Heineken Cup 2013/14

[boyo]

Just had a look at the Setanta sports guide for round 1 of the Rabo Pro12. Not surprised to see no live games. Channel really is not worth the money when they are showing re runs instead of live sports.

My dream is a Fox Sports rugby channel that just gets the rights to all the comps and shows the games live. Would pay for it if I had to as Rugby is on all year round and their is enough content to get subscribers.

Like the Rugby Channel in NZ.

 

[the plastic paddy]

See Madigan has signed on until the end of 2015/16 good news for the blue magoos!!!!!

 

[JSRF10]

See Madigan has signed on until the end of 2015/16 good news for the blue magoos!!!!!

Delighted with that news, if he can tighten up his tactical kicking he could be a superstar. Its going to be interesting to see how much time the Milky Bar Kid gives him in Ireland colours this season.

Also Tommy Tommy Bowe and Rory Best are expected back in 4 weeks, no date set on Stephen Ferris

Ulster pair Tommy Bowe and Rory Best to return in four weeks

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/23862844

 

[the plastic paddy]

The friendlies continue this weekend,

Leinster team v Northampton in friendly this weekend:

Leinster: D Hudson; D Fanning, B Macken, N Reid, S Coghlan-Murray; J Gopperth, L McGrath; J McGrath, A Dundon, M Moore; Q Roux, T Denton; R Ruddock, S Jennings (capt), J Murphy. Replacements: S Cronin, J Tracy, J O’Connell, T Furlong, T Beirne, B Marshall, D Ryan, D Leavy, L Auva’a, E Reddan, J Cooney, C Marsh, T Daly, C O’Shea, F McFadden, A Byrne, D Kearney.
Referee: George Clancy (IRFU),

SAINTS SIDE TO PLAY LEINSTER
Friendly
Donnybrook
Friday, August 30th, 2013
Kick off 7pm

15 James WILSON
14 Ken PISI
13 George PISI
12 Luther BURRELL
11 George NORTH
10 Stephen MYLER
9 Lee DICKSON
1 Alex CORBISIERO
2 Ross McMILLAN
3 Gareth DENMAN
4 Courtney LAWES
5 Samu MANOA
6 Calum CLARK
7 Phil DOWSON (capt)
8 Sam DICKINSON

Replacements
Mike HAYWOOD, Alex WALLER, Tom MERCEY, Christian DAY, Tom WOOD, Ben NUTLEY, James CRAIG, GJ VAN VELZE, Ryan GLYNN, Jamie ELLIOTT, Vasily ARTEMYEV, Tom STEPHENSON, Tom COLLINS, Paul DIGGIN, Sam OLVER
Hide behind the sofa time. What purpose will be served that Stains team playing an academy level Leinster team the lord only knows, hope Moore and Furlong don't get hurt by the illegal scrummaging of Corbesiero.

 

[boyo]

Will C. Clark break an opponent's arm?

 

[JSRF10]

I think that Northampton are trying to lay down a marker ahead of their Heino games with Leinster, I'm not sure Jim Mallinder realised that none of those blokes will be lining out in the big leagues

 

[the plastic paddy]

The Stains didn't wind up laying down too much of a marker as they scraped to a win and it sounds like Moore got on quite well against Corbesiero who, surprise surprise, doesn't fancy the new scrum laws...probably because he cannot get away with being at 45 degrees the whole time. The stains are the Galacticos of rugby, fifteen good the rest shite but in Fotou'li I think they have a massive talent who will be under the radar coming out of the pro 12.

Munster sound as though they played very well again with JJ Hanrahan outstanding by report. One downer was that BJ Botha picked up a knee injury that will keep him out for four weeks, hopefully he will be back in time for the Leinster game on the 5th october and the first two rounds of the Heineken cup. Personally I don't think it is a disaster for Munster to be forced to start Archer and Bench Ryan/ Cotter for the first four league games, however we are worryingly light at prop so I hope this doesn't become a long term issue for BJB.

News up North is that Tuohy seems to have got away with lamping Toby Flood, he is a lucky lad and will want to think seriously about copping himself on before he gets a Felon Armitage, Grewcock type reputation among referees. Chris Farrell has been playing well in the centre in the friendlies (as has Cian Bohane for Munster) which is good news. Anyway, the drought is nearly over and the season about to begin, looking forward to Scarlets V Leinster on friday night and Munster V Edinburgh on saturday. Add in the Aus V SA game on saturday morning and that should break Mrs PP gently back into being a rugby widow!?!

 

[JSRF10]

First couple of rounds of the league are usually a write off for Munster and Leinster. Their high profile internationals are still in pre season and both sides are down on skill and experience. I think Leinster have won one opening day game.

Looking forward to seeing how a number of youngsters go, in particular any Irish qualified player in the 13 and 3 jerseys. Have big hopes for Brendan Macken this year he should get plenty of opportunities and his defence is apparently looking decent this season. Hoping Stephen Archer has been working hard on his set piece and that Deccie Fitzpatrick has managed to get rid of the injury curse. Also I'd like to see JJ Hanrahan get more time at 12 this season, Ireland have some great options coming through and if he isn't careful he'll be left behind the likes of Olding, Marshall and McSharry.

Early season prediction for the Rabo: Ulster, Glasgow, Leinster, Ospreys, Munster, Treviso, Scarlets, Connaught, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Dragons, Zebre

As ever the Welsh places depend on whether their internationals actually care about turning up. If Munster had better cover for Murray I'd back them to sneak into the Top 4.

 

[JSRF10]

Add in the Aus V SA game on saturday morning and that should break Mrs PP gently back into being a rugby widow!?!

The Mrs isn't impressed with my Saturday, starting with the Ireland Sweden game get 430am on Saturday, followed by Leinster game which is on delayed Setanta coverage, then she'll be driving me out to the Sydney Irish Grand Final. Topped off by an evening in the pub taking in the Rugby Championship. What I'm saying is, I feel your pain!

 

[the plastic paddy]

First couple of rounds of the league are usually a write off for Munster and Leinster. Their high profile internationals are still in pre season and both sides are down on skill and experience. I think Leinster have won one opening day game.

Looking forward to seeing how a number of youngsters go, in particular any Irish qualified player in the 13 and 3 jerseys. Have big hopes for Brendan Macken this year he should get plenty of opportunities and his defence is apparently looking decent this season. Hoping Stephen Archer has been working hard on his set piece and that Deccie Fitzpatrick has managed to get rid of the injury curse. Also I'd like to see JJ Hanrahan get more time at 12 this season, Ireland have some great options coming through and if he isn't careful he'll be left behind the likes of Olding, Marshall and McSharry.

Early season prediction for the Rabo: Ulster, Glasgow, Leinster, Ospreys, Munster, Treviso, Scarlets, Connaught, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Dragons, Zebre

As ever the Welsh places depend on whether their internationals actually care about turning up. If Munster had better cover for Murray I'd back them to sneak into the Top 4.

We have got a very nice month ahead of us with Edinburgh and the Dragons at home sandwiching an early season tour to Italy. We are meant to have our internationals (apart from the three Lions) back for saturday's game which should mean Kilcoyne, O'Mahony and TOD all in consideration. I am fairly sure JJ is going to wind up at 10 but I suspect the jersey number will be irrelevant as they share first receiver duties. Murray's fitness is vital for Ireland and Munster although at provincial level I think Cathal Sheridan could make a big step up this year.

With St Joe talking about Leinstertainment in Green and a third of the Welsh team after having no summer break going straight back into pre season, which might hurt them come the six nations, I can't remember feeling so optimistic about prospects for Munster and Ireland for many a season.

 

[JSRF10]

Just had a look at the Setanta sports guide for round 1 of the Rabo Pro12. Not surprised to see no live games. Channel really is not worth the money when they are showing re runs instead of live sports.

Apparently the Leinster and Munster games are live on the Setanta website, if games aren't shown live on the TV channel they'll be streamed on the website. Well according to the OLSC.

 

[KevinO]

Apparently the Leinster and Munster games are live on the Setanta website, if games aren't shown live on the TV channel they'll be streamed on the website. Well according to the OLSC.

Yeah, that's pretty much the channels answer to everything. I have plenty of ways to stream a match and not pay for a TV channel I will never watch unless it's rugby. Setanta is it's own worst enemy trying to have the rights to so many leagues when they always clash.

 

[the plastic paddy]

Irish squads for the first round of the league, good to see young Irish props starting for Munster, Leinster and Ulster.

Munster squad:

James Cronin who started against Gloucester in the opening pre-season game in Thomond Park will make his first competitive start this Saturday against Edinburgh in the RaboDirect PRO12 in Musgrave Park.




Cronin who was promoted from the academy to a development contract this summer has two caps to his name after coming on against Leinster and Zebre in the latter stages of season 2012/13, and he joins Mike Sherry and Stephen Archer in the front row. James Coughlan captains the squad which includes returning internationals Dave Kilcoyne and Tommy O’Donnell, both named in the replacements.
Munster: Denis Hurley; Ronan O'Mahony, Casey Laulala, Ivan Dineen, Johne Murphy; Ian Keatley, Duncan Williams, James Cronin, Mike Sherry, Stephen Archer; Dave Foley, Donncha O’Callaghan; Dave O'Callaghan, Sean Dougall, James Coughlan Capt. Replacements: Damien Varley, Dave Kilcoyne, John Ryan, Billy Holland, Tommy O’Donnell, Cathal Sheridan, JJ Hanrahan, Cian Bohane.

Leinster squad:

LEINSTER:

15: Dave Kearney
14: Darragh Fanning
13: Fergus McFadden
12: Gordon D'Arcy
11: Luke Fitzgerald
10: Jimmy Gopperth
9: Eoin Reddan

1: Jack McGrath
2: Sean Cronin
3: Martin Moore
4: Tom Denton
5: Devin Toner
6: Rhys Ruddock
7: Shane Jennings CAPTAIN
8: Jordi Murphy

REPLACEMENTS:

16: Aaron Dundon
17: Jack O'Connell
18: Mike Ross
19: Mike McCarthy
20: Dominic Ryan
21: Isaac Boss
22: Noel Reid
23: Brendan Macken

Ulster Squad:

(15-9): J Payne, A Trimble, L Marshall, C Farrell, D McIlwaine, P Jackson, P Marshall; (1-8): C Black, R Herring, R Lutton, J Muller (Captain), D Tuohy, R Diack, C Henry, R Wilson; Replacements (16-23): N Annett, T Court, D Fitzpatrick, L Stevenson, S Doyle, I Porter, J McKinney, D Cave.

 

[JSRF10]

Heard very good things about Martin Moore, he is going to get plenty of opportunities this year lets hope he can make the step up. I'm a bit disappointed that MOC has gone straight back to Boss/Reddan I was looking forward to seeing Cooney or McGrath get a chance here.

Ulster are going to be spoilt for choice in the 10,12,13 positions over the next few years. Jackson, Olding, Marshall and Farrell are all very exciting, Olding is probably the most talented IMO but Ulster are well blessed with 4 of them.

PP you'll know more about the Munster blokes than I but I think by May TOD and Sherry will be first choice in their positions in the Irish team. Can't wait to see these guys in action. Who else should I be keeping an eye out for this year in red?

 

[KevinO]

Have you seen this JSRF? Good luck tomorrow to.

http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/8907967/extended-interview:-o'driscoll

 

[the plastic paddy]

Heard very good things about Martin Moore, he is going to get plenty of opportunities this year lets hope he can make the step up. I'm a bit disappointed that MOC has gone straight back to Boss/Reddan I was looking forward to seeing Cooney or McGrath get a chance here.

Ulster are going to be spoilt for choice in the 10,12,13 positions over the next few years. Jackson, Olding, Marshall and Farrell are all very exciting, Olding is probably the most talented IMO but Ulster are well blessed with 4 of them.

PP you'll know more about the Munster blokes than I but I think by May TOD and Sherry will be first choice in their positions in the Irish team. Can't wait to see these guys in action. Who else should I be keeping an eye out for this year in red?

Moore and Furlong are two lads I think have all the natural ability to make it as tight heads, add in the two jacks, McGrath and O'Connell at loose head and Leinster have a rake of prop talent coming through which is great to see. I really do think Archer will step up this year for Munster and I was impressed with Ricky Lutton from what I saw of him at 3 for Ulster last year. Of course, the new regulations could change things but, given the way the universally illegal English are bleating away, I suspect the Irish lads will be fine. Here is a very good article from Brian Moore BTW,


http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/ru...ves-are-vital-for-the-future-of-the-game.html

I could not agree with you more on young Luke McGrath who, along with Marmion, will hopefully maintain Conor Murray's focus on the rugby rather than extra curricular activities!?!

Ulster are spoilt for choice in the centre although Paddy Jackson will need to be kicking for Province if he is going to be kicking for country. Add in Cave and Payne (IQed next year) and they look very strong. Wee Paul Marshall is going to get plenty of gametime this year with Pienaar first choice for the Bokke, he is a bit like Youngs the cryer in that he looks great behind a dominant pack but can lose the head a bit when he is not getting serving dish ball over the gainline.

For Munster, I agree that Sherry will be pushing very hard for the green jersey by the end of the season, his darts are the best of anyone in Ireland. I said a while back that I think he could be a long term Irish skipper, everyone laughed at me on MF so don't worry if it provokes some mirth in yourselves!?!

The Irish back row is a fascinating conundrum as usual, the TOD finished last year incredibly strongly and is a natural 7. SOB and Heaslip played a lot of rugby last year and in POM and Henderson there is yet more competition.

The Munster lads I think could really put their hands up this year are from forward to back, Cronin(1), Nagle(5), Dave O'Callaghan(4? and 6),
CJ Stander (project player at 6 and 8), Sheridan (9), Bohane(12/13), Ronan O'Mahony(14).

So much to look forward to, can't wait for Scarlets V Leinster to kick the season off tonight.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

What Aussies are in what team?

Has anyone got a guide?

 

[JSRF10]

Of course, the new regulations could change things but, given the way the universally illegal English are bleating away, I suspect the Irish lads will be fine. Here is a very good article from Brian Moore BTW,

Anything that Alex Cordisiero isn't a fan of surely means that the rules are forcing props to scrummage straight and illegals like himself will finally be made to make the contest legal.

Ulster are spoilt for choice in the centre although Paddy Jackson will need to be kicking for Province if he is going to be kicking for country.

To be honest if I was Mark Anscombe I'd be looking to a 10: Olding, 12: Marshall 13: Payne combo as a Heineken Cup winning one. In his short career Olding has looked like he could, and I stress could, be our next BOD-esque superstar.

For Munster, I agree that Sherry will be pushing very hard for the green jersey by the end of the season, his darts are the best of anyone in Ireland. I said a while back that I think he could be a long term Irish skipper, everyone laughed at me on MF so don't worry if it provokes some mirth in yourselves!?!

Not too outrageous for me, beneath BOD, POC, Best and Heaslip there is a lack of captaincy material. Sexton is too cranky, Kearney isn't sure of his place and I won't be a fan of full backs as captain, SOB and Healy aren't the kind of players you'd burden with captaincy ditto Ryan. Sherry could be a guy who'd revel in a leadership role, although POM could be the next long term candidate.

The Irish back row is a fascinating conundrum as usual, the TOD finished last year incredibly strongly and is a natural 7. SOB and Heaslip played a lot of rugby last year and in POM and Henderson there is yet more competition.

I think Golden Joe is much more of a horse for courses selector than Deccie, I think we'll see Hendo, TOD, POM, SOB and Heaslip rotated depending on opposition this year. For me we have to look at our long term back with TOD in it, we need a genuine openside to allow Heaslip, SOB and POM, whoever we pick, to be able to play a bit wider in attack instead of securing ball and trucking up shite.

Have you seen this JSRF? Good luck tomorrow to.

http://www1.skysports.com/watch/video/8907967/extended-interview:-o'driscoll

Yeah I saw it, I reckon that Heaslip and BOD have been instructed by the Irish management to get the inevitable Lions questions out of the way so they aren't distracted in the 6 nations week against Wales, end of the off season is a good time to bury bad news. Cheers for tomorrow big day for the club hoping they can do it!

 

[JSRF10]

What Aussies are in what team?

Has anyone got a guide?

I have a list but it is on my work computer, I'll put it on here tomorrow for you

 

[Hugh Jarse]

Working on a Saturday when there are footy finals on.

Well done. The economy thanks you.

Thanks in advance for posting the list. I always like to barrack for a mob I have some form of local connection with.