Nailed Down Starters 2012/2013

[Sketchy]

There is much speculation as to how our starting 15 will look come the crunch HEC games. Just said i'd throw out a thread that can be updated as players develop or hit form. Hard to predict a complete starting 15 so early on, but there are already players that we can't really live without in certain positions. This will change no doubt as the season progresses.

1. WDP
2. Sherry
3. Botha
4. Ryan
5. POC
6.
7.
8.
9. Murray
10.
11.
12.
13. Earls
14. Dougie
15.

POM is definitely a starter for me but I can't decide where. Earls will cause some debate no doubt, but for me he has to start 13. Hurley is almost on the list, but I really like what I have seen of Scanlon and look forward to seeing how he progresses. It's all subjective anyway, so let the debate begin!

[Cowboy]

Rog be set in stone HEC starter

[Sketchy]

Rog be set in stone HEC starter

You're probably right Cowboy. I had to hold off on that one 'til I see more though. But given Keatley's implosion it is unlikely ROG won't be top dog.

[Kevy-Wevz]

I doubt Earls will definitely be the starting 13.

It would be a shame to sign a 13 of Laulala's experience and talent to only play him in the Rabo games. Hopefully it's a real battle between the two of them and Earls learns as much as he can from Casey

[Aiden7]

1. WDP
2. Sherry
3. Botha
4. Ryan
5. POC
6. POM
7. Stander
8. Cawlin
9. Murray
10. ROG
11. Earls
12. Downey
13. Casey
14. Dougie
15. Hurley

can see Stander being put in not sure where tho, Downey and Casey will more than likely start as well

[Dowlinz]

1. WDP
2. Sherry
3. Botha
4. Ryan
5. POC
6.
7.
8.
9. Murray
10. ROG
11.
12.
13.
14. Dougie
15.

For me. I'd say POM and Earls are nailed on starters as well but in which possession remains to be seen.

Season is long as well, plenty of time for the starters to fall out of favour and squad players to impress. Bar POC and BJ nobody is truly untouchable.

[Dowlinz]

I doubt Earls will definitely be the starting 13.

It would be a shame to sign a 13 of Laulala's experience and talent to only play him in the Rabo games. Hopefully it's a real battle between the two of them and Earls learns as much as he can from Casey

There was talk when he joined of playing both of them with one of them (probably Laulala) at 12 and using Downey as the Rabo player. Either way I hope they're flexible because it'd be an absolute waste of talent if we were forced into an either/or situation with them.

[Balla Boy]

I'd say Earls is nailed on, but who knows where?

Does Kilcoyne have the capacity to move Wian?

Hooker is Sherry's for the taking, but it remains to be seen if he'll grasp it.

I genuinely believe that Strings will put pressure on Murray.

Only people I'd be confident of saying will start in a particular position are Botha, Ryan, POC, ROG.


A huge amount of opportunity for young players to stake a claim.

[MrsMcGahan]

Posters need to get withtthe program and deliver heads up posts.
ROG is still the same player he was 10 years ago. The game is different and kicking the corners is more tricky and that's an issue but he's physically fine.
He will start in the HEC.
I'll be surprised if Earls doesn't start at 15. Murray, ROG, Zebo, Downey, Laulala, Howlett, Earls is a fairly decent set of backs. If they get any ball they will cause trouble.

[Kevy-Wevz]

There was talk when he joined of playing both of them with one of them (probably Laulala) at 12 and using Downey as the Rabo player. Either way I hope they're flexible because it'd be an absolute waste of talent if we were forced into an either/or situation with them.

I certainly hope not as that's another waste in my eyes.

Downey isn't the best 12 in the world but he was a damn fine player at Northampton and I'll wager he'll be great for us. Downey is a natural 12, Laulala is a natural 13 and Earls is seemingly a wing who wants to play OC.

The idea of not playing our best 12, playing our best 13 at 12 and playing Earls at OC instead 'cos he wants to is something that would have been done in the Dark Days of Dumper.

Hopefully Penney has Earls earning that position and Laulala putting serious pressure on him

[Kevy-Wevz]

Murray, ROG, Zebo, Downey, Laulala, Howlett, Earls is a fairly decent set of backs. If they get any ball they will cause trouble.

Good Lord, imagine what they could do...

[Balla Boy]

I really loathe this notion that Earls is somehow stamping his feet. He's an international level player who has stated his intent and ambition to play in a particular position. I'd expect nothing less.

The implication seems to be that he's somehow intent on getting there other than by merit, and there's no evidence for that.

[Kevy-Wevz]

I really loathe this notion that Earls is somehow stamping his feet. He's an international level player who has stated his intent and ambition to play in a particular position. I'd expect nothing less.

The implication seems to be that he's somehow intent on getting there other than by merit, and there's no evidence for that.

Certainly wasn't my intent to imply that notion. I have no doubt he'll earn his stripes there and be great for Munster and Ireland, I'd have him there as first choice if we didn't have another experienced and talented 13 waiting in the ranks.

Competition for positions is exactly what we need. This time last year I couldn't even conceive struggling to field a first 15 due to too many players for postions...

[brightspark]

What's with he "implosion" of keatley ?He season isn't even started ffs !I was speaking to someone today and we got talking about the tonking that Munster got last week against LI. He reckoned that murray is playing shocking rugby at the moment ! Had to remind them that Murray Wasn't playing last week and didn't play at all bad on his last appearances for Ireland.Seems everyone needs a villain .Yet another fine tradition imported from scumball.

[Danny Ian Mark Walsh]

1. WDP
2. Sherry
3. Botha
4. Ryan
5. POC
6. POM
7. Stander
8. Cawlin
9. Murray
10. ROG
11. Earls
12. Downey
13. Casey
14. Dougie
15. Hurley

can see Stander being put in not sure where tho, Downey and Casey will more than likely start as well

Have been watching a bit of Stander in the Super15 & ITM cup, will be a decent addtition to the squad, is more of a 6 or 8, has great ball carrying abilities reminds of Sean O Brien 2 years ago before he was found out/moved to 7, think he will have to step up to the plate though make it into the HC team..

[Danny Ian Mark Walsh]

I also think the squad could look like this by at least the Leinster game on the 6th of October
1.Wian
2.Sherry
3.Botha
4.Ryan
5.POC
6.DOC2
7.Ronan
8.POM
9.Murray
10.ROG
11.Zebo
12.Downey
13.Laulala
14.Dougie
15.Earlsy

That on paper is a fairly strong outfit.. And depending on form.. a team that could very much so take Leinster on in the Aviva....

[brightspark]

DIMK, that centre pairing is untested and a potential weak link , but maybe by October .....

[Danny Ian Mark Walsh]

On paper it looks mouth watering imo, 2 lads that are well capable of making ground.. Looking forward to the first look on saturday evening 7:45 rte!

[brightspark]

Didn't realise it was on rte . Excellent.

[overthehillprop]

would like to see a back row of DOC2.0, POM and CJ start at least one of the HEC games.

[Viigand]

Stander will nail down one of either 6 or 8 I think. Don't see him as a 7.

[Hermes]

This is going to be impossible to really decide which is no harm. The positive is that we look to have settled half backs and tight 5 which are the most important.

[bazzyg]

1.Wian
2.Sherry
3.Botha
4.Ryan
5.POC
6.Stander
7.Ronan
8.POM
9.Murray
10.ROG
11.O'Dea - I like the look of him and a good back 3 who can mix it up.
12.Downey
13.Earls
14.Dougie
15.Hurley

[sewa]

Good Lord, imagine what they could do...

It has everything except for pace and inventiveness, there isnt a club side in NZ that would be so old and slow on average

[scotscor]

I genuinely believe that Strings will put pressure on Murray.

Only people I'd be confident of saying will start in a particular position are Botha, Ryan, POC, ROG.


A huge amount of opportunity for young players to stake a claim.

I'd say dougie if fit as captain is nailed on. But totally agree that Strings is back, and hopefully will be given a chance to show what he can do.
I don't think any of the back row positions are secure. I imagine POM and Stander will start all games when fit, but which of Coughlan, DOC2, Ted, Bom, Ronan or Butler, TOD, ano or even Dryan will join them is to be seen.

We seem to have a lot of potential this season, a lot of players who either could be great or are to some extent hit or miss. I'm not expecting a hugely successful season. But looking forward to it.

[Sketchy]

What's with he "implosion" of keatley ?He season isn't even started ffs !I was speaking to someone today and we got talking about the tonking that Munster got last week against LI. He reckoned that murray is playing shocking rugby at the moment ! Had to remind them that Murray Wasn't playing last week and didn't play at all bad on his last appearances for Ireland.Seems everyone needs a villain .Yet another fine tradition imported from scumball.

Ok, Apologies if my terminology came across as unnecessarily harsh, and i'll put my hand up and say I wasn't at the game, but by all accounts he was very poor. I haven't written Keatley off though and i'm certainly not looking for a "villain" in him. I want him to be as successful as the next supporter. You'll see I left my 10 spot blank in the hope that he can push on and really challenge ROG and create genuine competition for the jersey. There is plenty of time left for him in this season to stake a claim but it is a bit disheartening to hear the reports of the LI game, but there were other factors involved, such as playing with probably the 3rd choice 9, and a weakened pack.

Regarding the pack I would like to see the following at some point:

1. WDP
2. Sherry
3. Botha
4. Ryan
5. POC
6. DOC II
7. POM
8. Stander

The backs is where it gets messy for me. I'd like to see Earls 13 or 15. I feel he has too much pace and incision to offer to be waiting for ball on the wing. Downey is up in the air. He could be exactly what we need or he may struggle to play Penney's game due to his limited skill level. If it is the latter, I would like to see Laulala tried at 12 with Earls 13.

I can see Zebo and LOD having a right tussle for the 11 jersey. Same with Hurley and Scanlon, although Scanlon will have to really take the 15 spot from Hurley. Similarly with ROG and Keatley. Keatley will really have to up his game to challenge ROG.

But the one great thing is that no one is sure of their place. The competition will be fierce and should spur them on to be at their optimum performance levels. And if things aren't working on the day, at least there will be a worthy option on the bench that can change the game. Such a difference from last year when we were hard pressed to fill the starting 15.

[Dowlinz]

I'll be surprised if Earls doesn't start at 15. Murray, ROG, Zebo, Downey, Laulala, Howlett, Earls is a fairly decent set of backs. If they get any ball they will cause trouble.

I'd really like to see that, it's by far the best way to make use of our backline talent.

On strings I certainly hope he's given the chance to push Murray and have them both picked on merit. The selection of Williams over him in pre-season has me worried though.

[McCloud]

I'd say dougie if fit as captain is nailed on. But totally agree that Strings is back, and hopefully will be given a chance to show what he can do.
I don't think any of the back row positions are secure. I imagine POM and Stander will start all games when fit, but which of Coughlan, DOC2, Ted, Bom, Ronan or Butler, TOD, ano or even Dryan will join them is to be seen.

We seem to have a lot of potential this season, a lot of players who either could be great or are to some extent hit or miss. I'm not expecting a hugely successful season. But looking forward to it.

Something else that needs to factored in when talking about nailed down starters is how quickly players can adapt to how Penney wants the game to be played. Some will get there quicker then others so we might see some surprise selections during the season. Like you I'm looking forward to it and some interesting selections.

[Cowboy]

Going to be a very interesting year for Original DOC and how he fits into the pack. Ryan is a savage second row, but he's also turned in impressive performances at blindside when injuries have added up.

Fantastic that we've three superstar locks on the books at a minimum, our blue neighbours have been trying to square that circle for years.

7 is the jersey I'm most interested in for the year, one way or the other somebody has to put their hand up and keep it up. In the other 14 positions we've proven or consistent talent, openside though for me is where we need to see progression and settlement. I think Pom might be the man for the long haul. He's fearless, durable, and rarely if ever gets phased by occasions.

Where CJ Sledgehammer will fit is entirely where we can give him most ball, I was stunned by his last two outings in the Currie Cup, the tank himself would have been happy with the tackles this guy bust through. He looked most confident at 8, gave him time and space to attack.

Blindside could then be filled by the giant/lanky tail gunner type i.e. Beta, hopefully this season he can do what Pom did 12 months ago and really cement his place in the side. He doesn't lack for size nor aggression, and a bit like Pom he's getting the teething injuries that beset young players these days as they break through. However this year he could really kick on and make it

I'm not ignoring the reliables in Cawlin and Ronan, nor do I think their races are ran, but I would like to see succession continuing. If either of them are picked for the the big games I'll be happy, they've never really let us down, but it's the unknown quantities could see us do well this year.

Nothing drives a team like hunger, young players who've won **** all will take doors off hinges to get out on the field and win their place in Valhalla. Pom a prime example, build a team on that hunger.

[Sketchy]

Nothing drives a team like hunger, young players who've won **** all will take doors off hinges to get out on the field and win their place in Valhalla. Pom a prime example, build a team on that hunger.

Let's hope they're starving.