RP12 Semi-Final 1; Glasgow vs Munster, 16 May

IanBru wrote:I would be very surprised if that's true, as it would make a mockery of the playoff structure.

RaboBank had better be willing to pay my travel expenses to Belfast, minus the £1.50 it costs me to get to Scotstoun.

Ineffable wrote:It's irrelevant because Leinster will beat Ulster and Glasgow will take them out at the RDS to make up for the last two years.

Anyway, two most important questions:
a) When is this squad announced
b) Is this being televised   

IanBru wrote:Glasgow have released the shortlist for their Player of the Year award:
Jonny Gray, Tommy Seymour, Alex Dunbar, Josh Strauss, Rob Harley and Leone Nakarawa

Out of that list, it's bloody difficult to choose:
Jonny Gray - a colossus. In a single season he has made himself indispensable to Glasgow. If he isn't already better than his brother, he's certainly as good as him, and at only 20 years of age. 2017 Lions test starter, without a doubt.
Tommy Seymour - The pleasant surprise in Glasgow's attack this season. I could never have imagined that we would not notice the absence of DTH for so much of this season, and for Glasgow and Scotland Seymour has really turned some heads.
Alex Dunbar - With a lovely combination of strength and toughness, Big Eck is as quick as lead piping off a Govan rooftop, and has done well to cement his place an intriguing Scotland centre pairing.
Josh Strauss - what can you say? Iconic or simply terrifying, Bluto has effectively the Glasgow captain-in-waiting. Commands respect, leads from the front and takes no prisoners (other Telfer-esque clichés welcome). When he gets the ball in space, I can't escape a sense of dread for whichever opposition player he's going to run into.
Rob Harley - the Ginger Ninja is the very epitome of a Glasgow Warrior. He was brought up locally, tackles like a ba***rd and is loved by the supporters. A man of contrasts, he says he likes rugby because 'I get to hit people', he also also speaks four languages and enjoys reading philisophy in French. If our defence can be credited with getting us to the playoffs, Big Rob is the conductor in that orchestra. Winner of the Official IanBru Award For Awesomeness 2013-14
Leone Nakarawa - With hands bigger than a discarded hubcap in Paisley hedge, Big Naka has done for Glasgow's forwards what Matawalu did to our backs. Strong, fast and tireless, he has the best hands I've ever seen with a forward, the strength to ride tackles, and the reach to escape the most troublesome tackler. I'm glad my faith has been repaid with Big Naka - I said back in January that he could be good once the dry spring weather comes, and he has consistently exceeded even my expectations.

PenfroPete wrote:No worries - C'mon the WEEGIES !!

21st Century Schizoid Man wrote:Think Scott Wight will get a 7s contract ?

justified sinner wrote:A one eyed Welsh view.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gwyn-jones-rabodirect-pro12-verdict-7119114

" with Ulster imploding and with Glasgow having lots of Scottish players in their squad, it remains disappointing that the regions haven’t made the play-offs."

"Glasgow take on Munster on Friday night and I can’t see past Munster in this match.

The Irish province has been going through a transition for a few years now but their spirited performance against Toulon in the Heineken Cup semi-final demonstrated that they can still lift their game. They are too much for a workman like Glasgow."

You can never beat the Welsh.

For most of the season the Blues were less than the some of their parts

justified sinner wrote:A one eyed Welsh view.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gwyn-jones-rabodirect-pro12-verdict-7119114

" with Ulster imploding and with Glasgow having lots of Scottish players in their squad, it remains disappointing that the regions haven’t made the play-offs."

"Glasgow take on Munster on Friday night and I can’t see past Munster in this match.

The Irish province has been going through a transition for a few years now but their spirited performance against Toulon in the Heineken Cup semi-final demonstrated that they can still lift their game. They are too much for a workman like Glasgow."

You can never beat the Welsh.

justified sinner wrote:A one eyed Welsh view.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/gwyn-jones-rabodirect-pro12-verdict-7119114

" with Ulster imploding and with Glasgow having lots of Scottish players in their squad, it remains disappointing that the regions haven’t made the play-offs."

"Glasgow take on Munster on Friday night and I can’t see past Munster in this match.

The Irish province has been going through a transition for a few years now but their spirited performance against Toulon in the Heineken Cup semi-final demonstrated that they can still lift their game. They are too much for a workman like Glasgow."

You can never beat the Welsh.

I suppose we shouldn’t be too surprised that none of the Welsh regions made it through to the knock out stages of the RaboDirect PRO12 considering the unholy mess that threatened to sink the professional game half way through the season.

The Ospreys looked a tired side from the start, and little surprise. Most of their pack had been Lions in the summer and prior to that the same players won the Six Nations Championship. It’s impossible to maintain that level of intensity indefinitely.

Nevertheless, with Ulster imploding and with Glasgow having lots of Scottish players in their squad, it remains disappointing that the regions haven’t made the play-offs.

Glasgow machine Rob Harley revved up for Munster

by DAVID BARNES

Rob Harley is the only member of the Warriors squad to have featured in every league game this year. When Rob Harley’s 6ft 6in and 17st frame filled the doorway of the press room at Scotstoun Stadium on Tuesday afternoon, he was – inevitably – bang on time. Clockwork punctuality seems typical of a man who was often described as a machine by former Glasgow Warriors coach Sean Lineen.

Square shoulders, straight back and hands at his side, there is a robotic quality to the 23-year-old’s off-field mannerisms which is entirely in keeping with his on-field persona as a relentless, reliable and (when the need arises) ruthless back-five forward.

He will never be the most glamorous member of any side he plays in, but his work-rate and all-round toughness ensures that none of the coaching staff or fellow players at the Warriors is in any doubt as to his importance to the team.

As forwards coach Shade Munro says: “His qualities are: work-rate, aggression, ability to do the good things over and over again. At the breakdown he is very, very aggressive and he gives us a line-out option as well. His ball carrying is coming on but he tends to be one of these players who goes to tackles and goes to breakdowns rather than carry ball. Having said that, he does it so many times and so effectively you would not want him to do anything else. He is hugely valuable to the team.”

Head coach Gregor Townsend has used 36 players during the last eight weeks in order to keep his squad fresh during a brutal run of matches leading into the climax of the season – but he has never been tempted to give Harley a week off. In fact, he is the only member of the Warriors squad to have featured in every league game this year – with an astonishing 19 starts and just three appearances off the bench.

This would be an impressive achievement for any player, but is especially so given the attritional nature of the positions Harley plays and the ferocity with which he approaches his role as one of the team’s key 
enforcers.

He might not be soft and cuddly, but Harley is like a Duracell bunny in that he just keeps going, and going, and going.

“I am pleased when the team is announced and I am involved. The depth in the squad is such you are not going to get a start in every game so there will be changes but it is good to be involved in the squad,” he says, with deadpan sincerity when asked about his impressive appearance record this season.

Harley is a highly intelligent individual. He was all set to pursue a career in law before deferring his degree so that he could concentrate on rugby. He is well read – in English and in French – has a lively off-beat sense of humour, and is something of an oracle within the Warriors squad when it comes to interesting trivia. But once he crosses the whitewash on game day, life is clearly about doing the simple things well.

Given that he can play across the back-row and the middle-row, it would be unfair to call him a one dimensional player – but it is telling that he doesn’t profess to viewing his role as changing much in relation to the number he has on his back.

“In a few scrum or line-out moves we have a different responsibility for first or second phase, but apart from that we are trying to play the same way. Leone Nakarawa and Tim Swinson have both played in the second row and back-row and I’m sure they would say the same thing. You don’t try and change your game, you try and play as well as you can,” he states.

His observations on how the Warriors managed to defeat Munster five weeks ago (and about what will be required to overcome the same opposition in tomorrow night’s play-off semi-final at Scotstoun) provides another illuminating insight into Harley’s rugby philosophy.

While he values the importance of attacking well, it is the heroism of the team in defence that really pleased him.

“We played really well in that game. We showed really good patience in attack and we were willing to play through the phases until we got tries. Defence was excellent as well. There were times we were on their five metre line and it was all hands on deck,” he recalls.

“There was one particular moment when the number eight was reaching out and Chris Cusiter dived in and knocked the ball away. It was courageous defence. It is massive for us to have that under our belts.

“At the same time, I remember playing them here earlier in the season and how Munster were so physical. While we can take confidence of winning over there, they will be thinking of the same about winning here,” he added.

“We have to remember how dangerous they are and the threat that they pose. There is no doubt that we need to really step up for this game.”

It is this sort of pragmatism which will have worked in Harley’s favour when the coaching team considered their options [Josh Strauss, Chris Fusaro, Ryan Wilson, Leone Nakarawa, Tyrone Holmes and James Eddie are also vying for selection in the back-row] ahead of today’s team 
announcement.

The bookies have Glasgow as marginal favourites for the Munster clash, but the thrilling nature of the team’s recent performances means that there is an unprecedented level of optimism as they approach their fourth play-off in five years.

Rather than play down this factor, Harley has embraced it as a means of reinforcing his determination to get the job done.

“I think it is exciting. Playing in the previous semi-finals there was a step up in intensity from the regular season, so we know it is going to be all about the small details,” he says.

“The small mistakes will get punished and everything is heightened a little bit.

“The fact we are in front of our home fans gives us that little extra to push us over the top and to victory.”

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Note that these are the remarks and thoughts of one or two lazy commentators rather than being representative of the Welsh rugby fan as a whole

Simon Zebo fit to face Glasgow Warriors in Friday’s Pro 12 semi-final

Coach Rob Penney says there are no concerns over JJ Hanrahan but confirmed fullback Denis Hurley is out with an Achilles injury

Munster have been given a boost ahead of Friday’s RaboDirect Pro 12 semi-final away to Glasgow Warriors with winger Simon Zebo declared fit to play.

Zebo came off with an ankle injury in Saturday’s dismal loss at home to Ulster but coach Rob Penney yesterday confirmed that the winger has made a full recovery.

Penney said they had not picked up any new injuries as they prepare to become the first side to win an away league semi-final since the play-offs were introduced four years ago.

Penney said there were no issues around JJ Hanrahan’s fitness but confirmed that full-back Denis Hurley, who missed the loss to Ulster, is out with an Achilles injury.

The Munster coach said that there was still no timeline on when lock Donnacha Ryan will return but it remains highly unlikely that he will be available for the Irish tour to Argentina.

“He’s going to see a specialist, to have another opinion,” said Penney, who added that his men are not paying much attention to the stat that an away team has never won a semi-final.

“Records are there to be broken, aren’t they? The record’s a daunting one but no, you don’t. You never look at those sorts of things. I’m not a massive believer in going in there with a different philosophy whether you’re home or away. There’s 15 guys playing on a grass trip 100 by 70 and away you go.

“I suppose it just does really emphasise the home advantage component. It’s small margins and some teams do perform a lot better at home and we might have been like that a month ago.”

But Penney does expect an edge to Friday’s proceedings and while they lost 22-5 at home to Glasgow in April, they won 13-6 in a fiery contest in Scotstoun in October in a game where there was an allegation of Donncha O’Callaghan being bitten.

“That happened in game, I wouldn’t want to dredge that up; it was one of those incidents that may or may not have happen.

“There was a bit of banter between their supporters and some of our reluctant players as they came off, trying to shepherd themselves into the alleyways and that’s sort of the cauldron that Scotstoun is going to be this week.

“They have strategically picked the time so that there is going to be plenty of food on board, 7.35, and it is going to be an interesting environment for us no doubt. That just goes back to the home advantage, we’re just going to have to deal with it and so are the officials,” added Penney.

This clash could be Penney’s final game in charge of Munster before he heads to Japan but he hopes it doesn’t end in Glasgow.

“Jeepers that would be very disappointing to have it end on that note but it’s got to end at some point. That’s the reality of the competition and only one team’s going to go through on Friday night. Whether it’s fear, whether it’s passion, whether it’s inspiration from the joys of playing the game, people will get their motivation from their own purposes. The hope is that they draw on that, whatever they draw on, and can give Glasgow a really good, hard game and make it a legitimate contest,” added the Kiwi.

Weegie Wizard wrote:I think he might mean we will all have time to get steaming before the game

Dunbar could be the centre of attention for Warriors again . . .

by Alasdair Reid

His try against Zebre last weekend may have attracted some withering scorn from his Glasgow Warriors team-mates - on the basis that the ball is meant to be touched down after you have crossed the line, not before - but it was somehow typical of the year Alex Dunbar has enjoyed that the man upstairs, whether divine or in the guise of the game's television match official, chose to overlook that little indiscretion.

In fairness, it was not exactly critical to the outcome of the Warriors' 54-0 hammering of Parma's finest that the 24-year-old centre came up short, in the most literal sense. However, at least he had the decency to hold his hand up and admit to the error when quizzed about it a few days later. "I was maybe slightly fortunate to get it," Dunbar admitted sheepishly. "But you learn from your mistakes."

Given another opportunity, as he surely will be, in the RaboDirect PRO12 semi-final match with Munster at Scotstoun tomorrow night, Dunbar might be a little more careful with his finishing. He is not exactly a try machine - that try against Zebre was his first of the current PRO12 campaign - but there is an all-round tidiness to his play that marks him out as the kind of fellow who does not have to splatter his name all over a scoresheet to justify his place on the pitch.

And maybe just as well, too, for the competition for places in the Warriors' starting XV is ferocious. Coach Gregor Townsend is spoiled for choice as far as candidates for the outside-centre berth is concerned, for as well as the obvious rival for the No.13 shirt, Mark Bennett, Townsend could just as easily ask Sean Lamont, Stuart Hogg or Richie Vernon - internationalists all - to do a shift in the position.

Having started just a handful of PRO12 games this season, Dunbar is probably a little fortunate to have been included in the league's so-called dream team, but a better measure of his worth is offered by the fact that he has become a virtual fixture in the Scotland Test side over the same period, collecting eight caps and scoring three tries since he made his debut in last summer's match with Samoa in Durban.

A couple of lengthy injury breaks restricted his appearances for Glasgow, but it is probably true to say that it is a stiffer challenge for him to get into the Warriors starting XV at the moment than it is to keep his place in the Scotland side.

"There is a lot of competition for places," said Dunbar. "But everyone is really professional about it, pushing each other hard. All we can do is train well and make it hard for Gregor picking the team. Everyone is really working hard and there is a great team spirit."

Just as well, for discontent in the ranks would do nothing to help Glasgow's cause when, on the occasion of their inaugural home play-off in the PRO12, they are in the unaccustomed position of being favourites to progress to the final. It is a prize that has eluded them on their three previous appearances at this stage of the Celtic/Italian competition.

"That's the kind of culture Glasgow is renowned for," said Dunbar of the spirit of the squad. "Even the boys who are not involved or injured will do anything possible. Finn [Russell] and Mike Cusack were injured for a while, but they were doing a lot of analysis on teams, just helping out the coaches."

Dunbar is one of six individuals in the running for the award of Warriors' player of the season, the others being Jonny Gray, Josh Strauss, Rob Harley, Tommy Seymour and Leone Nakarawa. The four/two split between forwards and backs says something of the kind of rugby Glasgow have been obliged to play this season, but there is no question that the backs have found their feet and their scoring touches, with a flurry of tries in the unprecedented eight-game winning streak with which they closed out their regular PRO12 season.

However, even as they have racked up the try-bonus points that were so elusive earlier in the season, Dunbar is content to spread the credit for Glasgow's form on the finishing straight. "It's not just the backs, it's the whole team," he said firmly. "I think the forwards really put a marker down [against Zebre] and gave us good, quick ball to play off. But some of the backs we have here are world class so if we get the opportunity and get quick ball we can tear any team apart.

"The way we attacked Zebre was encouraging from the whole team point of view, certainly in the first half. Some of the running lines and support we had were outstanding. There are a lot of positives to take into this weekend and Munster, but we still know we have to start again and put in another performance."

Townsend is obliged to name his side before 12 noon today. Much of the speculation around possible permutations has centred on whether Al Kellock, inspirational as a captain but under pressure in the second row, will keep his place, whether Peter Murchie will pip Stuart Hogg for the full-back berth and which fly-half will be chosen.

Dunbar is one of six individuals in the running for the award of Warriors' player of the season, the others being Jonny Gray, Josh Strauss, Rob Harley, Tommy Seymour and Leone Nakarawa. The four/two split between forwards and backs says something of the kind of rugby Glasgow have been obliged to play this season, but there is no question that the backs have found their feet and their scoring touches, with a flurry of tries in the unprecedented eight-game winning streak with which they closed out their regular PRO12 season.

funnyExiledScot wrote:

Dunbar is one of six individuals in the running for the award of Warriors' player of the season, the others being Jonny Gray, Josh Strauss, Rob Harley, Tommy Seymour and Leone Nakarawa. The four/two split between forwards and backs says something of the kind of rugby Glasgow have been obliged to play this season, but there is no question that the backs have found their feet and their scoring touches, with a flurry of tries in the unprecedented eight-game winning streak with which they closed out their regular PRO12 season.

A straightforward decision I'd have thought.

Varley warns Munster colleagues to be 'fearful for places' after 'unacceptable' display

by David Kelly– Published 13 May 2014 02:30 AM

If you closed your eyes and listened to Munster captain Damien Varley filter through the detritus of his side's forgettable last home game of the season, one could easily have been transported to the bowels of Marseille's Velodrome.

A different day, a different venue, just the same nagging problems that, once again, threaten to expose Munster as they prepare for their second semi-final of the season.

Those hoping for a different outcome than that agonising semi-final defeat in Europe against Toulon will not have been entirely disabused of their anxiety as they head to Scotland to face the form team, Glasgow, in the RaboDirect Pro12 play-offs.

"I wouldn't say long-term it is damaging psychologically, but it is certainly extremely disappointing that we didn't show up and we were beaten up in areas around the park, more so once again, stupid, unforced errors," says Varley, almost exactly mirroring his thoughts after the Toulon defeat.

"We weren't direct enough and any time we tried to, we forced the ball out wide and behind us too much and put ourselves under pressure and we'd find ourselves 50 yards back.

"That allowed them into the game, silly mistakes like not covering the blindside and they get a try off it. Psychologically it is upsetting, frustrating. But it has happened us before going into big games where we have had a loss – we have to turn it around."

Varley stresses the Heineken Cup trauma does not remain rooted in their subconscious."I wouldn't say there is a worry that it is clouding our performance," he insists.

"It is still upsetting. There is a Heineken Cup final on in two weeks' time. We would love to be part of it, but we are not. We have to get on with it.

"We had a great win last weekend in Edinburgh and it is hugely disappointing that we turn up this weekend and play utter s**t!"

"We should have been more direct; we forced it... given the conditions and a terrible night, we didn't adapt well enough. We compounded our mistakes throughout the night. We could never get on the front foot.

"When we were throwing passes, we were throwing them behind each other. We were not as accurate as we should be and as we are capable of."

A repeat display against Glasgow will comprehensively terminate Munster's campaign.

"Absolutely," Varley affirms. "They embarrassed us here at Thomond Park not so long ago. We had a narrow victory over them earlier on in the year over there. It is going to be a huge game. They put 55 points up on Zebre and they will put 55 points up on us if we turn up and we play similarly as we did.

"It is going to be a long week for us. We have a lot of work to do, a lot of preparations because it is going to be an extremely tough task. We try and set our standards in European rugby, but this fixture next week is certainly as big a challenge as we have come across all year."

Some Munster players could pay a hefty tariff; Rob Penney doesn't want this to be his last team selection.

"Players should always be fearful for their places after a performance like that," warns the captain.

"We will assess that this week. Everyone of us needs to look at ourselves and hold our hands up for that type of performance, which is completely unacceptable in a Munster jersey."

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:

funnyExiledScot wrote:

Dunbar is one of six individuals in the running for the award of Warriors' player of the season, the others being Jonny Gray, Josh Strauss, Rob Harley, Tommy Seymour and Leone Nakarawa. The four/two split between forwards and backs says something of the kind of rugby Glasgow have been obliged to play this season, but there is no question that the backs have found their feet and their scoring touches, with a flurry of tries in the unprecedented eight-game winning streak with which they closed out their regular PRO12 season.

A straightforward decision I'd have thought.

Hmm, not that easy

AsLongAsBut100ofUs wrote:Note that these are the remarks and thoughts of one or two lazy commentators rather than being representative of the Welsh rugby fan as a whole

Notch wrote:Known 'prima donna' Stuart Hogg out of the reckoning then?   

IanBru wrote:Hot off the press:
Glasgow team to face Munster:
15. Murchie
14. Maitland
13. Bennett
12. Dunbar
11. Seymour
10. Russell
9. Cusiter

1. Grant
2. Hall
3. Welsh
4. Gray
5. Kellock
6. Harley
7. Fusaro
8. Swinson

16. MacArthur 17. Reid 18. Cross 19. Swinson 20. Nakarawa 21. Matawalu 22. Jackson 23. Lamont