Munster Team Talk Thread - Beirne After Reading

mahoney_j

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120785921#Comment_120785921

Jj was one of our most frustrating players …..had the poteintal but couldn’t deliever on it with any consistency despite numerous chances ……very surprised Connacht have signed him as he has just drifted thru clubs last few years doing very little .madigan was a few levels above him

ulsteru20s

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120790656#Comment_120790656

Yea, it is going to be very tough for him to stick at 8 though for munster, way too much talent in the back row there. However, I’d agree that it is probably too late for a switch.

CIARAN_BOYLE

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120791729#Comment_120791729

IMO 2013/2014 season ruined Hanrahan. Munster played him injured for a big chunk of the season and he has never been the same since.

Cookiemunster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120792379#Comment_120792379

He was a very talented player, but never had the top two inches IMO. It wasn't just the injuries.

Akrasia

Well it's impossible to know without a time machine

JJ definitely was a serious prospect who never met his potential for one of many reasons

Burkie1203

Desperately sad news. RIP

https://twitter.com/Munsterrugby/status/1675954872607293440?t=0vP9aAKWCk6pbIGN2CxeuA&s=19

Cookiemunster

Jean Kleyn starts for SA in the Rugby Championship on Saturday. I think we can now officially put the Schrodingers IQ debate to rest 😉

Akrasia

Snyman on the bench. It will be some 2nd row to finish the game when Orie gets taken off at 50 mins

phog

Clash of Champions

https://twitter.com/cormicaneoghan/status/1676334206622867456?t=gCkzMOaCsmos7SnInIfo_Q&s=19

phog

Mike Prendergast 🔽🔽🔽

https://twitter.com/OptaJonny/status/1676187096833220611?t=YYe47RIxk8oHClRGWMEaVg&s=19

leakyboots

Personally I think it's a pity the game is on in Cork, would prefer Thomond. I was at the South Africa game and while the atmosphere was good, it wasn't as incredible as some were making out - and it's an awful stadium.

But, as it's a once-off it probably makes sense to make the few extra quid for the coffers

Akrasia

It's a lot of money, and the Cork supporters do need some big games to be played locally. I've no issues with it

phog

The only issues I had with PuC are the tiny "big" screen and the road closures without a proper P&R to the ground.

After the match Cork City seemed to be unprepared for the crowds coming out if the grounds with huge queues to get to pay stations at car parks & fast food outlets closed.

Other than that no complaints 😁

Red Silurian

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120806269#Comment_120806269

Stupid idea, after the auful atmosphere we had against SA there it should really be in Thomond. I hope they sell feck all tickets and this comes back to bite the Munster branch in the behind

breezy1985

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120806655#Comment_120806655

Very easily the 3rd best stadium in Ireland.

In a bit surprised though as I didn't think there would be that big a crowd in 6 Nations season for a "clash of (sort of) champions"

Cookiemunster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120807407#Comment_120807407

From listening to others, I think the general issue people have is the location and the difficulty getting in and out rather than the stadium itself. I agree that it may not sell as easily as the SA game, but who knows?

Lost Ormond

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120807403#Comment_120807403

That's the spirit.

Hoping that feck all tickets sold really helps Munster....

Red Silurian

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120807424#Comment_120807424

Stadium itself leaves a lot to be desired also, one single small screen and for rugby games you're much further back from the action than you would be at TP or MP. The atmosphere for SA was good but nowhere near as good as that of Musgrave Park on a match day

Red Silurian

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120807444#Comment_120807444

It would help them in realising their mistake certainly

Jump_In_Jack

Anyone that was at the match V SA Select XV in PUC couldn't in all seriousness say the atmosphere was bad. The stadium was absolutely crammed full, and the atmosphere was brilliant. Only for the fact it lashed rain for the whole match, it would have been even better. (I was in the terraces which are open to the elements). I couldn't get a seat in the stand such was the demand around Cork for the occasion. Loads of people that would never go to a rugby match went for the occasion. I can definitely see the demand for tickets being through the roof for the Crusaders match. No-brainer to use PUC again if the economics stand up.

Jump_In_Jack

Agree with comments that the experience for spectators has to be looked at more carefully though, getting into and out of the grounds, to get a connecting transport service, and making the local establishments aware of the incoming fans after the match, as well as looking at having a massive screen at both ends of the pitch should all be high up on the priority list. More information for fans about where to go for food and drink and a shuttle service would be a great idea, just needs more thought to develop some ideas. There are plenty of pubs in Cork City set up for match day events, so just need Munster Rugby to put a small bit of effort into trying to organise some supporter events after the match or at least advise the fans of what is on offer from the various venues in Cork. I still don't know why they have it pencilled in for 5pm on Feb 3rd, when the Wales V Scotland match is on at 4:45PM.

Red Silurian

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120807523#Comment_120807523

I never said the atmosphere was bad, it's just not as good as it would be in rugby stadiums in our province

Jump_In_Jack

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120807583#Comment_120807583

Have to disagree with you, almost twice the capacity and everyone buzzing as it was such a unique event.

And actually you stated it was an awful atmosphere.

Red Silurian

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120807589#Comment_120807589

By comparison to a Munster game in MP or TP, yes it was auful.

leakyboots

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120807523#Comment_120807523

I'd disagree it was 'brilliant', I wouldn't say it was bad either. It couldn't compare to say when Toulon came to town, or the Maori to think of two off the top of my head in recent years. It wouldn't be fair to compare it to semis or finals as there's something on the line there. That's people's own opinion I guess, just giving my two cents on the night.

Personally I despise grounds where you're that far from the action and the screen is a joke for a place that's 'very easily the 3rd best stadium in the country'. It was a great occasion no doubt, hence the sellout, but I'd personally prefer this to be in Thomond. I reckon if you asked any Crusaders player or fan who know their rugby history onions they'd prefer to be playing in Thomond too.

However if it's worth more to the province no harm in having in PuC again. I just wouldn't like to see matches there regularly.

phog

I prefer rugby to be played in rugby grounds but we're spoilt here in Ireland as 3 of the four provinces have fans closers to the field of play, The Sportsground has dog racing track around it. But I thought PuC worked well bar the "big" screen and catering in the ground, both of these are easily rectified if the feedback was taken on board.

I say all of this as a guy who lives lees than 10 minutes away from Thomond Park and would prefer all matches to be played there but I understand Munster's need to keep a base in Cork.

Reading the Examiner yesterday it seems the pitch is coming fairly cheap too so the extra tickets sold (if sold) should more than enough cover the costs.

Red Silurian

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120807922#Comment_120807922

Reading the Examiner yesterday it seems the pitch is coming fairly cheap too so the extra tickets sold (if sold) should more than enough cover the costs.

Do you think it would sell more than the capacity of Thomond? Maybe it will and if it does then that's great but I have my doubts.

There were a lot of casual fans the last time for SA but most casual fans wouldn't have heard of Crusaders, the English soccer will be in full swing that weekend and the biggest fans will probably be on a weekend in France for the 6N. I'm hearing the GAA leagues will also be ongoing at that time of the year.

Let's not forget, Musgrave Park sold out just once last season

50HX

I know the money guides it towards Puc but will the overflow of a full TP cover the fee for using the stadium I wonder

SA are an international draw, ask a non rugby fan where crusaders are from & I bet majority would get it wrong

I'd go TP, market it right, one off crusaders/munster jersey for eg at a decent rate

It's 5 weeks after Xmas, alot of competition sport wise at the time if year

phog

Looks like Munster won't be signing anyone else for next season

Three players will join the province from other clubs with two players stepping up from the Munster Rugby Academy.

The new additions are Maori All Black international Alex Nankivell, former Ireland U20 international Seán O’Brien and Ireland international John Ryan.

The players stepping up from the Academy are Patrick Campbell and Cian Hurley.

phog

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120809233#Comment_120809233

Market PuC right and forget about a one off jersey and you might make more money and also endear yourself to the Cork faithful.

CIARAN_BOYLE

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120809233#Comment_120809233

My understanding is that the PUC rent is such that a 30,000 attendance in PUC is similar to financially to a full Thomond.

I'm not sure if this will work out financially but I hope it does.

50HX

That's about right, croke park is 55k to break even

Anything above 30k for puc then is bonus territory.

Would still prefer thomond as its a rugby ground

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120807523#Comment_120807523

Its just the odd bitter limerick based fan unhappy at having to travel for a game tbh. Most people i spoke to that went from all over the province thought it was brilliant

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120809233#Comment_120809233

They said they made morw monry off of it vs sa. The cost from cork gaa is relativly low.

Hosting a few games a year in your most populous county where most of your players are from is good for the province

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120808038#Comment_120808038

Musgrave parks generally packed out if its not technicall sold out its only due to a handful of terrace tickets its always a very good crowd particularly considering the games tend to be vs the poorer teams in the urc

sprucemoose

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120810569#Comment_120810569

im very pro-more games in cork, i do however think they have to be careful about how they use PuC going forward outside of possible knockout URC/Euro games. The odd one-off game against a touring side every 2/3 years is probably a good idea but if something is played in PuC every year i would worry that the 'novelty' factor would wear off?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120810584#Comment_120810584

I think people are overstating the novelty factor. 1 big game a year would likely sell out fairly easily as long as its an international a, crusaders, interpro, champions cup type game

CIARAN_BOYLE

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120810423#Comment_120810423

One thing I wonder about is how much of the fans attending PUC are Cork men as opposed to people travelling from Limerick (I know theres 4 other counties but to make it simple).

The former Leinster CEO (Mick Dawson) wasn't a fan of exhibition games against touring internationals or big friendlies as many of the tickets sold would sold to casual fans who would go to one less regular season game as a result of going to the exhibition game.

The Cork/Limerick divide could be very helpful in selling tickets to the Crusaders game without negatively effecting regular season games.

sprucemoose

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120810597#Comment_120810597

maybe if its against the NZ or SA A teams but anyone else i think novelty factor would need to be a part. the interpro would need to be against leinster too imo. champions cup could be a pre-christmas thing like leinster in the aviva but the way that competition is being structured and restructured its hard to know if there would be continual interest

id hope im wrong though

Akrasia

Munster could see a big bump in attendances this season. Off the back of winning the URC, getting a favourable Heineken Cup draw and having so many really promising young prospects coming through. Rowntree Leamy and Prendergast seem to be building something really special.

The Pre-season v Leinster should also bring some hype going into the URC and I'd expect a decent crowd there despite the RWC kicking off an hour after it finishes

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120810937#Comment_120810937

I think it will. Like for the west cork lads buddies and family its an hour up the road instead of about 2 and a half. I dont think puc would.sell out for a Llanelli game but thomond would be half empty also it would have to be a significant game but the novelty is cork people saving travel time more than seeing joseph dwemba instead of will jordan imo

phog

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120810652#Comment_120810652

One thing I wonder about is how much of the fans attending PUC are Cork men as opposed to people travelling from Limerick (I know theres 4 other counties but to make it simple).

If the traffic on the N20 on the return journey back to Limerick after the SA game there last year is anything to go by then there was a sizable number from the Limerick direction at the game but as you would expect Cork would provide the majority of the support for a game in Cork.

This isn't just about ticket sales though, it's about growing the fan base in Cork and having corporate events in Cork around the game and of course. Because of 10 year ticket sales, possible naming rights on Thomond Park, etc, I still don't know if we'll see a regular pool game being held in PuC in the short term but I could see Munster trying to hold a knock-out game there

irelandrover

I never thought we'd see big games in Cork as I didn't think it would make financial sense. However the GAA are being more reasonable with rent than I expected. It makes a game in PuC viable.

But I just don't like games in stadiums where the fans are so far from the pitch. Whether it's due to a running track or the fact that it's a GAA pitch.

Red Silurian

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120810557#Comment_120810557

Oh this old nut again of Limerick fans not wanting to travel... Everybody knows if we didn't travel then Musgrave Park would have zero viability as they'd attract less than half the crowds they currently get

The issues around traffic management on the night, a small screen in the corner for the replays, sitting beside people reading the newspaper and being an extra 20m away from the action are all part of the Cork experience that we should all love are they?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120811919#Comment_120811919

I don't think TP will be renamed, wouldn't be a bad way of making easy money in my mind but I don't see it happening... The 10 year tickets would be the biggest thing to stop it I think

theVersatile

I can understand the argument of "Well the causal fan base won't know the Crucaders as well as a country so there might not be as big of a pull".

But there was nothing wrong with the atmosphere at PUC. I don't recall being particularly far away from the pitch that it was a problem (mind I was in the lower seats) - and I don't recall the screen being that big of a problem either (although it is smaller than the Thomond one).

Ultimately, Munster will do their market research on this and if they think it's worth their while, they will have it down there. I wouldn't be surprised to see it in either Thomond or PUC.

Also, weren't DHL going to sponsor Thomond? What happened there?

Quin_Dub

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120809647#Comment_120809647

Should mean some decent game time for Tony Butler at 10 to see if he ready for the next level which is good.

CONSI

What people have to remember is that a big part of Munsters business model is season ticket sales. Now for one off games liek this and SA I dont really have a problem with them being in Cork. For URC and group games in ERC there is an expectation that these will be in Limerick, people buy their tickets with this in mind...knockout games are of course sold seperately...but by taking knock out games to PUC are we not giving away the advantage we gain by having a hostile home game in a stadium the competition know we very rarely lose in...If we are going to start moving knock out games to PUC then why not the Aviva, bigger stadium, actually set up for Rugby...people complained when we moved the Toulouse game to Aviva a few years back because of ed sheeran concerts...how is moving knock out games away from our spiritual home and fortress and moving to a badly placed GAA pitch any better...outside of the fact that its in Cork....

phog

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120812201#Comment_120812201

next level? I'll have you know he'll be touted for the 6Ns squad in 2024

aloooof

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120812295#Comment_120812295

.how is moving knock out games away from our spiritual home and fortress and moving to a badly placed GAA pitch any better...outside of the fact that its in Cork....

I think that’s a fairly significant difference tho.

Red Silurian

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120812295#Comment_120812295

I don't think that anybody is seriously suggesting that a regular season game or a European pool game should be moved to PuC

You mentioned the Toulouse game that had to be moved to Landsdowne Road because of Ed Sheeran concerts, if we had won that game we would have been the "home" team against Leinster in that same stadium. So that's 2 examples of games where PuC would have been a good shout. It's not a great stadium but it's better than having to go to Dublin

Connacht moved their game V Ulster to Landsdowne last season and despite fans groaning they had nearly 10,000 fans in attendance, double the Sportsground capacity, and ripped Ulster apart. Whether it was as much of a success as it was hoped to be in the long term is up for debate though