Ospreys vs Munster Rabbo Pro 12 - post match discussion

First topic message reminder :

Date: Saturday, September 29
Kick-off: 18:30 BST
Venue: Liberty Stadium
Referee: Dudley Phillips (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Rhys Thomas (Wales), Greg Morgan (Wales)
Television match official: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales)

Ospreys

15 Richard Fussell
14 Hanno Dirksen
13 Andrew Bishop
12 Ashley Beck
11 Tom Isaacs
10 Dan Biggar
9 Kahn Fotuali'i
1 Ryan Bevington
2 Richard Hibbard
3 Aaron Jarvis
4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)
5 Ian Evans
6 Ryan Jones
7 Justin Tipuric
8 Joe Bearman

REPLACEMENTS

16 Scott Baldwin
17 Duncan Jones
18 Adam Jones
19 Jonathan Thomas
20 George Stowers
21 Rhys Webb
22 Matthew Morgan
23 Ross Jones



Munster

1 Wian du Preez
2 Mike Sherry
3 Stephen Archer
4 Donncha O'Callaghan
5 Billy Holland
6 Tommy O'Donnell
7 Niall Ronan
8 Paddy Butler
9 Conor Murray
10 Ronan O'Gara
11 Simon Zebo
12 Casey Laulala
13 Keith Earls
14 Doug Howlett
15 Denis Hurley

16 Damien Varley
17 Dave Kilcoyne
18 BJ Botha
19 Donnacha Ryan
20 Peter O'Mahony
21 Peter Stringer
22 Ian Keatley
23 James Downey

Hard fought draw would be good for me

Put a few doubts in the back of the head for next week.

Only seeing the Munster team now. Jaysus that's a very light starting back row.

Can See Ryan and O'Mahony coming on into it early, or perhaps Billy Holland moving back to 6.

Oh dear, the 'Spreys in the news again for the wrong kind of reason.
Basher Bishop:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-19757642

First test for Ospreys to see if they really are over their hiccup start to the season. A Loss might really make them wonder.

Munster have had it tough enough so far - meeting QF and Finalists of HEC and still managing 3 from 4 playing what is for them a flux game of trying to find their feet in Penney's new system.
With the old weatherbeaten system last year they were still a league force to be reckoned with so we'll have another opportunity to see has this new version real solidity or is it still very much an iffy work in progress.

I really can't tell what the result might be as both sides will have their own reasons for being underwhelming going on recent results and recent style changes. I'll try a narrow Munster win.

SecretFly wrote:Munster have had it tough enough so far - meeting QF and Finalists of HEC and still managing 3 from 4 playing what is for them a flux game of trying to find their feet in Penney's new system.

Personally I think we have had it very easy compared to others. We have played Treviso and Dragons at home as well as Edinburgh (this is Rabo not Europe). Those were all very winnable games.

15 Richard Fussell

14 Hanno Dirksen

13 Andrew Bishop

12 Ashley Beck

11 Tom Isaacs

10 Dan Biggar

9 Kahn Fotuali'i

1 Ryan Bevington

2 Richard Hibbard

3 Aaron Jarvis

4 Alun Wyn Jones (Capt)

5 Ian Evans

6 Ryan Jones

7 Justin Tipuric

8 Joe Bearman

REPLACEMENTS

16 Scott Baldwin

17 Duncan Jones

18 Adam Jones

19 Jonathan Thomas

20 George Stowers

21 Rhys Webb

22 Matthew Morgan

23 Ross Jones

Richard Hibbard makes his 100th league appearance for the Ospreys

Ryan Bevington makes his 50th league appearance for the Ospreys

The following players were not considered because of injury:

Eli Walker - Shoulder

James Goode - Groin

Tom Habberfield - Ankle

James King - Shoulder

Tom Grabham - Bruised ribs

Backs Coach, Gruff Rees said:

"We were delighted with the win last Friday but that's forgotten about now, we've had to put that one to bed and move on. There's still a lot of work to be done, it was a better performance against the Scarlets but there's still a lot of room for improvement needed.

"We've said all along that these opening weeks of the season would see us looking at the wider squad, giving people a chance, and despite some disappointing results we believe it's been the right thing to do as we've learned a lot about the group moving forward.

"What you'll see from selection now though is a far more settled group starting to come together as we move into what is a crucial month of the season. We've got some big games coming up, starting this weekend, and we need big performances to match.

"Munster have shown in the early weeks that once again they will be up there with the contenders. As always they are a big strong, with a powerful pack, but they've also developed some real cutting edge behind which makes them even more dangerous.

"Ospreys v Munster is a great contest and sums up what's best about the PRO12. We've had some great occasions here for this fixture, none more than last season where we had a big crowd and fantastic support. We need more of the same on Saturday."

red_stag wrote:

SecretFly wrote:Munster have had it tough enough so far - meeting QF and Finalists of HEC and still managing 3 from 4 playing what is for them a flux game of trying to find their feet in Penney's new system.

Personally I think we have had it very easy compared to others. We have played Treviso and Dragons at home as well as Edinburgh (this is Rabo not Europe). Those were all very winnable games.

Theorethically tough, I meant, Stag. Games against heavy hitting teams from last season...and lo and behold, another one this weekend. There are only so many times you'll meet the teams that are expected to make an impact (based on last year's records - in HEC if not always in Pro12!) - Munster have met two so far. Edinburgh aren't intending to be such easy push overs this season in Pro12 if their quotes are anything to go by...so we'll see how easy they are for other sides along the way. And given that Munster are getting accustomed to a new coach with new ideas, I'd say they (Munster) haven't had it easy. They've made it easier because they're playing good.

Looks like the ospreys will give it everything this weekend

Even throwing 'Basher' Bishop into the fray.

SecretFly wrote:

red_stag wrote:

SecretFly wrote:Munster have had it tough enough so far - meeting QF and Finalists of HEC and still managing 3 from 4 playing what is for them a flux game of trying to find their feet in Penney's new system.

Personally I think we have had it very easy compared to others. We have played Treviso and Dragons at home as well as Edinburgh (this is Rabo not Europe). Those were all very winnable games.

Theorethically tough, I meant, Stag. Games against heavy hitting teams from last season...and lo and behold, another one this weekend. There are only so many times you'll meet the teams that are expected to make an impact (based on last year's records - in HEC if not always in Pro12!) - Munster have met two so far. Edinburgh aren't intending to be such easy push overs this season in Pro12 if their quotes are anything to go by...so we'll see how easy they are for other sides along the way. And given that Munster are getting accustomed to a new coach with new ideas, I'd say they (Munster) haven't had it easy. They've made it easier because they're playing good.

Fair enough, makes sense. Have to say that Treviso had a bee---itch of a start (Ospreys, Leinster, Cardiff, Munster)

red_stag wrote:

Fair enough, makes sense. Have to say that Treviso had a bee---itch of a start (Ospreys, Leinster, Cardiff, Munster)

Their diary will now be freed up a little though. Hopefully they'll pick up some traction

Hope Adam doesn't get hurt. Nice to see Ross Jones on the bench, but I just imagine it now, Fussell is playing poor and they still leave Ross on the bench!

Let's hope not Morg mate.


I really want to see Ross Jones get a chance to play. He looked a real talent for Wales Juniors.

Our backs look strong, our forwards look weak. Will be competitive for 60 with the O's pulling away in the last 20.

I am really looking forward to this game. Munster have excited me greatly. Also, I am excited to see Laulala and Earls in the centre.

DOD wrote:Our backs look strong, our forwards look weak. Will be competitive for 60 with the O's pulling away in the last 20.

I agree. Still though I dont mind if we win or lose once we win both our HEC matches and the game against Leinster.

I see Munster winning to be perfectly honest. The Munster pack has looked strong this season, without ever being close to full strength.

I must admit I think Munster look the stronger team. We are still riddled with silly mistakes, players out of form and making costly eras.

We were better at PYS last week but still lacked the style we showed at the end of last season.

I think we will get beaten up, up front. The O"s forwards are well capable. Looking forward to seeing Earls and Casey in the centre.

Would be nice to beat Leinster but I think the new dawn in Munster is still a work in progress. When McGahan took over we were scoring tries for fun as well...Penney's success will be seeing what he can do with a disparate bunch of players in terms of their ability. Having said that players like Billy Holland really seem to have come out of their shell and look like they are enjoying their rugby for a change

Lualaba and earls can certainly create some magic but both can be a liability in defence. If we are clever, which I don't necesarily think we are, then we could target the Munster midfield, RoG, LL and KE

Munster are bringing a weak team down to us, but their also bringing Dangerous Dudley the ref too, the match will be a frustrating cluster fúck with him involved. Expect an angry stadium tonight.

Evening All,

I'm not sure what to make of this one...am quite nervous about it. My biggest worry is discipline. I'm expecting a lot of penalties - from both sides to be honest. Munster aren't always the most well behaved. I'd love a win of course, but if we do sneak a win, I can't see it being by much. Still, there's been a couple of surprises this weekend in the Rabo...maybe that'll continue...

Everytime I click on a stream for this game it's giving me the SA/Aus post match talk/analysis. Any help?

Penfro's guide says it's on SC4?

It is on S4C - you can watch that online (from the UK). Search S4C in Google.

After nearly ten minutes it's nil all.

Morgannwg wrote:Everytime I click on a stream for this game it's giving me the SA/Aus post match talk/analysis. Any help?

Sorry sent you a link, but its not what its titled to be, can't find anything at all unfortunately.

Not many people have links to S4C usually.

3 - 0 after a Biggar penalty. Dirksen went for a kick and chase, but then he was blocked by Zebo. Penalty.

Make that 6 - 0. Diolch!

That one doesn't seem to work either Val, I think I had already tried that one. thanks anyway. I'm not at home right now so can't switch to S4C.

Conor Murray went off earlier to the blood bin with a bash to his head, but it looks like he's had to come off altogether. Stringer on.

Morgannwg wrote:That one doesn't seem to work either Val, I think I had already tried that one. thanks anyway. I'm not at home right now so can't switch to S4C.

Yeah sorry about that. I live in the US, and my other laptop broke, which had my Irish proxy and everything set up so I could watch RTE but now I'm looking for links the whole time, its an absolute pain.

Morgannwg - are you in the UK - if so try here:

http://www.s4c.co.uk/clic/e_live.shtml

Val - same link for you if you have UK proxy set up (or can set it up from where you are).

Biggar having a good game so far - made a good break there, but a tackle meant he lost the ball forward. Munster scrum.

The Irish ref obviously is playing to the home crowd.

Excellent link Cari, thanks. I did check the S4C web-site but didn't get far without being able to speak Welsh so fluently.

Scarlets are doing well, picking off tries from nowhere out in Treviso. They could be on for a 5 pointer.

Ospreys should get a try now....it's coming...FUSSELL scores!

13 - 0.

Beautifully converted by Biggar.

Great, now Ross Jones definitely won't get on. Bishop playing well again, better than Beck.

Munster on the attack now, but the O's give them a penalty which ROG is going to kick for. He should get this too.

Yep, he could've done it with his eyes shut.

13 - 3.

What happened to Munster?

What happened to Ospreys?

Both teams going in opposite direction of where they've been going.

Pot Hale wrote:What happened to Munster?

What happened to Ospreys?

Both teams going in opposite direction of where they've been going.

Is it the second half already?

Pot Hale wrote:What happened to Munster?

What happened to Ospreys?

Both teams going in opposite direction of where they've been going.

Without seeing the match I can guess that the answer is Rog. And stringer.

Stringers pass is so poor... Without his pass he has nothing to offer.

Great kick by Munster. Sent the O's right down to the bottom corner in their own 22. O's get the lineout but Fotualli box kicks straight into Zebo's hands.

Munster have been very poor so far, ROG is too deep and the blitz defense of the Ospreys are having a field day against Munster's attacks.

The Ospreys backrow have totally dominated this game.

Penney needs to get Keatley, POM and Downey on asap.

In fairness ROGs dropped so deep because of the O's blitz.

POM needs to come on, they have no ball carrying threat at all at the minute

Great maul by the O's...Tippy and a Munster player having a bit of handbags after. Penalty O's cause a Munster player went in the side.

Biggar goes for goal but sends it just wide.

13 - 3.

Ref already warning Munster...

I don't believe it! The O's are actually playing well. Looks like the win last week has banished the early season jitters.

I wonder how many penalties we've had so far. Biggar going for the corner now.

R-Jo has a nasty head wound now. I hope he doesn't have to come off altogether.

Munster on the attack - the backs are awakening. They should score here.

How frustrating for Munster - inches near the try line and they give away a penalty again. They really should've got over then. O's have the scrum. Didn't hear what the ref was on about, but he said something to Dougie about communicating with the players or something.

Dirksen goes to kick it away and it's almost charged down, but sent into touch.