Flying the flag
Battered Connacht head for Limerick showdown
Flying the flag
By Sea_point
April 18 2009
It's only a 100kms to Limerick from their Galway base an hour and a half in a car or coach, but Connacht's battered squad head into enemy territory in the knowledge that they are not just facing any old team this Saturday evening.
Flying the flag
April 18 2009
It's only a 100kms to Limerick from their Galway base an hour and a half in a car or coach, but Connacht's battered squad head into enemy territory in the knowledge that they are not just facing any old team this Saturday evening.
This evening brings bottom of the Magners League placed Connacht against current Heineken Cup champions & leaders of the Magners League. Distance isn't relative, that is depending on what your measuring. If it's resources you're looking at then Connacht might as well be on the moon.
Connacht have made one change to their side ahead of their Magners League away clash with league leaders Munster on Saturday.
After a tough loss away tp Northampton in the European Challenge Cup ¼ Final, Connacht must shuffle their pack somewhat as several players are carrying injuries picked up last Saturday.
Troy Nathan comes into the back-line to form a new centre partnership alongside Niva Ta'auso for the first time but Connacht are still waiting on a number of injury concerns to determine how the forwards will shape up.
Either Andrew Browne or Michael Swift could start in the second row alongside Andrew Farley and at number eight there is still a question mark over Ray Ofisa, with Colm Rigney likely to deputise in his absence.
Meanwhile current Heineken Cup champions Munster have named 17 of the players included in the matchday squad for last weekend's win over Ospreys, for Saturday's Magners League derby clash with Connacht at Thomond Park Stadium.
This time around Paul Warwick, man-of-the-match against the Ospreys from the full-back berth, has been named at out-half as he lines up against his former team Connacht.
Ronan O'Gara will provide back-up amongst the replacements alongside his Grand Slam colleagues Tomas O'Leary, Marcus Horan and David Wallace.
Ian Dowling and Doug Howlett have retained their places in the back-line but Barry Murphy teams up with fellow Limerick man Keith Earls in the centre while Denis Hurley takes up position at full-back.
Form: Munster's rich run of form continued with an eighth straight win over the Ospreys in the European Cup on Sunday. The Magners League leaders record against fellow Irish teams this season is a less than impressive won two, lost three. Connacht's 39-17 victory at home to the Dragons last time out in the Magners League included their first try bonus point in the league since January 2007. Connacht have won just once on the road in the Magners League since September 2006: 13-11 at the Dragons on 18 April 2008. Connacht turned over Munster 12-6 at the Sportsground on 28 December but have never managed to achieve back to back wins over their illustrious neighbour.
MUNSTER: Denis Hurley; Doug Howlett, Barry Murphy, Keith Earls, Ian Dowling; Paul Warwick, Peter Stringer; Federico Pucciariello, Denis Fogarty, Tony Buckley, Mick O'Driscoll (capt), Donnacha Ryan, Nick Williams, Niall Ronan, Denis Leamy.
Replacements: Michael Essex, Marcus Horan, Billy Holland, David Wallace, Tomas O'Leary, Ronan O'Gara, Lifeimi Mafi.
CONNACHT: Gavin Duffy; Fionn Carr, Niva Ta'auso, Troy Nathan, Liam Bibo; Ian Keatley, Frank Murphy; Brett Wilkinson, Sean Cronin, Ronan Loughney, Andrew Browne/Michael Swift, Andrew Farley, John Muldoon (capt), Johnny O'Connor, Colm Rigney/Ray Ofisa.
Replacements: Adrian Flavin, Brian McGovern, Michael Swift/David Gannon, Colm Rigney/David Nolan, Conor O'Loughlin, Andy Dunne, Mel Deane.
Referee: James Jones (Wales)
Assistant Referees: Dudley Phillips, Mark Gargan (both Ireland)
Television Match Official: Brian Fitzgerald (Ireland)
Match Odds (Paddy Power): Munster to win: 1/20; Draw: 40/1; Connacht to win: 8/1
Say What: Tony McGahan (Munster) - "We wanted to be competing well on all fronts and the next two games in the Magners League, against Connacht and the Scarlets, are very important.
"But we only have to look at our training and the players in their last two outings have been very fresh and played with a lot of intensity so that's down to great work from our strength and conditioning department.
"We need to keep continuing to look at that and make sure the players are looking forward to playing a game at the weekend.
"We've put forward many times that we have a huge depth in our squad and certainly we've looked to make sure that players are well rested.
"They've come back off a lot of rugby, they've had a lot of high intensity rugby and we want them looking forward to the weekend.
"We need to make decisions on how many games they play and keep monitoring them. It will be case by case with each player and we'll address that during the week."
John Muldoon (Connacht) - "We ended up getting another hammering against Northampton (last week).
"It's not a nice feeling because we have a quality team and we have to believe in ourselves, we need to start moving forward.
"I feel we're not that far away, we've quality in this side. It's just a matter of getting the results that we need to get us up there and challenging, and it would be nice to start that down in Thomond Park."
Top Scorers: 2008/09 Magners League - Points: Munster: Paul Warwick 73; Connacht: Ian Keatley 104; Tries: Munster: Keith Earls 7; Connacht: Fionn Carr 5
RECENT LEAGUE MEETINGS:
Tuesday, December 27, 2005 - Munster 36 Connacht 17, Thomond Park
Sunday, December 3, 2006 - Munster 13 Connacht 0, Thomond Park
Sunday, December 31, 2006 - Connacht 8 Munster 14, The Sportsground
Thursday, December 27, 2007 - Munster 17 Connacht 0, Musgrave Park
Friday, March 28, 2008 - Connacht 5 Munster 16, The Sportsground
Sunday, December 28, 2008 - Connacht 12 Munster 6, The Sportsground
MATCH FACTS:
- Munster's rich run of form continued with an eighth straight win over the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup on Sunday
- The Magners League leaders' record against fellow Irish teams this season is a less than impressive won 2 and lost 3
- Connacht's 39-17 victory at home to the Dragons last time out in the Magners League included their first try-scoring bonus point in the league since January 2007
- Connacht have won just once on the road in the Magners League since September 2006 - beating the Dragons 13-11 on April 18, 2008
- Connacht turned over Munster 12-6 at the Sportsground on December 28 but have never managed to achieve back-to-back wins over their illustrious neighbours
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Battered Connacht head for Limerick
Posted by: Connacht Rugby Supporters (IP Logged)
Date: 18/04/2009 15:50
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Re: Battered Connacht head for Limerick
Posted by: RogueXV (IP Logged)
Date: 18/04/2009 20:30
Very strong effort especially in the second half from a side that has to be spent. A victory just to have them finish strong and stop Munster from gaining the try bonus even with Muldoon going to the bin on 65 min.
Confidence-wise they are set up nicely for the end of the season, but physically-wise I'd be concerned about them holding up.
Confidence-wise they are set up nicely for the end of the season, but physically-wise I'd be concerned about them holding up.
Re: Battered Connacht head for Limerick
Posted by: leeroybrown (IP Logged)
Date: 18/04/2009 20:47
I thought that the new centre partnership just didn't work. Nathan did a reasonable job in the centre when he came on for Matthews in Northampton but tonight at 12 it just didn't work. Both he and Ta'auso were easily taken out of play by Munster's attack on a number of occasions.
Our kicking/tactical game didn't really work tonight either.
In the end I think we did well to hold off the fourth try given the number of tackles we had to put in and how tired the team looked towards the end.
Our kicking/tactical game didn't really work tonight either.
In the end I think we did well to hold off the fourth try given the number of tackles we had to put in and how tired the team looked towards the end.
Re: Battered Connacht head for Limerick
Posted by: Borders no.2 (IP Logged)
Date: 18/04/2009 21:16
Anyone care to give a brief summary of the game?I heard 20-3 at half time so wasn't too displeased to see 25-10 at the finish.
Re: Battered Connacht head for Limerick
Posted by: Sea_Point (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2009 01:23
Some very poor tackle attempts in the first half otherwise our scramble defence worked pretty well especially to deny them the bonus point.
In attack we were way too lateral in the first half, looking to get the ball wide against a very strong flat Munster defence. There were opportunities to chip over or slide the ball behind the Munster defence, instead we continued to try bash the ball up in contact and turned it over way too many times because players ended up isolated at the breakdown. There were times when we committed too many players to the breakdown and had no forward options to take on the ball and the rest of the time we had players standing off waiting to carry and then not reacting anywhere near quickly enough and just watching Munster defence swarm over the ruck and force the turnover.
Thought our front row owned Munster again at the srcums, even when Brian McGovern came on we still had too much (which'll be good for our young prop's confidence). Another good cameo from David Gannon which is important for him especially if he's leaving or still in with a shout of staying....
Much like last weekend we really could have done with Robbie & Mike Mc being available though. McCarthy's pure aggression, lineout work and carrying and simple nuisance value (a la Mr Quinlan) would have been invaluable.
BTW...Didi anyone spot the kick out by Pucciariello to Mul's head reasonably early on when Mul was penalised for handling off his feet in a ruck. Should have been a straight red, and should definitely be be a citing. Don' think MUl will make anything of it, but Connacht should. No place in rugby for that sort of sly shite....
===============================================
I see the future, and it's Green again...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:19:12:05:45 by Sea_Point.
In attack we were way too lateral in the first half, looking to get the ball wide against a very strong flat Munster defence. There were opportunities to chip over or slide the ball behind the Munster defence, instead we continued to try bash the ball up in contact and turned it over way too many times because players ended up isolated at the breakdown. There were times when we committed too many players to the breakdown and had no forward options to take on the ball and the rest of the time we had players standing off waiting to carry and then not reacting anywhere near quickly enough and just watching Munster defence swarm over the ruck and force the turnover.
Thought our front row owned Munster again at the srcums, even when Brian McGovern came on we still had too much (which'll be good for our young prop's confidence). Another good cameo from David Gannon which is important for him especially if he's leaving or still in with a shout of staying....
Much like last weekend we really could have done with Robbie & Mike Mc being available though. McCarthy's pure aggression, lineout work and carrying and simple nuisance value (a la Mr Quinlan) would have been invaluable.
BTW...Didi anyone spot the kick out by Pucciariello to Mul's head reasonably early on when Mul was penalised for handling off his feet in a ruck. Should have been a straight red, and should definitely be be a citing. Don' think MUl will make anything of it, but Connacht should. No place in rugby for that sort of sly shite....
I see the future, and it's Green again...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:04:19:12:05:45 by Sea_Point.
Re: Battered Connacht head for Limerick
Posted by: green-devil (IP Logged)
Date: 19/04/2009 20:25
SEA POINT: BTW...Didi anyone spot the kick out by Pucciariello to Mul's head reasonably early on when Mul was penalised for handling off his feet in a ruck.
Buckley also had a kick at WIlkinson in the second half after ruck broken up, the ref and touch judge were near by and nothing done.
Had to laugh to my self at the Munster cheerleader Donal Lenihen in his commentary when he said that he was not impressed with Ta uso coming all the way from the southern hemisphere to connacht when Kieran Lewis was let go by Munster. He could not understand why we did not get lewis instead. I am sure MB is wondering why he was never offered.
Looking at all the rumours doing the rounds, the Munster squad will probably have 100 players in it by the start of next season, considering they probably want wilkinson, carr, cronin and keatley now, do you think we will be loaned any player(not even a bench warmer) from them??
Buckley also had a kick at WIlkinson in the second half after ruck broken up, the ref and touch judge were near by and nothing done.
Had to laugh to my self at the Munster cheerleader Donal Lenihen in his commentary when he said that he was not impressed with Ta uso coming all the way from the southern hemisphere to connacht when Kieran Lewis was let go by Munster. He could not understand why we did not get lewis instead. I am sure MB is wondering why he was never offered.
Looking at all the rumours doing the rounds, the Munster squad will probably have 100 players in it by the start of next season, considering they probably want wilkinson, carr, cronin and keatley now, do you think we will be loaned any player(not even a bench warmer) from them??
Re: Battered Connacht head for Limerick
Posted by: Overstrander (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2009 08:53
Munster seconds get the job done
GAVIN CUMMISKEY at Thomond Park
Mon, Apr 20, 2009
RUGBY MAGNERS LEAGUE: Munster 25 Connacht 10 IT’S A shame that an interprovincial derby becomes a lull in a season of continuing highs. The Munster second string – besides three exceptions in Denis Leamy, Paul Warwick and Keith Earls – lacked accuracy and, late on, intent from the coaching staff to secure a bonus point.
On 77 minutes Leamy made the universal hand signal to be replaced after damaging his already-heavily strapped right knee. David Wallace was listed as the backrow replacement but Munster coach Tony McGahan opted to play out the remaining moments with a seven-man pack. It seemed to cost them a bonus point.
They were not overly concerned. Nor will they be by the malfunctioning lineout (coughing up seven of their own throws) as three men expected to be named in tomorrow’s Lions squad were rested. The frontline are expected back against Llanneli Scarlets next week. “I don’t think it would be plausible to go into a massive game in two weeks’ time without having played football for a couple of weeks,” said assistant coach Lawrie Fisher.
“I don’t think that is the best preparation so at some point in time we’ve got to take a risk.”
Munster’s fine state of affairs was merely highlighted by these deficiencies as they dismissed a full-strength Connacht without ever really looking troubled with Paul Warwick impressing at outhalf. “Our target would be the Dragons,” explained Michael Bradley afterwards. “We are playing them next. Then we have Ulster and Glasgow. The big match for us, if we get the win against the Dragons, is Ulster at home.”
Connacht continue to chase a Heineken Cup play-off against Italian opposition but they are not equipped for entry into Europe’s top tier. The recent 42-13 defeat to Northampton in Franklin’s Garden proved that.
The IRFU created this handicapped professional set-up. The attitude in Connacht is excellent, but financial assistance for recruitment and a constant supply of developing players from other provinces is simply not evident.
The introduction of the Anglo-Welsh-Irish A League from next season, just like it will land a potentially fatal body blow to the All-Ireland League, should ensure the flow of talent out west from Munster and Leinster will diminish further. Why let players like Ian Keatley or Seán Cronin go to Galway when they will be getting regular games at A-level in Dublin and Limerick? The IRFU attempted to disband Connacht in 2003. They may succeed seven years later.
Saturday night’s experience was some way short of what people have become accustomed to at the marvellously redeveloped Thomond Park. The familiar roar did reverberate for tries from a reinvigorated Barry Murphy, Doug Howlett and Freddie Pucciariello but for the opening half-hour Connacht’s resistance ensured a frustrated crowd increasingly vented their anger toward referee James Jones.
Then the Welshman made two decisions that put Munster out of sight. The match had been evenly poised at three-all after Paul Warwick and Ian Keatley swapped penalties, but Jones adjudged Cronin had stalled his throw at a lineout and awarded a Munster free-kick on the Connacht 22. It seemed a harsh call, partly influenced by the screaming red jerseys in the stands and on the field.
Munster immediately attacked right before coming back left where a Warwick cut-out pass exposed Fionn Carr’s impetuousness and allowed Murphy to gallop clear. Moments later Warwick made it 13-3 with his second penalty after Connacht captain John Muldoon was pinged for not rolling away at the breakdown. It seemed an unnecessary penalty as the ball was available.
Three more minutes passed before the contest was dead. This time centre Niva Ta’auso was guilty of rushing out of the defensive line to allow Warwick put Murphy in space again. After slipping out of Gavin Duffy’s ankle grip, the centre sent Doug Howlett racing into the corner.
A fine Duffy tackle denied Niall Ronan a third Munster try just before the break but at 20-3 the most marginal of calls seemed to sink any chance of repeating the Sportsground victory from last December.
They did give themselves a lifeline early in the second-half when a Carr try and Keatley conversion made it a two-score contest.
“In the second-half Ian Keatley put in a magnificent kick into the corner and we had a very, very poor and slow line chase on that quick throw-in and Munster ended up scoring from that movement. You can’t afford to do that against quality opposition and we did that today,” said Bradley, referring to excellent continuity from Howlett, Murphy and the increasingly important Earls down the right wing that led to Pucciariello squeezing under a mass of bodies for the third touchdown.
The Magners League adopts a play-off system from next season but with three rounds remaining the trophy seems certain to make the trip from Dublin to Limerick.
MUNSTER : D Hurley; D Howlett, B Murphy, K Earls, I Dowling; P Warwick, P Stringer; F Pucciariello, D Fogarty, T Buckley; M O’Driscoll (capt), D Ryan; N Williams, N Ronan, D Leamy. Replacements: L Mafi for D Hurley (63 mins), B Holland for N Williams (68 mins), M Essex for D Fogarty (76 mins). Denis Leamy (77 mins) no replacement.
CONNACHT : G Duffy; F Carr, N Ta’auso, T Nathan, L Bibo; I Keatley, F Murphy; B Wilkinson, S Cronin, R Loughney; A Browne, A Farley; J Muldoon (capt), J O’Connor, C Rigney. Replacements: D Gannon for C Rigney, M Deane for T Nathan (both half-time), M Swift for A Browne (54 mins), A Flavin for S Cronin (54 mins), B McGovern for R Loughney (60 mins), C O’Loughlin for F Murphy (73 mins), R Lougney for B Wilkinson (75 mins).
Referee : J Jones (WRU).
© 2009 The Irish Times
GAVIN CUMMISKEY at Thomond Park
Mon, Apr 20, 2009
RUGBY MAGNERS LEAGUE: Munster 25 Connacht 10 IT’S A shame that an interprovincial derby becomes a lull in a season of continuing highs. The Munster second string – besides three exceptions in Denis Leamy, Paul Warwick and Keith Earls – lacked accuracy and, late on, intent from the coaching staff to secure a bonus point.
On 77 minutes Leamy made the universal hand signal to be replaced after damaging his already-heavily strapped right knee. David Wallace was listed as the backrow replacement but Munster coach Tony McGahan opted to play out the remaining moments with a seven-man pack. It seemed to cost them a bonus point.
They were not overly concerned. Nor will they be by the malfunctioning lineout (coughing up seven of their own throws) as three men expected to be named in tomorrow’s Lions squad were rested. The frontline are expected back against Llanneli Scarlets next week. “I don’t think it would be plausible to go into a massive game in two weeks’ time without having played football for a couple of weeks,” said assistant coach Lawrie Fisher.
“I don’t think that is the best preparation so at some point in time we’ve got to take a risk.”
Munster’s fine state of affairs was merely highlighted by these deficiencies as they dismissed a full-strength Connacht without ever really looking troubled with Paul Warwick impressing at outhalf. “Our target would be the Dragons,” explained Michael Bradley afterwards. “We are playing them next. Then we have Ulster and Glasgow. The big match for us, if we get the win against the Dragons, is Ulster at home.”
Connacht continue to chase a Heineken Cup play-off against Italian opposition but they are not equipped for entry into Europe’s top tier. The recent 42-13 defeat to Northampton in Franklin’s Garden proved that.
The IRFU created this handicapped professional set-up. The attitude in Connacht is excellent, but financial assistance for recruitment and a constant supply of developing players from other provinces is simply not evident.
The introduction of the Anglo-Welsh-Irish A League from next season, just like it will land a potentially fatal body blow to the All-Ireland League, should ensure the flow of talent out west from Munster and Leinster will diminish further. Why let players like Ian Keatley or Seán Cronin go to Galway when they will be getting regular games at A-level in Dublin and Limerick? The IRFU attempted to disband Connacht in 2003. They may succeed seven years later.
Saturday night’s experience was some way short of what people have become accustomed to at the marvellously redeveloped Thomond Park. The familiar roar did reverberate for tries from a reinvigorated Barry Murphy, Doug Howlett and Freddie Pucciariello but for the opening half-hour Connacht’s resistance ensured a frustrated crowd increasingly vented their anger toward referee James Jones.
Then the Welshman made two decisions that put Munster out of sight. The match had been evenly poised at three-all after Paul Warwick and Ian Keatley swapped penalties, but Jones adjudged Cronin had stalled his throw at a lineout and awarded a Munster free-kick on the Connacht 22. It seemed a harsh call, partly influenced by the screaming red jerseys in the stands and on the field.
Munster immediately attacked right before coming back left where a Warwick cut-out pass exposed Fionn Carr’s impetuousness and allowed Murphy to gallop clear. Moments later Warwick made it 13-3 with his second penalty after Connacht captain John Muldoon was pinged for not rolling away at the breakdown. It seemed an unnecessary penalty as the ball was available.
Three more minutes passed before the contest was dead. This time centre Niva Ta’auso was guilty of rushing out of the defensive line to allow Warwick put Murphy in space again. After slipping out of Gavin Duffy’s ankle grip, the centre sent Doug Howlett racing into the corner.
A fine Duffy tackle denied Niall Ronan a third Munster try just before the break but at 20-3 the most marginal of calls seemed to sink any chance of repeating the Sportsground victory from last December.
They did give themselves a lifeline early in the second-half when a Carr try and Keatley conversion made it a two-score contest.
“In the second-half Ian Keatley put in a magnificent kick into the corner and we had a very, very poor and slow line chase on that quick throw-in and Munster ended up scoring from that movement. You can’t afford to do that against quality opposition and we did that today,” said Bradley, referring to excellent continuity from Howlett, Murphy and the increasingly important Earls down the right wing that led to Pucciariello squeezing under a mass of bodies for the third touchdown.
The Magners League adopts a play-off system from next season but with three rounds remaining the trophy seems certain to make the trip from Dublin to Limerick.
MUNSTER : D Hurley; D Howlett, B Murphy, K Earls, I Dowling; P Warwick, P Stringer; F Pucciariello, D Fogarty, T Buckley; M O’Driscoll (capt), D Ryan; N Williams, N Ronan, D Leamy. Replacements: L Mafi for D Hurley (63 mins), B Holland for N Williams (68 mins), M Essex for D Fogarty (76 mins). Denis Leamy (77 mins) no replacement.
CONNACHT : G Duffy; F Carr, N Ta’auso, T Nathan, L Bibo; I Keatley, F Murphy; B Wilkinson, S Cronin, R Loughney; A Browne, A Farley; J Muldoon (capt), J O’Connor, C Rigney. Replacements: D Gannon for C Rigney, M Deane for T Nathan (both half-time), M Swift for A Browne (54 mins), A Flavin for S Cronin (54 mins), B McGovern for R Loughney (60 mins), C O’Loughlin for F Murphy (73 mins), R Lougney for B Wilkinson (75 mins).
Referee : J Jones (WRU).
© 2009 The Irish Times
Re: Battered Connacht head for Limerick
Posted by: Overstrander (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2009 08:53
Talk of disbandment in above article doesn't make for happy reading...
Re: Battered Connacht head for Limerick
Posted by: Sea_Point (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2009 11:30
Quote:Overstrander
Munster seconds get the job done
GAVIN CUMMISKEY at Thomond Park
Mon, Apr 20, 2009
RUGBY MAGNERS LEAGUE: Munster 25 Connacht 10 IT’S A shame that an interprovincial derby becomes a lull in a season of continuing highs. The Munster second string – besides three exceptions in Denis Leamy, Paul Warwick and Keith Earls – lacked accuracy and, late on, intent from the coaching staff to secure a bonus point.
MUNSTER : D Hurley;D Howlett, B Murphy, K Earls, I Dowling; P Warwick, P Stringer; F Pucciariello, D Fogarty, T Buckley; M O’Driscoll (capt), D Ryan; N Williams, N Ronan, D Leamy. Replacements: L Mafi for D Hurley (63 mins), B Holland for N Williams (68 mins), M Essex for D Fogarty (76 mins). Denis Leamy (77 mins) no replacement.
Typical@#$%&lazy article from the red Cummiskey,
Mafi and Dougie Howlettt not first teamers then Gav...?? What about the fact that all 14 of those in Bold were in the 22 for the Ospreys game..???
But he has a point about the Proposed A league, just really depends on the IRFU's vision. If they're being visionary they'll be looking to use it to expand the pool. There'll still be a place for Connacht, beacuse the A league still won't be the ML or HEC and the younger players will need to still get exposure to first team rugby....
I see the future, and it's Green again...
Re: Battered Connacht head for Limerick
Posted by: RogueXV (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2009 15:46
Another bit of laziness is gauging readiness for HEC rugby on the Northampton score line. Sure we can all agree Connacht need another 3-5 quality players (one hopes they would come with a step up), but that game was at Franklin's Gardens (what's Ulster's HEC record away from home) and it was close until Connacht went down two men with 10 minutes remaining.
Agree with S_P on the downplaying of the status of the Munster squad. I wonder how Howlett feels about the slight. If nothing else his pay cheque says he's a first stringer.
As for the "A" league, I don't see the IRFU doing the right thing and forcing the other provinces to send their better prospects west. They will want to develop them in their own systems and this proposed league will give them a perfect excuse not to release them. It would be a step up from AIL plus they would have them handy for the periods around Internationals and games like Saturday just before or after a crucial HEC game. I could actually see this hurting the ML some if there is no restriction on moving up and down. How many front liners will Munster and Leinster trot out against the Italians when they can call upon members of their "A" squad?
Agree with S_P on the downplaying of the status of the Munster squad. I wonder how Howlett feels about the slight. If nothing else his pay cheque says he's a first stringer.
As for the "A" league, I don't see the IRFU doing the right thing and forcing the other provinces to send their better prospects west. They will want to develop them in their own systems and this proposed league will give them a perfect excuse not to release them. It would be a step up from AIL plus they would have them handy for the periods around Internationals and games like Saturday just before or after a crucial HEC game. I could actually see this hurting the ML some if there is no restriction on moving up and down. How many front liners will Munster and Leinster trot out against the Italians when they can call upon members of their "A" squad?
Re: Battered Connacht head for Limerick
Posted by: Borders no.2 (IP Logged)
Date: 20/04/2009 17:42
Thanks for the details.It wasn't Munsters best team but two in the back row and a lot of the backline are first choice.Such competition for places in Munster that its hard to differentiate between 1st and 2nd choice in a number of positions.
Will this A league go ahead?Its a good thing I reckon provided its done in small doses.2 games a month maximum I'd hope for and none during the Autumn Internationals or six nations.It does narrow the gap but while A games complimenting AIL action is a positive still it doesn't narrow the gap enough by my reckoning.Munster had a weakened squad out on Saturday and can still afford to put another squad together for an A game Wednesday evening.
The likes of Keatley and Carr were getting plenty AIL action last season along with some A games and it didn't push them towards the Leinster squad.
It has worked though for players like Paul O'Donohue at Leinster who have used A games as a springboard to getting first team action.
A games can play a part for academy players,squad players and players returning from injury but when it depends what shape this league takes and the various approaches of teams to the league.
We know we aren't at HC level to compete over 6 games in a group but at present we could compete over maybe 4 games in a group(depends on the group really) with maybe a couple of bad beatings.That is where we need to improve our squad,bring in some experience,bring some depth to the squad and a quality coach but the likes of Dragons,Glasgow etc. are relatively competitive in the HC so I don't see us being far off them with the necessary changes being put in place.
Will this A league go ahead?Its a good thing I reckon provided its done in small doses.2 games a month maximum I'd hope for and none during the Autumn Internationals or six nations.It does narrow the gap but while A games complimenting AIL action is a positive still it doesn't narrow the gap enough by my reckoning.Munster had a weakened squad out on Saturday and can still afford to put another squad together for an A game Wednesday evening.
The likes of Keatley and Carr were getting plenty AIL action last season along with some A games and it didn't push them towards the Leinster squad.
It has worked though for players like Paul O'Donohue at Leinster who have used A games as a springboard to getting first team action.
A games can play a part for academy players,squad players and players returning from injury but when it depends what shape this league takes and the various approaches of teams to the league.
We know we aren't at HC level to compete over 6 games in a group but at present we could compete over maybe 4 games in a group(depends on the group really) with maybe a couple of bad beatings.That is where we need to improve our squad,bring in some experience,bring some depth to the squad and a quality coach but the likes of Dragons,Glasgow etc. are relatively competitive in the HC so I don't see us being far off them with the necessary changes being put in place.
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- Elwood is Fired Up and Ready to Go
- Irish Time Article - West's awake to new IRFU threat
- Hagan extends Connacht stay...
- Madrid Re-Union - March 5th @ O'Connell's - Team coming in
- Ospreys Edge Connacht
- Cronin extends Connacht contract
Connacht latest threads
- Four Points and Little Fuss for Connacht
- Connacht A v Ulster Ravens
- Ireland U20s team
- Players to targets for next season
- Programmes.
- Schools' Final on Wednesday
- Will Cronin get his chance...?
- Connacht 19 - 19 Glasgow
- Guinness Area 22 Live in Galway - 11 March
- Carr and Keatley sign contract extensions