JJ Hanrahan

First topic message reminder :

http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/10110.php

An interview with the young Munster and Ireland U20 centre.

Do people think that he should be getting a go in the Munster team. We need centres and he is doing well.

I've been a big believer in his potential and hoped this seasons would see him get game time.

Sin old bean.....if they play well then they won't get stick will they....

Seriously though, if they are amongst the best in their positions then they should by pass the provinces imo.

Its not a free pass into the National side, they have to be good enough.

But there's too many guys who haven't delivered in the national side and its time to give others a chance.

If Earls, Trims, McFadden, ROG, D'arcy...even BOD etc. were on fire then wouldn't be an issue but we look increasingly stale and outgunned against the top sides so we have to assess our other options.

Sin é wrote:Rory, I'm very excited about JJ as well. I just don't want him rushed and to end up another Danny Cirpriani, Henson etc.

Rods - all very good to bring all these guys in, but bearing in mind the stick that Conor Murray gets from the so-called fans, do you think they will be able to cope with the abuse they will undoubtedly gets?

For instance, I'm not too sure I'd be looking forward to the reaction to Sexton being dropped* for JJ bearing in mind the reaction to 30+ Reddan not starting

*or is your intention that he should hold tacklebags. If thats the case they are all better back with their provinces getting gametime.

Sin - there is a difference between giving abuse and giving criticism. Being a fan doesn't mean you blindly follow your team without question. You have given criticism and abuse to Sexton plenty yourself. As for Hanrahan people would rather see him as a 12 I think. Ireland have plenty of talented 10s, but not so many 12s. If any at all.

I want him at 10 for selfish reasons, it means we can replace ROG. At 12 for Ireland would be alright though.

I see no reason why he couldn't play 10 for Munster and 12 for Ireland in the future.

Rory_Gallagher wrote:

Sin é wrote:Rory, I'm very excited about JJ as well. I just don't want him rushed and to end up another Danny Cirpriani, Henson etc.

Rods - all very good to bring all these guys in, but bearing in mind the stick that Conor Murray gets from the so-called fans, do you think they will be able to cope with the abuse they will undoubtedly gets?

For instance, I'm not too sure I'd be looking forward to the reaction to Sexton being dropped* for JJ bearing in mind the reaction to 30+ Reddan not starting

*or is your intention that he should hold tacklebags. If thats the case they are all better back with their provinces getting gametime.

Sin - there is a difference between giving abuse and giving criticism. Being a fan doesn't mean you blindly follow your team without question. You have given criticism and abuse to Sexton plenty yourself. As for Hanrahan people would rather see him as a 12 I think. Ireland have plenty of talented 10s, but not so many 12s. If any at all.

Its unrelenting criticism of Murray, a 22 year old who should be given some leeway considering his age and potential. I don't go on and on about Sexton and suggest he should be dropped (and Sexton isn't a 22 year old kid and is well capable of dishing out the abuse himself which is one of the reasons I don't like him).

How do Munster fans feel about Rob Penney now that he's the only Baby Blacks coach not to win the JWC?

Just a bad crop of players or is he in any way responsible?

He was busy coming up with Heineken Cup plans and treating the Baby Blacks as pawns, cannon fodder and fall guys.

I have no fear!

I suppose it'a bit worrying Micko but we'll judge him on what he does here.

red_stag wrote:He was busy coming up with Heineken Cup plans and treating the Baby Blacks as pawns, cannon fodder and fall guys.

I have no fear!

Deadly!

I hope JJ ends up at 12 for Ireland and 10 for Munster. I feel bad for Keatley cos he has been waiting in line patiently and now that ROG is nearly finished I feel he is going to be leap-frogged just when he is about to get to the top of the que!

JJ is a good quality lad hope he makes it.

I see a big fight between him and Luke Marshall for Irish 12

Mickado wrote:How do Munster fans feel about Rob Penney now that he's the only Baby Blacks coach not to win the JWC?

Just a bad crop of players or is he in any way responsible?

Lets put it in perspective. He took charge of a bunch of teenagers for a month. He won 4 ITM cups in a row for Canterbury which is a great record according to New Zealanders and most players speak highly of him.

As for the Baby Blacks, NZers said it was the weakest ever team they sent there. Super rugby players were not allowed to go and the general crop of players were weaker than previous years. Being within a score of a Boks side containing a number of super rugby players and playing in front of a big crowd is nothing to be ashamed of.

It was refreshing to see that hes not a fan of the McGahan style of play and is looking to change it.

Ireland have options at 12 coming through... finally! Luke Marshall being the obvious option. D'Arcy will have to be played there for the time being I'd say.

Hanrahan is a 10 for me. I want him to be the first receiver of the ball when teams are attacking. Him at 10 and Sexton at 12 would work well IMO. They could switch around from time to time depending on the tactics and situation.

profitius wrote:

Mickado wrote:How do Munster fans feel about Rob Penney now that he's the only Baby Blacks coach not to win the JWC?

Just a bad crop of players or is he in any way responsible?

Lets put it in perspective. He took charge of a bunch of teenagers for a month. He won 4 ITM cups in a row for Canterbury which is a great record according to New Zealanders and most players speak highly of him.

As for the Baby Blacks, NZers said it was the weakest ever team they sent there. Super rugby players were not allowed to go and the general crop of players were weaker than previous years. Being within a score of a Boks side containing a number of super rugby players and playing in front of a big crowd is nothing to be ashamed of. It was refreshing to see that hes not a fan of the McGahan style of play and is looking to change it.

But Ireland beat them well, and the NZ team were outmuscled in wet conditions by Wales, if Penny can't couch trench warfare, then maybe Munster isn't the best place for him...?

But Mick just as we will learn from him he will learn from Munster.

Anthony Foley is forwards coach I think the Musnter boys will be fine. I don't think O'Connell is going to forget trench warfare over night.

Mickado wrote:

profitius wrote:

Mickado wrote:How do Munster fans feel about Rob Penney now that he's the only Baby Blacks coach not to win the JWC?

Just a bad crop of players or is he in any way responsible?

Lets put it in perspective. He took charge of a bunch of teenagers for a month. He won 4 ITM cups in a row for Canterbury which is a great record according to New Zealanders and most players speak highly of him.

As for the Baby Blacks, NZers said it was the weakest ever team they sent there. Super rugby players were not allowed to go and the general crop of players were weaker than previous years. Being within a score of a Boks side containing a number of super rugby players and playing in front of a big crowd is nothing to be ashamed of. It was refreshing to see that hes not a fan of the McGahan style of play and is looking to change it.

But Ireland beat them well, and the NZ team were outmuscled in wet conditions by Wales, if Penny can't couch trench warfare, then maybe Munster isn't the best place for him...?

I think it was more of a case of the Baby Blacks looking at the big score they put on Wales a year earlier and thinking they were going to run in tries from everywhere.

Penney is used to the wet conditions in NZ.

Also I think we have clearly seen trench warfare is handy to have but it is not a game plan in itself.