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Rugby Union
United Rugby Championship
[2018-19 Guinness Pro 14] Round 1 (31/08/2018-01/09/2018)
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<blockquote data-quote="collace" data-source="post: 913943" data-attributes="member: 70762"><p>Strangely optimistic heading into the new season which is completely usual for me only for reality to set in after a few weeks...</p><p></p><p>We look like we have the beginnings of a pack at last. I don't think it can be underestimated how much a fully fit Marcel Coetzee would bring to the party - he's a class act and brings a hard edge which we have been lacking massively in recent years. Him, Jordi Murphy and Nick Timoney is a back row which has the potential to do great things. Add to that a hard-nosed, forwards orientated head coach and there's room for a bit of optimism.</p><p></p><p>Funnily enough, after having an embarrassment of riches in the backs until a couple of years ago there are now question marks. Of particular interest will be how Billy Burns gets on - ultimately he will be key to a functioning backline. The other issue is that with the potentially serious injury to Conor Murray we will be resigned to losing John Cooney for large parts of the season and while we have some promising youngsters coming through I don't think any are ready to take that big step up. The short term signing of Speight is also a good one.</p><p></p><p>Looking to this weekend's game. It looks like we will have Henderson and Cooney available for selection which is a massive bonus. Could see a side something like:</p><p></p><p>Van der Merwe</p><p>Andrew (Not sure if Herring is available after Ireland duty)</p><p>Moore</p><p>O'Connor</p><p>Henderson</p><p>Timoney</p><p>Reidy</p><p>Coetzee</p><p>Cooney</p><p>Burns</p><p>Speight</p><p>McCloskey</p><p>Cave</p><p>Gilroy</p><p>Addison</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="collace, post: 913943, member: 70762"] Strangely optimistic heading into the new season which is completely usual for me only for reality to set in after a few weeks... We look like we have the beginnings of a pack at last. I don't think it can be underestimated how much a fully fit Marcel Coetzee would bring to the party - he's a class act and brings a hard edge which we have been lacking massively in recent years. Him, Jordi Murphy and Nick Timoney is a back row which has the potential to do great things. Add to that a hard-nosed, forwards orientated head coach and there's room for a bit of optimism. Funnily enough, after having an embarrassment of riches in the backs until a couple of years ago there are now question marks. Of particular interest will be how Billy Burns gets on - ultimately he will be key to a functioning backline. The other issue is that with the potentially serious injury to Conor Murray we will be resigned to losing John Cooney for large parts of the season and while we have some promising youngsters coming through I don't think any are ready to take that big step up. The short term signing of Speight is also a good one. Looking to this weekend's game. It looks like we will have Henderson and Cooney available for selection which is a massive bonus. Could see a side something like: Van der Merwe Andrew (Not sure if Herring is available after Ireland duty) Moore O'Connor Henderson Timoney Reidy Coetzee Cooney Burns Speight McCloskey Cave Gilroy Addison [/QUOTE]
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Rugby Union
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[2018-19 Guinness Pro 14] Round 1 (31/08/2018-01/09/2018)
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