Munster Team Talk Thread VI - Stander Up and Fight

Eod100

leakyboots wrote: »

According to people on the Twitter machine (too hungover to check) we've the best defensive record in the Pro14 for points conceded and second best for tries conceded behind Leinster and Ospreys.

In the Heineken were top for both.

Chapeau Monsieur Ferreira and co.

Yup all true. Only slightly worrying thing is our try record in pool stages. Hopefully kick on attacking in qf and (hopefully) beyond.

leakyboots

Psycho Killer - "Hands Away" (Prop-Prop-Prrrroppp-Prop, Prop-Prop-Prop-Prrrrrrop-Prop)

Yeah the attack is yet to fully convince. If we met Saracens away in a semi would they strangle the life out of us again you'd wonder.

From an attack viewpoint Farrell is arguably our most important player, he can get us forward with bad ball or against good defences

The Lost Sheep

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

Eod100 wrote: »

Yup all true. Only slightly worrying thing is our try record in pool stages. Hopefully kick on attacking in qf and (hopefully) beyond.

I wouldnt worry that much if defence can maintain what its doing. Knockouts should/do see sides more conservative not opening up so not that worrying...

phog

leakyboots wrote: »

According to people on the Twitter machine (too hungover to check) we've the best defensive record in the Pro14 for points conceded and second best for tries conceded behind Leinster and Ospreys.

In the Heineken were top for both.

Chapeau Monsieur Ferreira and co.

Yes, aside from one or two bad beatings we've done well this season so far, still need to keep the foot on the pedal to stay top of the conference. The reward is a home SF and avoiding Leinster until a possible final.

Defunkd

Eod100 wrote: »

Yup all true. Only slightly worrying thing is our try record in pool stages. Hopefully kick on attacking in qf and (hopefully) beyond.

I might be mistaken but eir showed the table in it's entirety fri night and we have a PD of nearly 200, followed by Glasgow with about 100. I tried both Guinness/Munster sites but can't find the pd on mobile sites.

Our tries scored in HC was never really an issue to me. If you get an opportunity, take the three and leave running rugby to the baa baa's. But we still are ranked 3rd, with 449 tries scored in HC...so i don't know if it is as big an issue as you think.
Toulouse 470, Dublin 456.

Caranica

Defunkd wrote: »

I might be mistaken but eir showed the table in it's entirety fri night and we have a PD of nearly 200, followed by Glasgow with about 100. I tried both Guinness/Munster sites but can't find the pd on mobile sites.

Munster +197 Glasgow +103. Closer than conference B where Leinster are +268 and Edinburgh (2nd place) are on +26!

Eod100

Over 20,000 tickets sold for Edinburgh v Munster quarter-final. If CC site is accurate their biggest home pool attendance was just under 12k. Could easily double that figure by time match comes around.

https://twitter.com/EdinburghRugby/status/1097487863955013633

Eod100

Defunkd wrote: »

I might be mistaken but eir showed the table in it's entirety fri night and we have a PD of nearly 200, followed by Glasgow with about 100. I tried both Guinness/Munster sites but can't find the pd on mobile sites.

Our tries scored in HC was never really an issue to me. If you get an opportunity, take the three and leave running rugby to the baa baa's. But we still are ranked 3rd, with 449 tries scored in HC...so i don't know if it is as big an issue as you think.
Toulouse 470, Dublin 456.

Ah don't think it's a major issue, most teams would want to be scoring more tries ideally. If we can win in knock-outs without tries it's all the one to me but definitely helps our chances if we're scoring tries.

Caranica

Eod100 wrote: »

Over 20,000 tickets sold for Edinburgh v Munster quarter-final. If CC site is accurate their biggest home pool attendance was just under 12k. Could easily double that figure by time match comes around.

https://twitter.com/EdinburghRugby/status/1097487863955013633

Think they had just under 38k for their QF v Toulouse in 2012 so would hope we could top that

Eod100

Caranica wrote: »

Think they had just under 38k for their QF v Toulouse in 2012 so would hope we could top that

As long as that's the only similarity between 2012 and not the results! :P

thomond2006

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

The Munster Rugby squad trained at the High Performance Centre in Limerick today ahead of Friday night’s Guinness PRO14 clash against Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium (7.35pm).

The Munster Rugby Medical Department have released the following injury update ahead of Friday night’s game.

Chris Farrell was removed with a knee injury in the first half of the weekend’s game against Southern Kings. He will be assessed further by the medical department today.

Tadhg Beirne is continuing the rehabilitation of his knee injury.

Both Farrell and Beirne will return to Ireland camp this week.

The following are progressing with rehabilitation: Brian Scott (foot), James Cronin (leg), Dave O’Callaghan (foot), Tommy O’Donnell (shoulder), CJ Stander (cheek), Sammy Arnold (leg).

Andrew Conway, John Ryan and Niall Scannell return to international camp this week having started Friday night’s clash at a sold-out Irish Independent Park.

Munster Academy players Craig Casey, SeFrench, Ben Healy, James McCarthy, Josh Wycherley and Jonathan Wren are among the Munster contingent training with the Ireland U20s ahead of their clash against Italy on Friday night.

https://munsterrugby.ie/2019/02/18/squad-update-pre-ospreys-2/

Possible team vs Ospreys:

Loughman, Marshall, Archer, Kleyn, Holland, Wycherley, Cloete, Botha;
Mathewson, Hanrahan, Sweetnam, Scannell, Goggin, Wootton, Haley

KOB, LOC, Parker, DOS, Coombes, Cronin, Johnston, Nash

Ireland: Kilcoyne, N Scannell, Ryan, Beirne, POM, Murray, Farrell, Earls, Conway
Injured: Cronin, Scott, DOC, TOD, Stander, Arnold

Sabre0001

Guess Who's Back, Back Again? JJ's Back, Tell a Friend

If only all our kicks were from the tryline!

https://twitter.com/Munsterrugby/status/1097445096818130944

yerrahbah

I'm guessing Farrell joining up with Ireland means they're optimistic on his knee injury...

Mr Tickle

Return of the JJ

Sabre0001 wrote: »

If only all our kicks were from the tryline!

https://twitter.com/Munsterrugby/status/1097445096818130944

the charge-down would be a risk

phog

thomond2006 wrote: »

Possible team vs Ospreys:

Loughman, Marshall, Archer, Kleyn, Holland, Wycherley, Cloete, Botha;
Mathewson, Hanrahan, Sweetnam, Scannell, Goggin, Wootton, Haley

KOB, LOC, Parker, DOS, Coombes, Cronin, Johnston, Nash

Ireland: Kilcoyne, N Scannell, Ryan, Beirne, POM, Murray, Farrell, Earls, Conway
Injured: Cronin, Scott, DOC, TOD, Stander, Arnold

I don't see Tyler not getting into the 23.

crasy dash

Quick one lads who's the kicking coach this year had a Google but couldn't find anything about it.

troyzer

Somebody was saying on twitter that the Kings game was the first game recorded in their database where a team (Munster) didn't give up a single penalty or free kick.

phog

troyzer wrote: »

Somebody was saying on twitter that the Kings game was the first game recorded in their database where a team (Munster) didn't give up a single penalty or free kick.

Already mentioned on Match thread - CardiffRFCfans

On an unrelated matter

JvG seems to imply Munster would like to hold on to Alby

troyzer

phog wrote: »

troyzer wrote: »

Somebody was saying on twitter that the Kings game was the first game recorded in their database where a team (Munster) didn't give up a single penalty or free kick.

Already mentioned on Match thread - CardiffRFCfans

On an unrelated matter

JvG seems to imply Munster would like to hold on to Alby

Ah yes, that's the one.

You'd have to imagine Mathewson is making big money. I just don't understand how the IRFU could allow a joker to block developing talent. It would be madness.

phog

troyzer wrote: »

Ah yes, that's the one.

You'd have to imagine Mathewson is making big money. I just don't understand how the IRFU could allow a joker to block developing talent. It would be madness.

By signing him for a year or two he'd no longer be a medical joker and be the same as any other NIQ player in Ireland.

JvG making the point of what he adds off the field in particular to developing scrumhalfs

troyzer

phog wrote: »

troyzer wrote: »

Ah yes, that's the one.

You'd have to imagine Mathewson is making big money. I just don't understand how the IRFU could allow a joker to block developing talent. It would be madness.

By signing him for a year or two he'd no longer be a medical joker and be the same as any other NIQ player in Ireland.

JvG making the point of what he adds off the field in particular to developing scrumhalfs

Munster already have such a backlog at scrumhalf though.

If I were Leo Cullen right now I'd be asking Nick McCarthy and the IRFU if it's possible to terminate that contract. It makes no sense for him going from third in Leinster to fighting for third in Munster and I doubt it's what JVG was feeding him when he was trying to get him to sign.

Eod100

troyzer wrote: »

Munster already have such a backlog at scrumhalf though.

If I were Leo Cullen right now I'd be asking Nick McCarthy and the IRFU if it's possible to terminate that contract. It makes no sense for him going from third in Leinster to fighting for third in Munster and I doubt it's what JVG was feeding him when he was trying to get him to sign.

Murray will be with Ireland for RWC so won't feature for Munster til Champions Cup and be gone for 6N. Don't think McCarthy would have been expected to start even when Murray was away. Think I saw he only had 3 starts for Leinster in 17/18. If Matthewson stays on for extra season and mentors McCarthy so he can step up to 2nd in line then think it's a win-win.

Seemed like JGP being IE would result in him getting more game-time which could result in less for McGrath and McCarthy?

troyzer

Eod100 wrote: »

troyzer wrote: »

Munster already have such a backlog at scrumhalf though.

If I were Leo Cullen right now I'd be asking Nick McCarthy and the IRFU if it's possible to terminate that contract. It makes no sense for him going from third in Leinster to fighting for third in Munster and I doubt it's what JVG was feeding him when he was trying to get him to sign.

Murray will be with Ireland for RWC so won't feature for Munster til Champions Cup and be gone for 6N. Don't think McCarthy would have been expected to start even when Murray was away. Think I saw he only had 3 starts for Leinster in 17/18. If Matthewson stays on for extra season and mentors McCarthy so he can step up to 2nd in line then think it's a win-win.

Seemed like JGP being IE would result in him getting more game-time which could result in less for McGrath and McCarthy?

McGrath would be ahead of JGP. He's a more consistent performer.

It made sense for McCarthy to leave when it was clear he'd be fast tracked to the 21 jersey. His competition wasn't the strongest (which is why Munster felt the need to sign Mathewson in the first place). But I don't think he signed a contract thinking he'd be stuck behind a former All Black for a year or two.

Eod100

troyzer wrote: »

McGrath would be ahead of JGP. He's a more consistent performer.

It made sense for McCarthy to leave when it was clear he'd be fast tracked to the 21 jersey. His competition wasn't the strongest (which is why Munster felt the need to sign Mathewson in the first place). But I don't think he signed a contract thinking he'd be stuck behind a former All Black for a year or two.

Could be wrong but thought McGrath was getting more appearences to manage the JGP, Lowe, Fardy selection issue but maybe McGrath would start anyway. Either way McCarthy still behind the 2 of them.

Yeah guess it's like the Carbery situation, presumably McCarthy signed on at prospect of more game time. He's fairly young yet though, only 24 next month. Matthewson will be 34 December after RWC. You'd like to think he'd get more and more game time next season.

Matthewson update could just be his contract has been extended til end of season but did seem like possibility of longer by way JVG was implying.

troyzer

Eod100 wrote: »

troyzer wrote: »

McGrath would be ahead of JGP. He's a more consistent performer.

It made sense for McCarthy to leave when it was clear he'd be fast tracked to the 21 jersey. His competition wasn't the strongest (which is why Munster felt the need to sign Mathewson in the first place). But I don't think he signed a contract thinking he'd be stuck behind a former All Black for a year or two.

Could be wrong but thought McGrath was getting more appearences to manage the JGP, Lowe, Fardy selection issue but maybe McGrath would start anyway. Either way McCarthy still behind the 2 of them.

Yeah guess it's like the Carbery situation, presumably McCarthy signed on at prospect of more game time. He's fairly young yet though, only 24 next month. Matthewson will be 34 December after RWC. You'd like to think he'd get more and more game time next season.

Matthewson update could just be his contract has been extended til end of season but did seem like possibility of longer by way JVG was implying.

Up until this season, McGrath was comfortably ahead of JGP. But JGP has had a great season to the point now where you don't really lose much by playing one or the other, they bring different strengths.

McCarthy is firmly 3rd choice and not getting enough gametime. Hugh O'Sullivan is right up his arse as well. So it made all of the sense in the world for him to go to a province with the best 9 in the world (maybe not anymore) and learn from him with the chance of significant game time.

If it is only to the end of this season or even to the end of the world cup then fair enough. But if it's until the end of next season or beyond I'd be fairly pissed off.

Eod100

troyzer wrote: »

Up until this season, McGrath was comfortably ahead of JGP. But JGP has had a great season to the point now where you don't really lose much by playing one or the other, they bring different strengths.

McCarthy is firmly 3rd choice and not getting enough gametime. Hugh O'Sullivan is right up his arse as well. So it made all of the sense in the world for him to go to a province with the best 9 in the world (maybe not anymore) and learn from him with the chance of significant game time.

If it is only to the end of this season or even to the end of the world cup then fair enough. But if it's until the end of next season or beyond I'd be fairly pissed off.

To the end of the RWC might be a decent compromise actually. Gotta wait and see I guess!

E mac

If Alby was leaving surely other teams would already be offering him a contract. Grobler going to Gloucester was known early enough last season.

shootermacg

Guess Who's Back, Back Again? JJ's Back, Tell a Friend

troyzer wrote: »

Up until this season, McGrath was comfortably ahead of JGP. But JGP has had a great season to the point now where you don't really lose much by playing one or the other, they bring different strengths.

McCarthy is firmly 3rd choice and not getting enough gametime. Hugh O'Sullivan is right up his arse as well. So it made all of the sense in the world for him to go to a province with the best 9 in the world (maybe not anymore) and learn from him with the chance of significant game time.

If it is only to the end of this season or even to the end of the world cup then fair enough. But if it's until the end of next season or beyond I'd be fairly pissed off.

Not a thing wrong with having an on field general when our internationals are away. It worked out well for Leinster with Fardy and Isa, if not with Joe Tomane.

If McCarthy is good enough he'll get games..if he isn't well then..that's up to him. One thing for sure is if Murray is fit for internationals he plays.

Former Former

John Hayes Ligind

Since Murray will be back for Europe, what's the point in keeping Mathewson?

I wouldn't fancy McCarthy in a big European tie but if he's not good enough for a Pro14 game (when the opposition will also be missing their big names), then why bother signing him? Plenty of rubbish scrum-halves already.

He must be lined up to be the starter in Murray's absence.

Ulster could do worse than signing Mathewson for a season.

Kirk Van Houten

Kirk Van Houten wrote: »

Seems Mathewson is wanted back in Toulon but wouldn't be overly surprised to see him in Limerick next season if he doesn't go to France.

The whole Savea thing may help him make his mind up. But I'm sure all the Mole blog readers know better. 😂😂😂😂

thomond2006

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

Former Former wrote: »

Since Murray will be back for Europe, what's the point in keeping Mathewson?

I wouldn't fancy McCarthy in a big European tie but if he's not good enough for a Pro14 game (when the opposition will also be missing their big names), then why bother signing him? Plenty of rubbish scrum-halves already.

He must be lined up to be the starter in Murray's absence.

Ulster could do worse than signing Mathewson for a season.

The point in keeping Mathewson would be that he's an excellent player.

Other than that, we are revisiting old ground on here.

The Lost Sheep

A new born king to see POM POM POM POM POM

Munster shouldnt be allowed keep Mathewson. With McCarthy coming they'll have 2 senior and 2 academy scrum halves and Duncan could yet still get a contract. Mathewson is a very good player but we'd be far better off during a season with so many games impacted by international games to be giving McCarthy, academy SHs gametime with less prssure than normal

Cookiemunster

Psycho Killer - "Hands Away" (Prop-Prop-Prrrroppp-Prop, Prop-Prop-Prop-Prrrrrrop-Prop)

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Munster shouldnt be allowed keep Mathewson. With McCarthy coming they'll have 2 senior and 2 academy scrum halves and Duncan could yet still get a contract. Mathewson is a very good player but we'd be far better off during a season with so many games impacted by international games to be giving McCarthy, academy SHs gametime with less prssure than normal

I doubt Duncan will get a contract. He's not featured since November and it was noticeable that he was the only SH not mentioned by JVG in that sporting Limerick clip. Even Hart was name checked.

Burkie1203

Eod100 wrote: »

If Matthewson stays on for extra season and mentors McCarthy

Surely that's something Murray can do?

phog

Surely McCarthy is coming as a back-up to our reserve scrumhalf - if that is the case then it is entirely possible that Alby will get an extension as Hart is confirmed as gone and we have yet to see a contract extension for Duncan.

I'd imagine if the IRFU allow Munster sign Alby then Duncan is released - that's the trade off.

phog

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Munster shouldnt be allowed keep Mathewson. With McCarthy coming they'll have 2 senior and 2 academy scrum halves and Duncan could yet still get a contract. Mathewson is a very good player but we'd be far better off during a season with so many games impacted by international games to be giving McCarthy, academy SHs gametime with less prssure than normal

Our next two Pro14 games are in the international window and they're pressure games - both away in Wales where we have to win to stay ahead of Glasgow.

aloooof

Psycho Killer - "Hands Away" (Prop-Prop-Prrrroppp-Prop, Prop-Prop-Prop-Prrrrrrop-Prop)

phog wrote: »

Our next two Pro14 games are in the international window and they're pressure games - both away in Wales where we have to win to stay ahead of Glasgow.

I think he means next season with the RWC.

phog

aloooof wrote: »

I think he means next season with the RWC.

I know that but I gave two as an example of two during the international window where there is a bit of pressure to stay ahead of Glasgow..

He can't see into the future so can't say how much pressure we'll be under for any game next season.

Former Former

John Hayes Ligind

thomond2006 wrote: »

The point in keeping Mathewson would be that he's an excellent player.

Other than that, we are revisiting old ground on here.

Hey, when did revisiting old ground stop us before?

McCarthy was surely signed to be second-choice. He might as well be third-choice at Leinster as at Munster, so keeping Mathewson would render that move totally pointless. And the last thing Munster needed was more squad filler given their current options at SH.

Agreed, Mathewson is really good, I wasn't expecting much given that his CV screams JOURNEYMAN but he's been excellent. He's had his time though.

aloooof

Psycho Killer - "Hands Away" (Prop-Prop-Prrrroppp-Prop, Prop-Prop-Prop-Prrrrrrop-Prop)

phog wrote: »

I know that but I gave two as an example of two during the international window where there is a bit of pressure to stay ahead of Glasgow..

He can't see into the future so can't say how much pressure we'll be under for any game next season.

Gotcha. I guess the difference is, the RWC is very early in the season, and the majority of the focus will be on that so they have an opportunity to get some minutes on the clock and some form.

Eod100

Burkie1203 wrote: »

Surely that's something Murray can do?

Not fully is he's off with Irleand for RWC and 6N, gets rested for a lot of Pro14 matches.

razorblunt

Are Mathewson's family still in the south of France or back in NZ?
Seen a few posts where he says he misses them, can't be easy on him or them.

phog

A 3rd choice scrumhalf at Munster will see more game time during the international window than a 3rd choice scrumhalf will in any other province - Murray will seldom if ever be released back to the province during the international window.

Jump_In_Jack

I can see the argument for keeping Mathewson on to see out the season, that’s fair I think, but for everyone involved I think Mathewson would be better off looking elsewhere for next season.
He should be looking for the best two-year deal he could get at the best club that would take him.
I’m sure there are decent opportunities for him on the table but perhaps his agent is holding out for a deal with Munster.
This season we effectively have Murray, Mathewson and Cronin.
(Hart and Williams appear to be out of the picture, much like Keatley was.)
That trio should see us out to the end of the season, if we make it to semi-finals and finals then that line-up would give you confidence.
If the difference between winning silverware or not is down to having a replacement ready for Murray should he get injured then I’d get a deal done now.

Next season we should be looking to get Cronin and McCarthy in direct competition with each other, rotating starts every second or third match, and keeping Murray purely for the bigger fixtures and perhaps one or two warm-up matches if required before those bigger fixtures.
The two academy scrum-halfs should ideally get some game time against the likes of Zebre, Kings and Dragons, and provide bench cover if required.

The only scenario I can think of for keeping him next season would be if Murray picked up a long-term injury and Mathewson were still available.
I think Mathewson will sign something for next season long before the end of this season and I don’t think it will be with Munster.

Mickiemcfist

razorblunt wrote: »

Are Mathewson's family still in the south of France or back in NZ?
Seen a few posts where he says he misses them, can't be easy on him or them.

Not sure where they're living, but he's said that he wants a contract of over a year somewhere so he can move them over rather than the current temporary contract.

Pepp1989

Alby has made a massive impact. Should be doing all they can to try and keep him. Going by JVG comments, he is having a great influence on the squad also.

Would love to see him kept for another year. Hopefully bringing on McCarthy and Cronin. Murray won't play much next season.

Shefwedfan

Munster need to reduce their squad, not continue to hold on to multiple players for a single position....

Mathewson was signed because Murray had an injury. Murray returned and I have no idea why Mathewson was allowed to stay. He should have been let go.....

Munster have signed another player at 9 to cover Murray and will have Cronin as back up. Loads of cover.

Mr Tickle

Return of the JJ

Pepp1989 wrote: »

Alby has made a massive impact. Should be doing all they can to try and keep him. Going by JVG comments, he is having a great influence on the squad also.

Would love to see him kept for another year. Hopefully bringing on McCarthy and Cronin. Murray won't play much next season.

I really like the guy. He's so different to Murray and really changes the way we play when he comes on.

Mr Tickle

Return of the JJ

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Munster need to reduce their squad, not continue to hold on to multiple players for a single position....

Mathewson was signed because Murray had an injury. Murray returned and I have no idea why Mathewson was allowed to stay. He should have been let go.....

Munster have signed another player at 9 to cover Murray and will have Cronin as back up. Loads of cover.

Well Cronin is a good club player but i don't see him pushing for international caps. So really is there any reason we can't keep Murray, Alby and McCarthy?

Former Former

John Hayes Ligind

Pepp1989 wrote: »

Alby has made a massive impact. Should be doing all they can to try and keep him. Going by JVG comments, he is having a great influence on the squad also.

Would love to see him kept for another year. Hopefully bringing on McCarthy and Cronin. Murray won't play much next season.

This is not a valid reason to keep him. It's the opposite.

McCarthy is 24, he needs game time, game time and more game time. Sitting on the bench or in the stands is the last thing he needs.

The only reason to keep Mathewson is that he's a good player who increases the chances of winning games, which is fine, obviously, but his presence will absolutely be detrimental to the other SHs.