strings
Keats
Luke O'D
Downey
Casey
Dougie
Dinny.


That 15 can bate the life outta Brizzle

[taz]

Can someone log into their MR account and see if you see an option for the family ticket for the 2 friendlies as I am struggling(as usual) with the normal simple stuff.

I click on the link but cant manage to get the offer just single tickets.

Edit: have managed to get 2 separate family tickets for the two matches now,still not seeing this combined one for €50.

[Colliniho]

Part of me hopes he hasn't finalised his starting 15 yet.

I was suggesting that he give whatever 15 he starts with an hour, rather than chopping and changing too early.
I hope he doesn't know his best 15 yet too, still very early in his tenure

[Woofter]

I hope he doesn't know his best 15 yet too, still very early in his tenure

Well said! Clean slate needed

[McCloud]

I'd like to see them treat these like real games. Give the starting 15 an hour on Friday then change the team completely and do the same for L.I

Disagree Penney has been here for a couple of weeks he needs to evaluate his squad. At least those he has available to him currently. He needs to see them all playing even if it is for 20 minutes.

[Cowboy]

Already thinking the Micko factor might really hurt the early part of our season, he'd be the man for steadying a new ship and coaxing young lads on in the pack around him. That may become Donners role, but time will tell.

Huge year for Hayes Nagle and Foley. One of those three has a big role to fill. Think Holland is a 6 myself, we need Heineken locks, Rabo locks, and B&I locks, Micko could have slotted into any of the three pairings seamlessly. A rare talent.

[garryowen2323]

Already thinking the Micko factor might really hurt the early part of our season, he'd be the man for steadying a new ship and coaxing young lads on in the pack around him. That may become Donners role, but time will tell.

Huge year for Hayes Nagle and Foley. One of those three has a big role to fill. Think Holland is a 6 myself, we need Heineken locks, Rabo locks, and B&I locks, Micko could have slotted into any of the three pairings seamlessly. A rare talent.

Looks like we're using Dougie as the new Micko but it's tough when you're stuck out on the wing rather than in the grunt of the pack.

Puppy is the only one of the pack who could step up but I don't think he's that kind of player. Probably a position for Donners and Cawlin I'd say

[McCloud]

Downey joy over return to Munster
Tuesday August 14 2012


Munster centre James Downey is delighted to be back playing in Ireland after spending five seasons with Northampton Saints.


The 31-year-old, who had a spell with Munster in 2006, having also played for Leinster and Connacht, said he can't wait for the season to start.


Dublin-born Downey, who won an Italian championship with Calvisano before joining Northampton, said a lot has changed since his previous spell with Munster, with only a handful of players such as Ronan O'Gara, Paul O'Connell, Marcus Horan and Peter Stringer remaining.


"It's great to be back home. I enjoyed myself in England, but with Rob Penney and Simon Mannix in control, Munster can build towards big things and I am really happy to be part of the side and looking forward to getting into the season," said Downey.


Downey, who made 148 appearances for Northampton, said the 31-7 loss to La Rochelle on Friday night was largely down to so many players playing together for the first time.


"There was a bit of rustiness there -- but that's what pre-season friendlies are all about, you don't want to be making those mistakes in three weeks' time. Now is the time to try things out and make the mistakes," said Downey, who has signed a two-year contract.


Irish Independent

[taz]

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/10667.php

Munster: D Hurley; D Howlett capt, C Laulala, J Downey, L O'Dea; I Keatley, D Williams; D Kilcoyne, D Varley, S Archer; B Holland, D Foley; T O'Donnell, S Dougall, P Butler.


Replacements: W du Preez, M Horan, BJ Botha, S Henry, D Casey, B Hayes, P Donnellan, Dave O'Callaghan, B O'Mahony, P Stringer, S Deasy, D Barnes, J Murphy, S Scanlon.

[Cowboy]

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/10667.php

Munster: D Hurley; D Howlett capt, C Laulala, J Downey, L O'Dea; I Keatley, D Williams; D Kilcoyne, D Varley, S Archer; B Holland, D Foley; T O'Donnell, S Dougall, P Butler.


Replacements: W du Preez, M Horan, BJ Botha, S Henry, D Casey, B Hayes, P Donnellan, Dave O'Callaghan, B O'Mahony, P Stringer, S Deasy, D Barnes, J Murphy, S Scanlon.

Well he didn't wait around for his second selection anyway!!

This looks infinitely stronger, second row is a little light, but Foley looks a great prospect. Thrilled to see Beta on the bench.

Get stuck into them Munster

[Captain Average]

Deasy ahead of JJ? Hmmmm

[Viigand]

Hopefully JJ gets a run vs Irish.

[deadlyBuzz]

JJ could still be rested along with the other intenational contingent.
Makes sense, he's played more competitive games!

[Captain Average]

He was in last week's squad, IIRC.

[Waterfordlad]

Yeah he was listed at least

[McCloud]

Possibly Penney has seen more of JJ then Deasy as he would have had the opportunity to watch him during the u20's world cup?

[the plastic paddy]

JJ could still be rested along with the other intenational contingent.
Makes sense, he's played more competitive games!

And in atrocious conditions!!

[the_dazz]

Interesting enough that Penney is starting with Williams over Strings. Williams missed the majority of pre season and is coming back from a hip injury. Id imagine many around here would be very worried about Williams being back up to Murray and starting most of the Rabbo.

[taz]

Interesting enough that Penney is starting with Williams over Strings. Williams missed the majority of pre season and is coming back from a hip injury. Id imagine many around here would be very worried about Williams being back up to Murray and starting most of the Rabbo.

Class is permanent though. Strings is 35 ,no need to wreck him with pre season matches. There is only so much left in the tank.

[shannonkiiid]

I hope that penney buys more into the developement of the academy players than mcgahan did, youd like to think with his coaching background that this should be the case!!

[isola ciarrai]

Disaster - having arranged time off work for friday evenings match V Bristol, and having purchased 2 stand tickets, work changes mean that I must work until 6.15 pm Friday due to holidays and colleague illness.
Will give these 2 tickets away rather than waste them - anyone interested?
Can post to Cork address tomorrow or give to any Limerick people going to match.
PM me if interested.
Crushed, I am, as i had everything arranged for a weekend in Cork.

[desperate dan]

pm sent

[joeriddick]

Heading to Muzzer for this one. Looking forward to seeing how Downey and Keatley get on a 10/12.

[taz]

Heading to Muzzer for this one. Looking forward to seeing how Downey and Keatley get on a 10/12.

Me too sir.

[Colliniho]

Lets just hope the weather picks up. It's Noah-esque out there this morning

[deltared]

The Ark just hit a rock opposite the railway station! It's every animal for himself now...just like it always was in d'Arc!

[Cowboy]

Can someone with an inpho.ie account log on there and upload a few of the latest training photos, although I'd say there are one or two will end up in the caption competition thread!!

http://www.inpho.ie/app/WebObjects/I...a/wo/5.0.27.39