Penney Interview on Newstalk

[LeakyBoots]

Up on Soundcloud, check out Thornley and Wood's reaction on the player tomorrow too

http://soundcloud.com/off-the-ball/r...y-passionately

[JoeyFantastic]

Thanks for that.

Interesting the way he responds, ie, we don't have the players we had and we're working out what's the best way to use them.

Just wondering how many times the All Blacks have won a game in the last ten minutes? Several Irish tests that I can recall anyhow.

[Dumptruck]

Excellent interview from Penney. Doesn't give an inch.

[déiseman]

Brilliant!! I'm frickin delighted that someone finally called McDevit out for the spoofer he is. I know newstalk are an official Leinster sponsor but even still the bias on that show drives me mad some times.

Two notable examples for me were their continued assertion last year that all the lads retired last year because of Munster's "one dimensional, attritional style of play"........ even though the majority of the lads retired due to injuries they picked up on international duty (Wally's knee vs England, Fla's Knee/back at world cup, Paul did his back in the 6N etc).

And the incredible lack of respect they play Keith Earls, it even got to a point during the 6 nations that Gerry Thornely had to ask McDevitt if he's actually watched the matches and an English pundit told him Earls should have made the team of the competition! They also openly celebrated on facebook when Earls had to pull out of the opening match in the 6 nations last year.

And I won't even get into the tabloid sensationalism which they're going after Kidney with!!!

Sorry about that.......Rant over.

[isola ciarrai]

Phenomenal speaker and thinker about the game. He certainly put McDevitt in his clever but limited box. Having been concerned about what I saw as lack of progress in our play recently when playing the better teams, I am very much impressed and a believer in the RP Way. His understated passion and commitment to a badly needed new way of doing things is admirable. He is right - things could not continue as before, and his clear, concise analysis of why we had failed even with the great players after 2008 makes you sad that we did not have someone of his calibre with us in the years 2009-2011. He sees us as a group capable in the medium to long term of playing penetrating and expansive rugby, but with a solid core, just not the old 'line out-maul-pick and drive' only style.
He says we do not have the players now anyway to play that way and that our great team had failed to win the big matches in latter years playing that way. I believe we really are looking at a period of 3 years minimum for us to play in his manner and no matter what the MR heads say, they know that also. Let's face it - things had fallen into a shambles here, and Tony McGahan tried to do things the old way with some expansion but it did not work.
It seems to me that RP respects and recognises that ROG, DOC and others, even POC, have achieved but if they cannot play in a new way, their time is limited.
It may be very dark indeed at times before a new dawn but now that I have heard the cool, clear, calm yet passionate belief in his voice, I believe in his way. At any rate, it will be one hell of a ride. Would not be surprised if he does not see next seasons first XV as:
Jones;Zebo;Earls;JJ;LOD;Keatley;CM;Kilcoyne;Sherry ;BJ;DR;POC;Stander;POM;Dougall, with plenty of game time for the likes of Cotter;Ryan;DOC 2.0;Brian Hayes, Ian Nagle/David Foley;Donnellan. Downey when needed, Lualala gone if not a radical improvement, no matter what contract he has (or rather, allowed to go). He believes in these young men and is clearly aware that there will be no major big name acquisitions.
I feel better for hearing him.
I do know that he takes a really keen interest in the academy and was instrumental in having Peter Malone (Academy head) as a part of the A Coaching team, as forwards coach. His promotion of JJ is a clean break with the old days, but logical when you look at the progress of some of the fellow U20s who impressed in SA - Heathcote at Batyh, Serfontein with Boks squad; Henderson at Ulster and only the log jam of BR in Leinster holding back some of their tyros (and that will bring its own problems for Leinster). Fascinated to see how he deals with JJ, LOD, fit again Nagle, brian Hayes, Niall Scannell, Dinneen etc. He has given Billy Holland a chance to shine and he has done well.

[milfordpie]

Great interview Rob Penney showed that he is a thinking man and well able for the spoofers especially the way he made McDevitt explain what he meant about the "old" style of Munster play . It bugs me that some of the press seem not to want Munster to develop their style of play so any time they have a couple of mauls in a game they are reverting to the old play rather than playing the game as it needs to be at that time

[Valencia]

I really really like this guy & God willing he'll have huge success with Munster rugby in due course & that we the supporters have patience & keep faith with his vision

[rathbaner]

Just listened to it. Excellent stuff. It's clear he really believes the players are capable of this.

I hope he's right.

[Angus Axe]

I think Penny realises he has youth on his side and has skills to mould the young players to his game plan. And he's willing to give hem the opportunity, it may take time and we need to have the patience to let him. Although after 2 HEC games some already are beginning to question his methods. I doubt we've had such inexperience in our first 15, but what potential prospects. This will happen, just give it time

[Viigand]

He deserves some time to put his print on the team. You can't open a door with an egg.

[joeriddick]

Great interview Rob Penney showed that he is a thinking man and well able for the spoofers especially the way he made McDevitt explain what he meant about the "old" style of Munster play . It bugs me that some of the press seem not to want Munster to develop their style of play so any time they have a couple of mauls in a game they are reverting to the old play rather than playing the game as it needs to be at that time

The press like to be able to tell a narrative whenever sport is involved, especially bubbleskulls like McDevitt. The Old Munster vs New Munster (which in reality is Winning Munster vs Losing Munster as it pertains to each game) is a handy "go to" for know nothing journalists like McDevitt and Penney ate him without ketchup.

[NiallGK]

Very interesting insight into both the man's philosophy and intelligence. As Angus says, Penney has youth on his side. Sure, the old guard will feature for some time to come but the under 25 players are set to become the new core of this team.

Listening to this interview and reading Quinnie's article has give me plenty of cause for optimism. Maybe it will take a while but I reckon it will be worth waiting for.

[Cowboy]

I'll defend McDevitt because he's always seemed genuine, interested and fair as the head man on OTB. However there are a few others on their staff up there are toe curlingly biased, I'd say they go for pints with the Leinstrons. Whatever his name is commentated on the Llanelli match with woodie and tom Shanklin, if i said he called them European champions 10 times I think I'd be conservative in my estimation.

Then they get Emmet Byrne in to 'talk rugby' for an hour, it should be called 'talk leinster'

Penney pointed something out tonight that I think Eoin missed, he pretty much said that an 'old style' munster gameplan won't win the Heineken cup. He's right of course, look at Leinster. But it hinted to me anyway that winning the damn thing is in his radar.

[gavindillon]

Paraphrase/distillation:

'Munster were good years ago and aren't now'
'Can you clarify that?'
'Munster were good at mauling etc with great players but thats all gone'
'Did you see the mauls in the first half (against Edinburgh)?'
'Yeah but, Rob, where are you going with this, Rob, Rob?'
'We have great players coming through, all young. There are no negatives, just learning experiences'
'Rob, Rob, sum it up for us - are Munster going to revert to the old type of forward play or use rubbish backs against superior teams in the future?'
'How many development/ITM cup winning sides have you coached recently?'
'The what what???'
''Nuff said''

[busby]

You can be sure of one thing - he has the players utmost respect. You got a rare glimpse into Penny taking somebody up on something there and it wasn't pretty.

He made two very important points

Firstly, the old Munster game plan isn't good enough to win the HEC. Kidney is persisting with that old Munster game plan and it's looking stale as hell.

Secondly, even if it was good enough, we haven't the players for it. We have good forwards coming through, but not the type to play that game. They're lighter but more skilful and better suited to what Penny is pushing. We also have potentially one of the best backlines in Europe with everyone fit and healthy.

[joeriddick]

You can be sure of one thing - he has the players utmost respect. You got a rare glimpse into Penny taking somebody up on something there and it wasn't pretty.

You could almost hear McDevitt reddening up.

[blackwarrior]

Can't wait to hear that. I actually like McDevitt, but he's probably been given an easy ride by interviewees prior to now. Fave McIntyre definitely a leinsterfan - so what? Penney will lead us back where we belong!

[Thomond78]

What I most enjoyed was him pointing out this "old Munster" caricature is just that. Look at us playing in 2006 or 2008, we played cracking rugby, and often did before - as Wood pointed out after. I'm ****-sick of that lazy caricature, and I want it dead.

[DONC]

Might be a while before RP is back on Newstalk.

It is very encouraging to hear RP talk, he does seem to have a very clear and concise view of where he wants to be and how to get there. Of course he needs time but it is becoming clearer and clearer just how far back we are so a huge amount of catching up to do before we are even really competitive.

I have said it from the first game of the season we will have good days and bad days this season but as the season progresses the signs of great improvement will be there. I am really certain if we can get through the group in the Heino we will give it a bloody good rattle, it wont be an embarrassing exit like it has been all too often in recent years. Not that certain we will get through the group though but hey we might, I hope we do but as long as we are progressing it will be easier to take than a few years back.

I really think we have exciting times ahead again may I offer one great big thank you to the Austrailian Rugby Union for employing a certain person, I may even send them a Christmas card.

[gavindillon]

I really think we have exciting times ahead again may I offer one great big thank you to the Austrailian Rugby Union for employing a certain person, I may even send them a Christmas card.

Let's make it a Munsterfans group effort and send them a hamper or something, they deserve it!

[taz]

Penney ate him without ketchup.

Penney---><---Eoin

[LeakyBoots]

Let's make it a Munsterfans group effort and send them a hamper or something, they deserve it!

Not sure I agree with this constant kicking of McGahan (and this 'McGahanball' ********).

It's worth remembering a lot of this soon-to-be core group of young players wouldn't have come through without his placing emphasis on the academy. The likes of POM cut their teeth two seasons ago, Murray and others came through under his watch. And he had an ageing team in serious decline and virtually no scrum towards the end of his tenure. Of course it's his fault that he didn't/couldn't adapt his style of play when he realised he hadn't the players to play the game and in the end he deserved to go, not arguing otherwise. But I think we're better than jeering a former coach who's time with us didn't work out.

Back on topic, rather than judging it all on one clip, maybe listen to the whole context and the reaction after (McDevitt acknowledges it wasn't his best interview and puts his hands up)

Full interview starts at 51.50 on http://media.newstalk.ie/listenback/...nesday/1/popup

McDevitt, Thornley's and Woodies' reaction is in part 2 http://media.newstalk.ie/listenback/...nesday/2/popup

[Weetabix]

Penney man shamed him.
However! I will listen to the newstalk crew anyday over the Muppet Show of RTE.
As long as they get analysts like Woody and Shaggy on you can be sure they'll have enough insight to cut through the ****e.

[Angus Axe]

The old plan may not win us the HEC with the level of experience that we have. But I'd still hope we keep retain it as part of an evolving game plan. There are times when shuv it up the jumper works, and we need to play that style when the game requires it.

[bobbin]

McDevitt is generally excellent, rugby probably not his forte alright. He covered GAA leagues for Setanta a few years back and proved massively superior to any of the RTE presenters.

Was a good interview alright, didnt catch all of it. Penney was unflinchingly polite, reasoned and passionate. And not afraid to express his real opinion. Very very refreshing.

As I said, I didnt catch it all. Is it correct to say that (in very broad terms) he said that they went wide in the first half to take the sting out of Edinburgh, so that when they palyed a more direct game in 2nd half Edinburgh legs were gone? If so that is a very very interesting concept, and throws all past tactics up in the air, where keeping it tight to tire them out and then throwing it wide was an accepted convention. No reason it wouldnt work the other way really!

[McCloud]

McDevitt is generally excellent, rugby probably not his forte alright. He covered GAA leagues for Setanta a few years back and proved massively superior to any of the RTE presenters.

Was a good interview alright, didnt catch all of it. Penney was unflinchingly polite, reasoned and passionate. And not afraid to express his real opinion. Very very refreshing.

As I said, I didnt catch it all. Is it correct to say that (in very broad terms) he said that they went wide in the first half to take the sting out of Edinburgh, so that when they palyed a more direct game in 2nd half Edinburgh legs were gone? If so that is a very very interesting concept, and throws all past tactics up in the air, where keeping it tight to tire them out and then throwing it wide was an accepted convention. No reason it wouldnt work the other way really!

He said that in the first half they tried to maul early on and got no change out of it. So they changed tack and moved Edinburgh around and when they reverted to the maul / pack in the last 15 to 10 minutes Edinburgh didn't have the legs or energy to get across the pitch to defend. Good interview and in fairness to McDevitt he did hold up his hand at the end.

[DonL]

The old plan may not win us the HEC with the level of experience that we have. But I'd still hope we keep retain it as part of an evolving game plan. There are times when shuv it up the jumper works, and we need to play that style when the game requires it.

I think that's what RP was trying to say in the interview. Very engaging interview, really enjoyed it, thought though he was long winded in some of the answers (certainly the second last) and came round to the point better in the end. Multi facet gameplan was mentioned a number of times and that's the most important thing really. You'll win nothing using this pain in the ass strategy of "going wide" all the time. Mix it up, mix it up, mix it up, that will then create space. Thought he somewhat got that point across but not brilliantly either. RP also said that us going wide in the first half created more space in the second half and helped us score the points. Don't know how true that is and sounded a bit odd to me. Think Wood pointed this out as well.

One thing I didn't like was his need to tell mcDevitt that DOC was inches away from scoring a great try in the first half. DOC shouldn't be out there in the first place and that's one area that I think needs changing - second rows on the wings does not make sense.

Did anyone else get the sense that he was getting a defensive and coming out with the odd sh*te point like the above DOC one? Just a thought.

[JoeyFantastic]

McDevitt is generally excellent, rugby probably not his forte alright. He covered GAA leagues for Setanta a few years back and proved massively superior to any of the RTE presenters.

Was a good interview alright, didnt catch all of it. Penney was unflinchingly polite, reasoned and passionate. And not afraid to express his real opinion. Very very refreshing.

As I said, I didnt catch it all. Is it correct to say that (in very broad terms) he said that they went wide in the first half to take the sting out of Edinburgh, so that when they palyed a more direct game in 2nd half Edinburgh legs were gone? If so that is a very very interesting concept, and throws all past tactics up in the air, where keeping it tight to tire them out and then throwing it wide was an accepted convention. No reason it wouldnt work the other way really!

More or less that. I think if we'd different forwards we'd keep it tight. If we'd Healy and SOB, or even one of them, we might.

[dropkick]

RP also said that us going wide in the first half created more space in the second half and helped us score the points. Don't know how true that is and sounded a bit odd to me. Think Wood pointed this out as well.

He means that it tires out the opposition defense. The more effort they put into plugging the holes the quicker they tire out. The last thing a tired team want to do is defend a maul. He correctly points out the mauls in the first half that were not as successful.

[gavindillon]

Not sure I agree with this constant kicking of McGahan (and this 'McGahanball' ********).

It's worth remembering a lot of this soon-to-be core group of young players wouldn't have come through without his placing emphasis on the academy. The likes of POM cut their teeth two seasons ago, Murray and others came through under his watch. And he had an ageing team in serious decline and virtually no scrum towards the end of his tenure. Of course it's his fault that he didn't/couldn't adapt his style of play when he realised he hadn't the players to play the game and in the end he deserved to go, not arguing otherwise. But I think we're better than jeering a former coach who's time with us didn't work out.

Back on topic, rather than judging it all on one clip, maybe listen to the whole context and the reaction after (McDevitt acknowledges it wasn't his best interview and puts his hands up)

Full interview starts at 51.50 on http://media.newstalk.ie/listenback/...nesday/1/popup

McDevitt, Thornley's and Woodies' reaction is in part 2 http://media.newstalk.ie/listenback/...nesday/2/popup

You are correct of course, I didn't mean the comment nastily, it was all in good fun. I don't think McGahan was the man for the job going forward, but he was beset on all sides in many ways. Full respect to the man for recognising and developing talent. It was not a dig at McG, rather a recognisation that the Aussie Union have allowed us access to something (hopefully) even better!

Thanks for the links by the way!