Munster youngsters with a big 2013 ahead of them

From: Munster young guns to watch in 2013
JJ Hanrahan

Former Ireland Schools and U-20 international Hanrahan completed two years with the Munster Rugby Academy before securing a Development contract for the 2012/13 season.

Last June, Hanrahan played an impressive role at out-half for the Ireland U-20 side that finished fifth in the Junior World Cup in South Africa and was nominated for Junior Player of the Year.

He first played for the Munster senior side against La Rochelle in the opening pre-season game in August 2011, and made his RaboDirect PRO12 debut against Newport Gwent Dragons in Thomond Park last September.

The youngest player in the senior squad, marked his first full start for the senior side by bagging two tries in their PRO12 victory over Zebre in October at Thomond Park.

Hanrahan, who can play inside centre as well as out-half, made his Heineken Cup debut against Edinburgh in October.

SHANE BUCKLEY

One of four Munster players in the Irish U-20 side that featured in the Junior World Cup in South Africa last June, back-row forward Buckley also featured in the 2011 JWC in Italy after playing in the U-20 Six Nations earlier that year.

Twenty-year-old Buckley also featured for a Munster Development side that defeated Russian professional outfit Enesei STM 34-24 in April of last year.

The Garryowen flanker has impressed for the Munster ‘A’ side in the British and Irish Cup.

Buckley, who will not turn 21 until April, will be hoping to build on the steady progress he made in 2012.

Now in his second year in the Munster Academy, Buckley has the potential to become a regular in the senior side in the seasons ahead.

CATHAL SHERIDAN

ALTHOUGH he is yet to make his debut for the senior side, 24-year-old scrum-half from Co Sligo has been impressing with the Munster A side in recent seasons and has captained that team on a couple of occasions this season.

Sheridan represented Connacht at U-19 level before moving to Limerick where he plays with UL-Bohs.

A product of the Munster Academy, Sheridan is on a development contract this season. He has featured in all of Munster As British and Irish Cup games this term and has also played with the Ireland Club side.

While Sheridan is some way down the pecking order at present, he could well elevate himself to a more prominent position through 2013.

BRIAN HAYES

NOW in his final year of the academy, Hayes made his senior debut as a replacement in Munster’s pre-season game against Sale Sharks in August 2009 as an 18-year-old.

Since then, the imposing lock has represented the Munster A side on a number of occasions and was part of the B&I Cup winning side of 2012.

At the start of the season, Hayes started against La Rochelle in Munster’s opening pre-season game and came on as a replacement against Bristol. Still only 22 years of age, Hayes looks set to have a bright future in the Munster engine room and given the age profile of the squad’s second rows is likely to enjoy more gametime in the senior side in the seasons ahead.

JACK O’DONOGHUE

The youngest member of the Munster Academy, O’Donoghue, who now plays his club rugby with UL-Bohemian, turns 19 on Tuesday next.

The Waterford-born number captained the Ireland U-18 Club side in games with France and England last April, and previously led Waterpark youths to an Avonmore SuperMilk Munster youth title in 2011.

O’Donoghue has already featured for the Munster ‘A’ side in the British and Irish Cup this season and impressed for UL-Bohs’ in their recent ODM Munster Senior Cup final clash with Cork Con. O’Donoghue is an exciting prospect and an accomplished ball carrier, who boasts an impressive workrate.

DARREN MORONEY

A STRING of impressive displays from the 22-year-old for UL-Bohs in the AIL and for the Munster A side resulted in Moroney being included in the Munster Academy this season.

Winger Moroney shot to prominence in 2008 when helping Castletroy College claim an historic first Munster Schools Senior Cup success.

The exciting finisher made his British & Irish Cup debut as a replacement against Neath in November 2011 and has added to his haul of appearances for Ian Costello’s side over the past 12 months.

Competition for places in the senior backline remains keen, but Moroney is a player who could well earn a debut for Rob Penney in the near future.

ALAN COTTER

THE 26-year-old former St Munchin’s College star joined the Munster Rugby Academy at the start of the 2010/11 season and after completing his second year earned a Development contract for the current season.

Cotter had loan spells with Aviva Premiership giants London Irish and Bath before Christmas where he gained invaluable playing time.

The Young Munster clubman, who is from Garryowen, began his rugby career with Richmond. He has featured for the Munster A side in recent times, making four appearances in the British and Irish Cup, and will be hoping to move up the pecking order of Munster’s tighthead props during 2013.

BRIAN HAUGH

THE Young Munster scrum-half is in his first year in the Munster Academy.

Haugh, who turns 20 next week, enjoyed an impressive run with Rockwell College at Schools Cup level.

The Clare native has impressed with Young Munster in the All-Ireland League in recent seasons, proving a very reliable goal-kicker. He has also represented Munster at U-18 and U-20 level. Given the strong level of competition for game time at scrum half with Munster, it may be some time before Haugh makes a major impact at senior level, but he boasts all the attributes needed to succeed.

Ulster vs Glasgow

Match reaction:

That was one of the best 20/30 minutes I have seen from a side.

Right up until Pienaar missed his first penalty, all of the momentum was with Ulster. They played the conditions brilliantly with effective kicks and forcing mistakes from the Glasgow players. After 10 minutes I was confident they would get the bonus point. How they only got one try in the first half an hour I'll never know.

Glasgow didn't do themselves any favours by not calling for the mark on a number of occasions, one of which lead to Murchie carrying the ball out of touch in his own 22 from fielding another high ball.

Although it lead to Nick Williams's first try, I didn't think Darren Cave kicked well. I mean, it was the right idea, the space was there, but the execution wasn't brilliant, I would have tried to get more width and a little less deep to encourage the chase.

In the end though, they took their foot off the gas, and that cost them the bonus point. Those ten-twenty minutes at the start of the second half killed them, but I was really impressed with how Pienaar controlled the game. From an Irish perspective, while Jackson learns a lot from playing outside Pienaar, how is he meant to learn to influence games if Pienaar does it so effortlessly?

On a brighter note, Marshall seems to be returning to form and Ulster's fortune's picked up considerably when he came on. And Tom Court had a monster showing in the scrum. Makes a huge difference from the annihalation in Twickenham only 9 months ago. Suspicions of illegal scrummaging, but given the difference in fortunes, and my being Irish, I'm willing to let it go.

Upshot of it, Ulster are through, now to get as high a spot as possible. Although I almost think 3rd might be better to avoid the possibility of Leinster in the quarters, but that's too much for now.

From a Lions point of view,

Prygos caught my eye at scrumhalf, but he needs to have faster passes and he takes too many steps on a few too many occasions.

Having been a big fan of Sean Maitland when he was a Crusader, he seemed lost last night, and Gilroy performed well opposite him. However he was unlucky that the penalty was given against him when they challenged for a high ball. I thought Gilroy's feet were very close to Maitland's chest.

Ali Kellock was a nuisance in the line-out and may sneak into the reckoning.

A quick look to the future

Ravens squad announced

An interesting team selection.

I want to point out, that Annett is already captain of the Ravens, which bodes well for the future, I think he is a super player.

Heaney has come on a lot, and Olding looks a prospect too. McIlroy and Scholes in the back three are both exciting prospects, and Ali Birch was amazing a few weeks ago against Munster scoring a try.

Update: Lost 8-14.

Munster A team

Great to see Stander and Dougall coming back from injury. I would like to see people like Scott Deasy, Danny Barnes, Ivan Dineen, Ian Nagle and JJ Hanrahan push for a spot on the first XV soon.

Leinster A team

Good to see Kearney back too. Maybe now I'll get to see what everyone else is fussing about over him.

I haven't seen Jordan Coughlan play since the attempt to move him into inside centre, hopefully he is developing hands and coming good. He was a great back rower, which is handy at 12, and it's good vision from Schmidt to see that there aren't too many 12's coming through, and a buttload of 6's.

Noel Reid seems immense at this level, but needs to start cutting out the mistakes when given the chance. It's a big year for him with his contract up at the end of the year.

At loosehead, it's interesting to see Jack McGrath as the captain over someone with more experience. Hopefully he'll be a leader and challenge Healy soon.  Good to keep an eye on Marshall, Flanagan, and Gilsenan in the pack too.

On the bench, I think Luke McGrath is a super talent, as we will see in the U-20's 6 nations this year, and Cathal Marsh is a bag of tricks, but needs more solidity. Apart from that, Jack Conan impressed me at 20's level, and van der Flier and James Tracy have been mentioned favourably to me.

State of the squad: Leinster (forwards)

No matter what sport it is, I'm a big believer in having at least two strong options for each position.

So I'm going to go around the Irish teams and see where the strength is, who needs to improve and where we need strengthening.

Leinster:

1. Loosehead prop.
The first position here has two full internationals of serious note. Cian Healy and Heinke van der Merwe are not only two of the best loosehead props in the Northern Hemisphere, but the combination of the two of them of the bench really brings the best out of each of them. Especially Healy, who is learning a lot from van der Merwe. Healy knows he can play as hard as he can for 60 minutes and he'll be replaced. Whereas when van der Merwe is not on the bench Healy feels he needs to last the game, and isn't as effective as he tries to conserve energy.

Jack McGrath is also on the horizon, and looks a decent prospect. He will need to start improving soon and challenge van der Merwe. With the IRFU foreign player policy coming in soon, it's unlikely van der Merwe will be around much longer.

2. Hooker

Another position that Leinster are blessed in. Richardt Strauss and Sean Cronin are very much like Healy and van der Merwe. They both bring different attributes to the party too. Strauss acts like an extra openside, bringing a vital instinct to the team that both Leinster and Ireland do not have enough of.

Both need to improve the line-out throwing and scrummaging, but it's promising times.

There doesn't seem to be an outstanding candidate as a youthful backup. I don't rate Aaron Dundon (late twenties anyway). It reminds to be seen if either of those Byrne twins from Clongowes last year are worth all the fuss.

3. Tighthead Prop.

Mike Ross has this position sewn up. I thought after Bent's Taranaki performances and cameo's for Ireland that he was the real deal scrummaging-wise. But he seems to be caught out at Pro 12 level, which is extremely worrying.

This is a position where Bent needs to improve his scrummaging immeasurably. Because even though he brings nothing else to the table, a tighthead doesn't have to.

In the ranks are Jamie Hagan, who appears to be flattering to deceive and looks like he will never be more than a Pro 12 player. Martin Moore is another youngster coming through, but I don't want to get my hopes up.

4 & 5. Second Row.

Leo is still the main second row for the Heineken Cup champions. Unfortunately is appears that Devin Toner will never make the step up from Pro 12 player to effective Heineken Cup second row.

Damien Browne seems like a workhorse, and effective Pro 12, and occasionally Heineken Cup pool player. But he's very limited without embarrassing himself.

Quinn Roux seems to be the real deal, based on the South African newspapers and websites. He is highly rated back in his home country, and was initially rated higher than Eben Etzebeth when the two were emerging just a year ago before injuries scuppered his Super Rugby season last year. Roux was included in Meyer's extended training camps in the season before he left, and there was a general expectation in South Africa that he would have made the team in a year or two's time. I've also seen a few articles from around the time of the announcement suggesting that Roux will go back to South Africa at the end of the year, which hopefully won't happen, but if so that means the signing of McCarthy for next season makes a lot more sense.

Quinn Roux Link 1
Quinn Roux Link 2

Tom Denton is a young English born, Irish qualified second row. He seems decent, was highly rated in England, so he might have a chance. I haven't seen anything special from the few viewings I've had of him, but I would like to see more.

Ben Marshall is the academy player coming through. He has been quite impressive at blindside when appearing, and seemed impressive when appearing for the U-20's a few years ago.

I don't know enough about Mark Flanagan to comment.

To me, Roux is the big hope, and hopefully Denton and Marshall can step up, but none of them seem good enough at the moment. They are all young though, so here's hoping.

6. Blindside Flanker.

In my eyes, there is a back-row spot up for grabs. Only Sean O'Brien and Jamie Heaslip are guaranteed first XV spots in my eyes.

Sean O'Brien is the best blindside in the squad. He isn't a natural openside, but he's also the best openside in the squad.

Kevin McLaughlin seems to be next in the pecking order, but I'm a huge fan of Rhys Ruddock, and would love to see him nail the other guaranteed spot. He needs to improve his ball-carrying, breakdown work and line-out abilities but he is coming along nicely.

Jordi Murphy is coming up from the academy and is making huge strides, which will hopefully push Ruddock. Blindside is not a position to worry about.

7. Openside Flanker.

A position that needs a bit of development, but I have some theories about the future of opensides to come in a later blog post.

Again, Sean O'Brien is the best openside available, but it negates the devastating ball carrying abilities that he possesses, so it'd not ideal for him to play here. I also think Heaslip, Healy and Strauss as well as D'Arcy and O'Driscoll display a lot of good fetching work one would associate as a primary role of an openside flanker.

Shane Jennings has been in great form this season, but I wouldn't consider him international class, he barely passes at Heineken Cup level.

Dominic Ryan seems to be the next best thing, and he needs a year without injury. Along with Ruddock, I think he has a great chance of cementing his place in the team. I do think he might be more of a 6 though.

8.

Jamie Heaslip is still world class. He may not be in as good form as 2009, but he is still one of the top 5 best no. 8's in the world with Read, Harinordoqouy and Parisse.

Leo Auva'a seems like a big ball carrying 8 too, he seems a bit one-dimensional, and should try and incorporate more sense and work ethic into his game. He's only young so there is time too.

Leinster vs Connacht

Final Score 17-0

First off, I fancied Connacht from the start. After 30 mins, I fancied them even more. I thought the Leinster team was one of the worst named I've seen in a long time; with both the backline and front five looking very dodgy.

Conway and Carr have become liabilities, Goodman does not live up to his name, Bent does unfortunately.

And Connacht have showed, this season in particular, that they are no mugs anymore.

In any case, after the try against the run of play, Connacht didn't look the same side.

Individual stand-outs, and there wasn't as many as Munster and Ulster were Dominic Ryan and Rhys Ruddock. Both showed they are ahead of the vast improving Jordi Murphy, who does not have enough control at the base of a scrum to be an 8. Kevin MacLaughlin and Shane Jennings will be wary as both of these lads are making strong cases for promotion and I think should be soon.

As for Connacht, Henshaw looked exciting, but like Luke Marshall, showed his youth at times by taking the wrong options, and making silly errors that experience teaches you not to do. He has some way to go yet.

Marmion however was immense, quick passing, some slick breaks and took control of the game at times. He had a lot of clever kicks over the top. I'd have him ahead of Murray in the Irish set up.

Although I'd have a lot of scrum halves ahead of Murray.

Munster vs Ulster Review

Final score 24-10.

Despite the score there was some good performances from both sides.

Paddy Butler and Tommy O'Donnell (man of the match) were everywhere, smashing into the breakdown, making big tackles. O'Donnell showed me that that one performance against Glasgow wasn't a once-off.

A lot of the young "tyros" from Ulster put in some great performances too. Chris Cochrane showed some promise from the start, but I was most impressed with Stuart Olding, Niall Annett, Ali Birch and Michael Heaney from the bench.

Annett was the under 20's captain for the last two years, hit every line-out jumper, and the scrum improved immeasurably when he cam on. That may be because of Tom Court's appearance too, but Annett showed me a lot more than I was expecting at this stage and he needs to be considered as the back up to Rory Best and getting more chances.

Stuart Olding came on and showed some good touches. He has a great pass off both hands, took his conversion well, and kicking out of hand was very impressive. I'd like to see more of him. He looked better than Niall O'Connor, but it's a bit soon to call for more.

Michael Heaney was awesome. He seems like a younger Paul Marshall. He was energetic, a livewire and upped the tempo. The consolation Ulster try was made by his break, step and awesome over the shoulder offload. I'd love to see more of him, but with Marshall and Pienaar ahead of him it may not happen.

First I'd seen of Ali Birch, a 24 year old Irish blindside flanker, but it was hard not to notice him. Made one great break after a brilliant dummy, showed strength and pace to get away and hold up and wait for support, He took the try really well too.

But one player who stood out for me in the end was Luke Marshall. Admittedly, in the beginning I saw a lot of errors, some inexperienced giving away of penalties, and he was caught out badly for a O'Mahony break when Marshall was sinbinned.

But, he redeemed himself with some huge hits, constantly tackling much bigger players and putting them backwards, I counted a number of turnovers from him too. He also stood up and took responsibility, with some great kicks to the corners, strong carrying and showed he has a bit of a step too.

Future doesn't look so bleak, but these lads need some chances.

2013 Wishlist

I thought I'd make a list of things I want to happen in the new year.

Ulster Rugby:

Jared Payne will declare for Ireland.
Luke Marshall to cement his place in the Ulster first XV.
Paul Marshall to get a chance for Ireland.
Craig Gilroy to continue to improve and take his chances.
Darren Cave to get more chances for Ireland.
Declan Fitzpatrick to get more games.
Stephen Ferris to not get injured.

Stuart Olding to get a few chances.
Niall Annett to start becoming second choice hooker.
Chris Cochrane to get more games.
Michael Heaney to get a few games

Connacht Rugby:
To qualify for the Heineken Cup again.
To start finishing at least 8th in the Pro12.

Denis Buckley to cement his place in the first XV
Eoin Griffen to start in the first XV
Mick Kearney to be first choice

Aaron Conneely get more games
Daniel Qualter to get more games
Conor Finn to get a chance
Shane Leydon to get a chance

Tiernan O'Hallorhan to get a go with Ireland
Kieran Marmion to get a chance with Ireland
Robbie Henshaw get a chance with Ireland

Munster Rugby:
Make the Rabo Pro12 playoffs
Make at least the Amlin Quarters 12/13

Stephen Archer to improve and get more games
Danny Barnes to get more opportunities
Paddy Butler to keep improving and make the first XV
Scott Deasy to get a chance
Ivan Dineen to get a chance
Sean Dougall to improve and get games
JJ Hanrahan to get a chance
Felix Jones to not get injured
David Kilcoyne to improve and challenge Healy
Conor Murray to improve his tempo and passing and kicking. Take less steps
Ian Nagle to show his potential
Dave O'Callaghan to keep improving
Paul O'Connell to not get injured
Luke O'Dea to show he is special
Tommy O'Donnell to prove that one performance wasn't a one-off
John Ryan to challenge Archer
Sean Scanlon to show something
Mike Sherry to improve his throwing
CJ Stander to not get injured
Simon Zebo to prove me wrong and he is something a little different

Leinster Rugby:

Win the Rabo
Qualify for the Heineken Quarters
Not be drawn against Clermont in the pool stages in 13/14

Michael Bent to show he can scrum
Andrew Conway to show his potential
Sean Cronin to improve scrummaging and throwing
Tom Denton to challenge for the first team
Luke Fitzgerald to not get injured and show his potential
Jamie Hagan to challenge for the first team
Fergus McFadden to find a position
Jack McGrath to challenge Healy
Brian O'Driscoll to not get injured and consider RWC
Eoin O'Malley to not get injured and challenge
Quinn Roux to show he is awesome and not get injured
Rhys Ruddock make the first XV
Dominic Ryan to show he is an openside of quality

Ben Marshall to start challenging for the first team
Luke McGrath to get a chance
Jordi Murphy to keep improving and start challenging full time for a first team jersey
Noel Reid to get contract and cut out the errors

Lions:

No Ashton, Armitage or Hartley
O'Driscoll and O'Connell

Sean Maitland has declared for Scotland and gets a call up.

Some young bolters.

An entertaining and exciting squad and style of play.

A victory.

Ireland.

Beat NZ.
Show promise.

Look like you can score at anytime.
Play smart rugby