Munster Rugby 2021/2022 - Search for the Holy Grail

[wixfjord]

In fairness thats a brave selection for that fixture.

Oh that's exactly what I'm saying! Fair play to him, but it's almost going too far for a trip to Wales!

It's pretty much all second/third string, which is interesting given the relatively increased importance of every league game this year.

[Avenger]

Yeah its a dangerous fixture for that sort of selection but he's had criticism for conservative selections (myself included) and rightly so IMO but credit where its due.

[wixfjord]

Yeah its a dangerous fixture for that sort of selection but he's had criticism for conservative selections (myself included) and rightly so IMO but credit where its due.

I just wonder if it might be a smarter selection to have mixed and match over the last two games? Could Barron and Ahern have started last week and you send Scannell and Kleyn to Wales? Maybe you put Zebo on the wing this weekend instead of last?

I'm biased because I don't rate JVG at all, but it just seems a bit off to me.

A much more cynical person than I might say that it could be him playing a load of young guys in one go in a difficult game so he can point to having given youth a shot (and them possibly not performing).

[fourthirtythree]

Reminds me of one of those hiding to nothing teams Cheika used to send out to Wales and then scream at for failing.

Best of luck to them though

[munster#1]

I’d say the 6 day turnaround to the home game against Connacht is probably playing on his mind a bit.
Munster have also built credit in the bank with 2 BP wins, so fair play IMO.

This will be a character building exercise for a few of this team, and whilst I wouldn’t put my house on a win in this game, I do think that squad are capable of putting in a good shift.

I am excited to see how Ahern and JOS come through this game.
Additionally, the bench is fairly exciting.

[dropkick]

In fairness thats a brave selection for that fixture.

It's not brave at all. Hes throwing the match so munster can concentrate on winning the next 2 and getting 80% of wins from the first 5 matches.

[fourthirtythree]

In fairness thats a brave selection for that fixture.

It's not brave at all. Hes throwing the match so munster can concentrate on winning the next 2 and getting 80% of wins from the first 5 matches.

Cheika like.

[munster#1]

Given the substantial turnover of players, with many of the experienced backup players having departed and so many academy graduates now in the senior squad, we will likely see plenty if squads like this over the course of the season.

[wixfjord]

Given the substantial turnover of players, with many of the experienced backup players having departed and so many academy graduates now in the senior squad, we will likely see plenty if squads like this over the course of the season.

I really don't think that's true at all.
We've less games and less games during test windows.
He could've easily spread the load between these two games and mixed things up, but has chosen not to do that for whatever reason.


By the way, does anyone thing it is actually developing players if you just choose a 'first team' en masse and then throw out a team of second stringers and returning players in an away game in Wales to save the first stringers energy levels for Connacht?

[munster#1]

Given the substantial turnover of players, with many of the experienced backup players having departed and so many academy graduates now in the senior squad, we will likely see plenty if squads like this over the course of the season.

I really don't think that's true at all.
We've less games and less games during test windows.
He could've easily spread the load between these two games and mixed things up, but has chosen not to do that for whatever reason.


By the way, does anyone thing it is actually developing players if you just choose a 'first team' en masse and then throw out a team of second stringers and returning players in an away game in Wales to save the first stringers energy levels for Connacht?

Only time will tell, but I’d be surprised if this is the last time this season that we see a team like this.

[betty swallocks]

It will be interesting if the first team lose at home to Connacht (as last year), particularly if this team gets beaten in Llanelli on Sunday! Bizarre selection policy frankly, although van Graan's hand may have been forced given the injuries to Jenkins and Knox

[Dave Cahill]

On the other hand theres nothing I love more than the Welsh complaining about us sending over understrength teams, followed by the Welsh complaining when they lose to said understrength team.

[fourthirtythree]

On the other hand theres nothing I love more than the Welsh complaining about us sending over understrength teams, followed by the Welsh complaining when they lose to said understrength team.

Oh yes I love that.

And they'll still complain that we are cheapening the league while doing it

To be honest though I like it second to Munster complaining that we are direspecting the derby fixture by sending the yout'. And then getting hammered. That's beautiful.

[munster#1]

On the other hand theres nothing I love more than the Welsh complaining about us sending over understrength teams, followed by the Welsh complaining when they lose to said understrength team.

Oh yes I love that.

And they'll still complain that we are cheapening the league while doing it

To be honest though I like it second to Munster complaining that we are direspecting the derby fixture by sending the yout'. And then getting hammered. That's beautiful.

I have never actually met a Munster Fan that has complained about Leinster sending a weakened team out against Munster.
I for one would love it if Leinster did that every time they played Munster.

However, I have heard many fans complaining about the timing of the fixture, as it generally involves 2 teams that are minus their top players.

IMO the league will not be taken seriously until we see the best teams put out their best players several times a season. But that is a different conversation.

[ronk]

I have never actually met a Munster Fan that has complained about Leinster sending a weakened team out against Munster.
I for one would love it if Leinster did that every time they played Munster.

However, I have heard many fans complaining about the timing of the fixture, as it generally involves 2 teams that are minus their top players.

IMO the league will not be taken seriously until we see the best teams put out their best players several times a season. But that is a different conversation.

Ever looked in a mirror, pretty sure you did it.

Leinster play better when they rotate anyway. The stars play at home more if there's a need to pick games.

[Fan with smartphone]

Reminds me of one of those hiding to nothing teams Cheika used to send out to Wales and then scream at for failing.

Best of luck to them though

Not sure they failed that bad!
https://dementedmole.com/2015/01/20/the ... -aquarius/

[munster#1]

This is a really good article on Casey if any of you want to read it.
Provides some good insight from some real rugby people.

https://www.the42.ie/craig-casey-munste ... 2-Oct2021/

[Oldschool]

Enjoy the game M1.
As a "neutral" I'm looking forward to seeing how Aherne and some of the other less notables do against what is going to be a tough game.

[cormac]

Impressive first half from Munster

[JohnB]

Great play thus far from Munster. Could be a season making performance for some of their talented youngsters. Worrying that Snyman has gone off injured.