Munster 2014/2015

[All Blacks nil]

I'd imagine there will be plenty of Munster supporters unhappy about that.

Hard to blame a guy for not accepting a 3 month contract when a full contract was on offer elsewhere.
Luke is a decent player who has been dogged by injury and has never had an extended injury free run. Hopefully he will have an injury free season and get a chance to fulfill his promise.

In this case I think your imagination is running riot.

I meant it as a comment about how unlucky he was not to fulfil his potential, nothing more. So you're happy he's moving on?

Don't see the point in stockpiling wingers.
Not happy that for one reason or another he has not established himself for Munster but I am happy he has the sense to sign a relatively long term contract elsewhere and continue to pursue his preferred profession.
So yes, I am happy he is moving. Best of luck to him.

[simonokeeffe]

leaves them with Jones, Zebo, ROM, Conway, Sweetnam, GVDH tbc and Earls* as senior back 3 players for next season, Fitzgerald in academy/IR u20s looks decent too

*Earls could be set for 13 role next season, Blyendal is a 10/12 (as is Scannell), Hurley is a 12, Darcy is a 12 (?), Saili normally plays 12 though from what little Ive seen could do a job at 13,

Have only started paying attention to Saili since we signed him but every time I've watched him he's been at 13. Has played 12 but I think he's viewed more as an OC.

Basically it's probably Hurley/Saili/Scannell at 12 and Saili/Earls/Bohane at 13. Bleyendaal was originally expected to play a good bit at 12 but with JJ off I think we'll see him mostly at OH.

I'd personally like to see Saili and Earls given a good go. Could be lethal.

Saili and Earls would be good alright, think TB will probably mostly play 10 but I think Hurley might be wanted by Foley for his leadership when POM is away

RE stockpiling wingers theres 6 back 3 players at all (if GVDH stays) unless Earls doesnt play 13, and one of them has played 13 mins
Fullback when Jones is not there is probably the problem position as theres no other specialists or players that excel there without robbing from other positions

[All Blacks nil]

Re: stockpiling wingers and/or back three players.

How many do you need?

Munster have Jones, Conway, GVDH, O'Mahony, Zebo, Sweetnam and possibly Earls.
Diarmuid McCarthy is a possible signing.
There are two Year 3 Academy wingers (O'Shea and Wooton) a year 3 full back (Johnstone) and Stephen Fitzgerald is a year 2 winger.
In all likelihood all three ( Jones, Zebo and Earls) won't go to the RWC leaving at least one of them, Conway GVDH, O Mahony and Sweetnan along with the Academians and McCarthy to cover that period. Certainly those games would be more beneficial for young players than 6 minutes of a season ending dead rubber v Edinburgh.

When you take into account that Leinster in an injury dogged season (Luuuuke, Thumbs and Daverage all out for long periods) started only five players and used only 7 players on the wing (plus JG as a late replacement in one game), one of whom, Kelleher, played only six minutes, you can see why I don't think you need so many back three players and agree with the decision not to contract Luke O'Dea.

[simonokeeffe]

GVDH stays crocked or leaves, Earls plays 13, youve 4 back 3 players with senior gametime left (even counting Sweetnam in that)

Youre way more likely to know the acadermy guys (ability) than me, so if theyre chomping at the bit like Kelleher then everyones happy out

[All Blacks nil]

GVDH stays crocked or leaves, Earls plays 13, youve 4 back 3 players with senior gametime left (even counting Sweetnam in that)

Youre way more likely to know the acadermy guys (ability) than me, so if theyre chomping at the bit like Kelleher then everyones happy out

Again I ask how many do you need?

If ( a big if) all three of Jones, Earls and Zebo went to the RWC we would be left with Conway, O'Mahony, GVDH and Sweetnan from the list above.
Hurley or Keatly can both do a turn at full back. Bleyendall and Saili will both be in situ at outhalf/midfield along with Hurley and Keatly. One of our potential World Cup players will most likely be available and we will also be afforded the chance of looking at the likes of McCarthy and O'Shea.

It is a good time to test and try players. Prior to the 2011 RWC, Peter O'Mahony had one competitive start for Munster and about 150 minutes game time. He started the 1st six games of the RWC season and was capped by Ireland three times v New Zealand at the end of that season. Simon Zebo also got the type of extended run which every young player needs to gain a footing in the pro game

Opportunity will knock for a number of players over that period and clubs and supporters should embrace rather than bemoan that fact.

[Topdawg]

Does anyone know for sure when saili arrives in sure it's after the ITM cup but have heard otherwise ?! Will a second row be signed as suggested a while ago by axel

[simonokeeffe]

Does anyone know for sure when saili arrives in sure it's after the ITM cup but have heard otherwise ?! Will a second row be signed as suggested a while ago by axel

Howlett in the Examiner today said theyre looking for an overseas replacement for Paulie, for start of season if at all possible

[LeRouxIsPHat]

So are we! Well...we're not trying to replace POC but...

[simonokeeffe]

So are we! Well...we're not trying to replace POC but...

we can use that sweet compo to buy someone out of a contract...

[paddyor]

So are we! Well...we're not trying to replace POC but...

we can use that sweet compo to buy someone out of a contract...

PO€?

[simonokeeffe]

So are we! Well...we're not trying to replace POC but...

we can use that sweet compo to buy someone out of a contract...

PO€?

theyd have to convert that mural to Donners

[LeRouxIsPHat]

He wouldn't want his image displayed publicly, he only does unseen work.

[simonokeeffe]

Francis Saili confirmed as arriving this week

now does he play 12 or 13...

[johng]

Munster sign Mark Chisholm to replace Paulie.

I wonder can he do as good an Elvis impression as his uncle Frank, or is he just rhyming slang....

Hope we get someone as good.

[simonokeeffe]

Munster sign Mark Chisholm to replace Paulie.

I wonder can he do as good an Elvis impression as his uncle Frank, or is he just rhyming slang....

Hope we get someone as good.

Munster had a 3 month head start, also he will be 34 when the season starts so a two year deal very good for the player but a risk to some extent from Munster. Hope it works out though

[deco]

Munster sign Mark Chisholm to replace Paulie.

I wonder can he do as good an Elvis impression as his uncle Frank, or is he just rhyming slang....

Hope we get someone as good.

6nr NIQ down there now.

When is Botha contracted until? Is it Stander becomes IQ later this year?

[johng]

Stander in November. Botha signed til December.

Saili
Botha
Bleyendaal
Van den Heever
Chisholm/Stander

Presuming that Chisholm does not arrive before Stander becomes iq. And sure if he does it's only WC Cover for Paulie and D Ryan.

Also VDH is iq in a year and Bleyendaal is a project too. They will only have 4 after Christmas as it stands.

[simonokeeffe]

Presumably Chisholm will be there for the start of the season as hes coming from France.

Thought Guinezeau staying too or they were trying?

Looks like no NIQ tighthead inbound

[Oldschool]

Munster sign Mark Chisholm to replace Paulie.

I wonder can he do as good an Elvis impression as his uncle Frank, or is he just rhyming slang....

Hope we get someone as good.

Chisholm - That name rings a bell.
Ah yes - A cowboy, hhmmmm.

[simonokeeffe]

Am being told on twitter Chisholm was a horse trade at Guinezeaus expense, good call to make on balance so the foreign contingent is
Murray Kinsella saying Guinezeau is gone

Botha (til December)
Chisholm
Stander (IQ in September)
Tyler Blyendaal (project)
Saili
GVDH (Irish in 2016)