Next Season: Your Team

[MunsterMan]

Well, basically discuss your team for next season, first XV's, Ins and Outs etc.

I'll start with Munster obviously.

The emphasis this season HAS to be on bringing our young players through, forget journeymen, I don't want to sound cliche but we need proper local Munster lads who will die for the jersey back in the team. I think Peter O'Mahony is the perfect example, if he doesn't start in the HEC this season something will be very very wrong.

IN: Sam Tuitupou ( Centre - Worcester), Johnne Murphy (Wing - Leicester)

OUT: Jean De Villiers ( Centre - South Africa), Julien Brugnaut ( Prop - Racing Metro), Nick Williams ( Backrow - Released), Jeremy Manning ( Outhalf - Released), Ciarán O'Boyle (Wing - Released), Danny Riordan (Fullback/Wing - Released)

Bit of a clearout, but plenty of promotion from within

Academy players given contracts: Scott Deasy (Fullback/Centre/Flyhalf), Ian Nagle (Lock), Dave Foley (Lock), Peter O'Mahony (Backrow), Stephen Archer (Prop), Danny Barnes (Wing)
Simon Zebo (winger) has also been added to the academy, who i expect to feature in the first team on occasion as well. Brian Hayes has also received an academy deal, who I think has a brighter future than the two given contracts, and should feature heavily in the coming U20 world cup. Peter Butler and Dave O'Callaghan haven't been given anything yet, which is scandalous as they (Butler in particular) have incredible potential.

Squad:

Fullback: Felix Jones, Scott Deasy
Wing: Doug Howlett, Denis Hurley, Johnne Murphy, Ian Dowling, Danny Barnes
13: Keith Earls, Tom Gleeson, Barry Murphy
12: Sam Tuitupou, Lifemi Mafi (will miss start of season due to shoulder surgery)
Flyhalf: Paul Warwick, Ronan O'Gara, Declan Cusack
Scrumhalf: Tomás O'Leary, Duncan Williams, Peter Stringer

Number 8: Denis Leamy, James Coughlan
Flanker: David Wallace, Peter O'Mahony, Alan Quinlan, Tommy O'Donnell, Niall Ronan, Billy Holland
Second Row: Paul O'Connell, Donncha O'Callaghan, Donncha Ryan, Mick O'Driscoll, Ian Nagle, Dave Foley
Tighthead: Tony Buckley, John Hayes, Stephen Archer
Hooker: Damien Varley, Jerr Flannery, Denis Fogarty
Looshead: Marcus Horan, Dave Ryan, Darragh Hurley


Heineken Cup Team:

1. Marcus Horan
2. Damien Varley
3. Tony Buckley
4. Donncha O'Callaghan
5. Paul O'Connell
6. David Wallace
7. Peter O'Mahony
8. Denis Leamy

9. Tomás O'Leary
10. Paul Warwcik
11. Denis Hurley
12. Sam Tuitupou/Lifemi Mafi
13. Keith Earls
14. Doug Howlett
15. Felix Jones

16. Jerry Flannery
17. Dave Ryan
18. John Hayes
19. Donncha Ryan
20. James Coughlan
21. Duncan Williams
22. Ronan O'Gara
23. Scott Deasy

Obviously my oppinion, may differ to others. I don't see this team winning the HEC this season, but it would be a huge step forward starting the process of bringing the young talent through.

 

[Jockstap]

That looks an excellent team but there's no way they'll get rid of O'Gara in a World Cup year. With Sean Cronin probably returning the season after next Munster's pack could a force to be reckoned with again, in the loose at least, with Buckley at tighthead the scrum will still be cack. What's the story with Felix Jones I heard a few rumours that he may never play rugby again?

 

[MunsterMan]

Jones had a very serious injury, but is back in light training and apparently should be fit to play in all of the preseason games and will be back in full training for the start of preseason. Awesome player

It is almost a certainty we will sign Cronin in 2011 after he turned Leinster down. Hopefully we will get Timmy Ryan from Toulon too.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Peter Butler and Dave O'Callaghan haven't been given anything yet, which is scandalous as they (Butler in particular) have incredible potential.

Just to be picky, O'Callaghan is already in the Munster academy. I agree that Butler should be there too since he looks a terrific prospect.

 

[MunsterMan]

Apparently Butler has been linked with a move to Ulster. Also heard he wasn't interested in joining any Academy, and wanted a development contract straight away. He is hugely talented anyway, Munster can't afford to let him slip between the cracks.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

Sale Sharks:

Absolutely shocking season for us this year. A worse season was expected due to the amount of talent that left, compared to the amount signed, but to just avoid relegation is unacceptable.
We've got a new headcoach now, and he doesn't appear to take **** off of anyone, so hopefully he can do what he wants and get the team working again (apparently he used to be a forwards coach? Our forwards certainly need coaching)

Out:
Chris Jones (for a year), Brent Cockbain, Dean Schofield, Luke Abrahams, Richard Wigglesworth, Oriol Ripol, James and Doherty others are strongly rumoured to be moving on/retiring.

In:
Rob Miller - Potentially good signing. We needed another flyhalf, with Hodgson playing pretty much all game every game, when he got injured we had to move Lee Thomas to 10, and while he's a good player, it left us short handed at 12, which led to the owners son being put there...
Satala from gloucester

What we need: Second rower(s) - We've lost three locks, so really need to get some back. With Gaskell (hopefully) in the main XV from now on we'll need a big brute alongside him as he's pretty lightweight as far as forwards come. Another scrumhalf as well, with the loss of Wigglesworth we've only got Peel and then the academy lads, who are good players, but if Peel get's injured then we're in the ****.
Inside centre would be nice, as Lee Thomas is prone to injury, and a fullback/wing, as our backup fullback is pretty naff (Vakakegu). Cuetos been playing FB a bit this season, so maybe he could be the backup, then we get another winger in instead. Someone really nippy would be nice, as atm our starters are Cueto and Cohen. Both have bags of experience and great rugby brains, but neither the quickest of players anymore
Maybe another prop, though Lee Imolek looks a good prospect for the future, and Sheridan will be back next season



Good points: Young talent coming through (namely James Gaskell and Carl Fearns) - The academy is performing very well, producing some decent players. Other players have stepped up, for example Neil Briggs (hooker/backrow, his work around the park is fantastic), Sisa Koyamaibole has been much much better this season (though is rumoured to be off to France next season), Lee Thomas has been great again, him and Tait in the centre have been cracking.
Bad points: Going to **** during international season. It's not even as if we're badly hit by the 6N (we lost Tait, Cueto, Gaskell and Kennedy, off of the top of my head) but it all went downhill from there.


For next season: Hopefully qualify for the Heineken Cup the following season, but at the very least not be in a relegation battle.

 

[mohamed_ali12]

BATH
IN:

Lewis Moody (Flanker - Leicester), Simon Taylor (Lock/Flanker/Eight - Stade Francais), Sam Vesty (Fly-Half, Centre, Full-Back - Leicester), Tom Biggs (Wing - Newcastle), Mark McMillan (Scrum-Half-Edinburgh)

OUT:

Michael Stephenson (Wing - Leeds), Rob Hawkins (Hooker - Leicester), Mike Baxter (Scrum-Half, released), Scott Bemand (Scrum-Half, retired), Daniel Browne (Eight/Flanker - Leeds), Rhys Crane (Wing, released), Ryan Davis (Fly-Half/Centre - Exeter), Nicky Little (Fly-Half - Bristol), Joe Maddock (Wing/Full-Back - Treviso), Julian Salvi (Flanker - Brumbies)

PROMOTED FROM ACADEMY:

Ben Williams (Centre), Paul Roberts (Fly-Half), Scott Hobson (Lock), Mark Lilley (Hooker/Prop), Josh Ovens (Flanker), Guy Mercer (Flanker), Chris Cook (Scrum-Half)

SQUAD

Full-Back: Nick Abendanon, Jack Cuthbert
Wing: Matt Banahan, Tom Biggs, A N OTHER - possibly Noah Cato (Saracens) or Miles Benjamin (Worcester)
Centre: Olly Barkley, Shontayne Hape, Matt Carraro, Ben Williams, Tom Cheeseman
Fly-Half: Butch James, Sam Vesty, Paul Roberts
Scrum-Half: Michael Claassens, Mark McMillan, Chris Cook
Number 8: Luke Watson, Ben Skirving
Flanker: Jonny Fa'amatuianu, Lewis Moody, Andy Beattie, Josh Ovens, Guy Mercer
Second Row: Danny Grewcock, Stuart Hooper, Peter Short, Simon Taylor, Scott Hobson
Tighthead: Duncan Bell, Dave Wilson, Aaron Jarvis
Hooker: Lee Mears, Pieter Dixon, Mark Lilley
Loosehead: David Flatman, David Barnes, Nathan Catt

HEINEKEN CUP TEAM:

1. Dave Flatman (2008 Challenge Cup winner, England tourist to Australia, Capped 8 times by England)

2. Lee Mears (2008 Challenge Cup winner, British & Irish Lions test hooker, England tourist to Australia, capped 35 times by England)

3. Dave Wilson (England tourist to Australia, Capped 9 times by England)

4. Stuart Hooper (Captained England's Churchill Cup squad 2009, selected for England's Churchill Cup Squad 2010)

5. Danny Grewcock (2008 Challenge Cup winner, 2003 World Cup winner, Four time British & Irish Lions test lock, capped 69 times by England)

6. Andy Beattie (2008 Challenge Cup winner, England Saxons international)

7. Lewis Moody (2003 World Cup winner, Twice British & Irish Lions test flanker, Guinness Premiership winner with Leicester, Heineken Cup finalist with Leicester, capped 61 times by England (1 as captain), captaining England on 2010 tour to Australia)

8. Luke Watson (Former captain of Western Province/Stormers, capped 10 times by South Africa)


9. Michael Claassens (2008 Challenge Cup winner, Capped 6 times by South Africa)

10. Butch James (2008 Challenge Cup winner, 2007 World Cup winner, selected for Springboks match vs. Wales, capped 35 times by South Africa)

11. Matt Banahan (2008 Challenge Cup winner, England tourist to Australia, capped 5 times by England)

12. Olly Barkley (2008 Challenge Cup winner, England tourist to Australia, capped 23 times by England)

13. Shontayne Hape (England tourist to Australia, Twice Super League Grand Final winner, 2003 RL Challenge Cup winner, capped 13 times by New Zealand RL)

14. Tom Biggs (2005 Powegen Cup winner, England Saxons international, England Sevens international)

15. Nick Abendanon (2008 Challenge Cup winner, England Sevens international, Capped twice by England)



16. Duncan Bell (2008 Challenge Cup winner, Capped 5 times by England)

17. Nathan Catt (England Saxons international)

18. Pieter Dixon (2008 Challenge Cup winner)

19. Peter Short (2008 Challenge Cup winner, England Saxons international)

20. Simon Taylor (Selected for 2001 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, capped 66 times by Scotland)

21. Mark McMillan (Scotland A international)

22. Sam Vesty (Guinness Premiership winner with Leicester, Heineken Cup finalist with Leicester, capped twice by England)

23. Matt Carraro (Australia A international)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Definately see Bath as quarter-finalists next year, if not further. The scrum is a solid platform, with some exciting backs behind. Would like to see a home semi-final at least from Bath in 2011. Some silverware (LV) would be nice too.

 

[dullonien]

Can't see there being much change at the Ospreys. The squad is relitively young. Tiatia has obviously retired, meaning a backup 8 is needed. Rumors of Nick Williams have died down, whilst Tom Smith has never blown me away. He is young though. Ben Lewis must be given gametime to see if he can re-capture some of the form he was starting to show before injury. Hopefully he can start challenging Hollah next season.

We should see a return to the starting IV for Ian Evans, which will probably mean a bench spot for Jon Thomas.

I would have liked to have seen Nutbrown and Walker released, but it hasn't happened. Both solid players, but I think there are better young Welsh alternatives. Kristian Phillips and Prydie are both hugely promising.

Gareth Owen. Please give him a run of games at centre. Then there's the orange one. Will he return? I'm gonna expect him to be around next season. So the HC team I'd like to see:

01 Paul James
02 Richard Hibbard
03 Adam Jones
04 Ian Evans
05 Alun-Wyn Jones
06 Jerry Collins
07 Marty Hollah
08 Ryan Jones

09 Mike Phillips
10 Dan Biggar
11 Shane Williams
12 Gavin Henson
13 James Hook
14 Tommy Bowe
15 Lee Byrne

16 Huw Bennett
17 Duncan Jones
18 Craig Mitchell
19 Jonathan Thomas
20 Ben Lewis
21 Liam Davies
22 Gareth Owen
23 Kristian Phillips

Ok. Not quite sure about the centres, playing Henson and Hook together. Also not hugely sure about the bench, would like to have Andrew Bishop there somewhere, but can't see where. An entire front row will be necessary next season. Jon Thomas covers second row and 6. Ben Lewis being there is probably just a dream, but I like to have a specialist openside on the bench, with Collins able to move over to 8 if necessary. A specialist 9 is a must. Hook covers 10, and Gareth Owen is centre and fullback cover. Phillips or even Prydie are wing cover.

 

[SelimNiai]

As for Bristol it all depends on what happens Wednesday night. Should we go up then the targets we should set ourselves is to stay up, simple really, but to stay up well, look to end up 9th or so. We have the talent, some of our young players have real skill. We need to strengthen up from, front 5 in particular, our back row players are all the right age but our props and locks there is a bog gap in terms of age and experience.

If the unthinkable (and the RFU's dream) happens and we stay down we'll go up next season. But that's not going to happen...

 

[Conal]

Ulster
1 tom court
2 rory best
3 bj botha ( love to see court play tight aswell again)
4 J.Muller / caldwell
5 Dan tuhoy
6 ferris!
7 fallon / henry
8 diack /henry

9 marshall/ willis
10 ian humphreys
11 mark mcrea i dlove to see him breakthrough over Danielli,
12 ian whitten
12 darren cave
14 trimble
15 smith wallace

16 x rush (if he moves as a bg impact second half player)
17 spence
18 j mickenny
19 young
20 Kyricaou
21 faloon
22 Declan Fitzpatrick
23 Danielli,
love to see ulster click see this season glimpses of our potential we could get a play off place if we do well
let areselves down this season

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Leinster

I don't think it's possible to adequately describe Leinster's ambitions for next season without examining how they've performed in the recent past (ie the Cheika years). In the last 5 years they've never finished outside the top 3 in the Magners League including 1 ***le and the chance of winning another ***le later this week. In the Heineken Cup they've been beaten quarter finalists once, lost two semi finals and have one European crown. The ERC rankings place Leinster in exalted company, coming 3rd behind 4 time winners Toulouse, twice winners Munster and just ahead of two time winner Leicester. It's fair to say that along with those three clubs, Leinster expect to be challenging for European ***les every season.

With that in mind, losing to eventual winners Toulouse in the semi final is a cause for reflection on where it went wrong. There's no shame in losing to the better team, as Toulouse were, but if you delve into the reasons, it soon becomes obvious why Stade Toulousain won. Toulouse were able to call on bench options of the calibre of Jean-Baptiste Poux, Louis Picamoles, Jean-Baptiste Ellisalde, Yann David and Maxime Medard. All have the ability to change a game. Without being overly harsh, you can't say the same of Leinster's bench options that day. International class players like Alberto Vernet Basualdo, Census Johnston, Gregory Lamboley, Yannick Nyanga, Finau Maka, Freddy Michalak, Maleli Kunavore, Yves Donguy and Vilimoni Delasau weren't in the Toulouse matchday 23 for various reasons. Next season they're adding one of France's top young players to their ranks Svlvain Nicolas and Argentina international scrum half Nicolas Vergello. That's staggering strength in depth. That's what Leinster have to aspire to.

Departures:
The coaching staff is being overhauled. Michael Cheika is leaving after a hugely successful 5 year spell in which Leinster were transformed from also rans into a genuinely class side. He's taking team manager Chris Whitaker with him to Stade Francais. Kurt McQuilkin is arguably as big a loss as the head coach given the impact he's had as defense coach. Alan Gaffney leaves his role as coaching consultant to concentrate on a role as Ireland's back coach.

On the playing front, Girvan Dempsey and Mal O'Kelly are retiring after long careers. Bernard Jackman is likely to follow them while other experienced squad members Ronan McCormack, Chris Keane and Simon Keogh are also rumoured to be leaving also. CJ van der Linde's future is up in the air; some say he's leaving, others say he's staying until Christmas. Academy members Kyle Tonetti and Shane Monahan have signed for Connacht. Another academy player Dave Moore is joining Harlequins.

Recruitment:
The biggest piece of recruitment is unquestionably the head coach Joe Schmidt. Hopefully he can get the backs playing similar to how his Clermont Auvergne backline play.

It's a badly kept secret that Isaac Boss and Ed O'Donoghue are arriving from Ulster. Boss will provide much needed quality strength in depth which, as said above, Leinster lack when compared with Toulouse in particular. O'Donoghue will be a good Magners League level player who'll challenge Devin Toner as the primary backup to Leo Cullen and Nathan Hines. Quite a number of players are moving up from the academy - the Irish Times has reported that Niall Morris, Andrew Conway, Brendan Macken, Jack McGrath, Eoin Sheriff, Paul Ryan and Rhys Ruddock have signed development deals. I'd expect Dominic Ryan and Ian Madigan to do likewise.

My wishlist extends further. Deon Carstens was reportedly close to signing on the dotted line for Leinster but were gazumped at the last minute by Saracens who were desperate for a loosehead after Sione Tonga'huia ditched them at the altar. That makes it glaringly obvious that a prop is going to be recruited if possible. Should CJ van der Linde remain in place until Christmas, I'd take a punt of Toulon's Tim Ryan. He's not good enough to start regularly but could become a useful backup to Mike Ross. Ryan's ball carrying could give Leinster much needed impact off the bench (assuming the coaches can get his scrummaging to a passable level). I'd also look to recruit real competition at hooker, second row and flyhalf. Sean Cronin, Donnacha Ryan and Ian Keatley would be ideal signings but none are likely. What is certain though is that four extra games in the Magners League will mean the squad must be increased in size.

Hopes:
A new coach will take time to bed in. I hope for a top 4 finish in the Magners League and a home quarter final in the Heineken Cup. Beyond that, a bit of luck and a trophy would be nice. I think it'll be a season for Joe Schmidt to assess his squad before pushing strongly for honours and moulding a team in his image for the 2011/12 season.

 

[MunsterMan]

Bath look very good for next season, and If Ulster can bring in a 9 and hopefully a 10 as well of HEC standard they will be dangerous too. Ospreys are the Ospreys, **** knows

I'd like to see Tim Ryan spend another season in Toulon, he is at least twice the player he was when he left Munster in every aspect of his game. Scrummaged well in the Amlin final, another season in the T14 scrummaging culture and he will be ready to be a first choice option for any of the provinces.

Ed O'Donoghue does the basics very very well, don't think you are giving him enough credit, definitely better than Toner.

Forget about signing a prop, Leinster need a hooker. Fogarty is not even in the top 4 Irish hookers and is just not good enough, and there is no real back up of real quality. Strauss? I'm far from convinced. A HEC quality hooker would do you the world of good.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I'd like to see Tim Ryan spend another season in Toulon, he is at least twice the player he was when he left Munster in every aspect of his game. Scrummaged well in the Amlin final, another season in the T14 scrummaging culture and he will be ready to be a first choice option for any of the provinces.

He's going to be pushed further down the pecking oder by Carl Hayman. While moving to Toulon has helped him, he's 26 years old and needs to be playing, not sitting on his arse as a 3rd or 4th string tighthead.

Ed O'Donoghue does the basics very very well, don't think you are giving him enough credit, definitely better than Toner.

Ed O'Donoghue is a good signing, don't get me wrong. At Ulster he leads the lineout - watch how it falls to pieces when he doesn't play. He's not too bad with ball in hand either. His flaws are that he's not especially powerful and sometimes has lapses in defence. At the moment he'll be a good option in the Magners League while Cullen and Hines are on international duty or are being rested. Is he good enough to dominate a game though? Not in my opinion. Perhaps good coaching can change that. Toner is 4 years younger and just as experienced. He's the future whereas O'Donoghue is a very capable stopgap now that Mal O'Kelly has confirmed his retirement.

Forget about signing a prop, Leinster need a hooker. Fogarty is not even in the top 4 Irish hookers and is just not good enough, and there is no real back up of real quality. Strauss? I'm far from convinced. A HEC quality hooker would do you the world of good.

I think they need both a prop and a hooker. All top teams need four frontline props who they can rotate in and out without weakening the team. Healy, Ross and Wright are a very good trio. Van der Linde is excellent when he's on form but he's likely to leave sometime in the next 6 months. He needs to be replaced.

I disagree that Fogarty's not in the top 4 Irish hookers. Flannery, Best and Cronin are clearly the top 3. Who else is better than Fogarty? Varley? Pah! Good around the field but not especially strong in the scrum and his lineout throwing can fall to pieces under pressure. Dennis Fogarty? Not reliable. Andy Kyriacou? Same. Bernard Jackman? Maybe 12 months ago. Nigel Brady? Solid backup but nothing more.

What I don't disagree with is that Fogarty can be improved upon. Cronin would be an ideal signing. I'd also look to a couple of French clubs to see who's available. Marius Tincu, Benjamin Kayser, Alberto Vernet Basualdo or Virgile Lacombe would all boost the team.

 

[coonor]

Leinster will also need a new fullback/wing Kearny is very good but girvan has gone now hopefully conway can fit in quickly. Luke should also be back soon which will hopefully remove the regressing Horgan from the squad. back row is our strongest positions IMO, Ruddock and O'brien will hopefully give a competetive edge to. we need as should all teams a prop that is a pure set peice machine (escpicially the scrum) for the bench.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Luke should also be back soon which will hopefully remove the regressing Horgan from the squad.

In the HC quarter final about 6 weeks ago, it was very noticable that Clermont Auvergne targetted Leinster's right winger. It doesn't bode well for Horgan that Clermont's backs coach is becoming the new Leinster head coach.

Leinster's backline options looks good.
Fullback: Rob Kearney, Isa Nacewa, Ian Madigan, Niall Morris
Wing: Isa Nacewa, Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Horgan, Andrew Conway, Dave Kearney, Michael Keating
Centre: Brian O'Driscoll, Gordon D'arcy, Fergus McFadden, Eoin O'Malley, Shaun Berne, Luke Fitzgerald, Brendan Macken
Flyhalf: Jonny Sexton, Shaun Berne, Isa Nacewa, Ian McKinley
Scrumhalf: Eoin Reddan, Isaac Boss, Paul O'Donohoe

 

[dullonien]

Might as well continue with a quick round-up of the other three Welsh regions.

Cardiff Blues.

There's of course the Rush thing, but putting that to one side for the moment, Parks is the main big signing. He should sure up the ten slot, with Sweeney as a good alternative. Sam Norton-Knight is allegedly off back home, good riddance. I think Mustoe is off the the Dragons, along with Robin Sowden-Taylor. Can't think of any other big signings or departures. Team will look like:

01 Gethin Jenkins
02 Rhys Thomas/Gareth Williams
03 Tau Filise
04 Bradley Davies
05 Deiniol Jones/Paul ***o
06 Ma'ama Molitika/Sam Warberton
07 Martyn Williams
08 Xavier Rush/Andy Powell

09 Richie Rees
10 Dan Parks
11 Chris Czekaj
12 Jamie Roberts
13 Casey Laulala
14 Leigh Halfpenny
15 Ben Blair

16 Gareth Williams/Rhys Thomas
17 John Yapp
18 Gary Powell
19 Paul ***o/Deiniol Jones
20 Sam Warberton/Andy Powell
21 Lloyd Williams?
22 Ceri Sweeney
23 Tom Shanklin

The Blues look fine really. Rush will be a hard man to replace if he goes. Lloyd Williams looked very good in the few games he got at the end of this season. Would prefer to see him given a go instead of persisting with Cooper tbh. Allinson is also an option. No room for Tom James, but he could force his way back in with some decent performances. But Czekaj is looking good at the moment which I'm very happy about. A replacement fullback should be nurtured in preperation for Blair's departure, most likely in a couple of seasons time.

Scarlets.

Very little coming or goings here. Higgitt has been released, anyone else? Team:

01 Iestyn Thomas
02 Mathew Rees
03 Deacon Manu
04 Lou Reed
05 Dominic Day
06 Rob McCusker
07 Dafydd Jones
08 David Lyons

09 Tavis Knoyle
10 Stephen Jones
11 Mark Jones?/Andy Fenby
12 Jonathan Davies
13 Regan King
14 Sean Lamont
15 Dan Evans

16 Ken Owens
17 Phil John
18 Rhys Thomas
19 Vernon Cooper
20 Josh Turnbull
21 Martin Roberts
22 Rhys Priestland
23 Morgan Stoddard

Not sure about centre cover on the bench. Lamont would move I suppose with Stoddard covering wing and fullback, if he can stay fit that is. Scarlets lack decent cover at lock. Day and Reed are a little similar, so a big hard hitting lock would compliment one or the other. Someone like Gough would be perfect, considering he didn't even make it into my Ospreys 22, a move would be good for Welsh rugby! Mark Jones' return looks unlikely, but he'd be a massive boost if he does. Dafydd Jones will be a massive boost, and makes that backrow look quite tasty, especially with Turnbull on the bench.

Dragons.

Quite a bit of movement here. A bit of dead wood has been released, with James Arlidge, Hoani MacDonald and Grant Webb moving on. Richard Fussell has moved to the Ospreys (why?). As metioned above, Sowden-Taylor and Mustoe are in, along with Mathew Jones. Team:

01 Hugh Gustafson
02 Tom Willis
03 Ben Castle (big weak link)
04 Luke Charteris
05 Robert Sidoli
06 Dan Lydiate
07 Gavin Thomas
08 Joe Bearman

09 Wayne Evans
10 Jason Tovey
11 Will Harries
12 Ashley Smith
13 Rhodri Gomer Davies/Mathew Watkins/Tom Riley
14 Aled Brew
15 Martyn Thomas (will miss start of season though)

16 Steve Jones
17 Dan Watchurst? (been impressed with him at underage level)
18 Ali McKenzy
19 Adam Jones
20 Toby Faletau
21 Danny Lee/Alex Walker
22 Mathew Jones
23 Tom Riley/Mathew Watkins/Rhodri Gomer Davies
24 Richard Mustoe

Probably not perfect, but not far off. Dragons need to look into recruiting a quality prop or two. Watchurst looks a good prospect, but again not great scrum time. McCenzie has been absent for alot of this season, must be injured, getting on a bit mind. They're also looking very thin at lock. Sidoli has improved again since joining the Dragons, but he's far from the quality needed really, whilst Adam Jones isn't all that good. Backup scrum half is also rather lacking.

 

[durbutter]

I'd be really ****** off if Leinster sign another NIQ prop, for Mike Ross to be sitting on his hole for the big games.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I'd be really ****** off if Leinster sign another NIQ prop, for Mike Ross to be sitting on his hole for the big games.

Mike Ross has played 21 out of 27 games for Leinster this season. That's the same number of appearances as Tony Buckley has for Munster and significantly more than either John Hayes or Marcus Horan have at provincial level this season. It's a myth that Ross hasn't gotten gametime. Mike Ross has had plenty of chances this season. With an extra 4 games next season and 4 props in every squad, he'll have plenty more chances next season. Signing another NIQ prop won't harm Ross one bit. Competition for places spurs people on.

Cian Healy is a 22 year old who has played in a Heineken Cup final, has 7 caps and will likely become a mainstay of the international team. Brian McGovern, Ruaidhri Murphy, Darren O'Reilly, Jamie Hagan and Royce Burke Flynn are Leinster born props playing professionally for other teams. Jack O'Connell and Stewart Maguire are current Ireland u20 internationals in Leinster's sub academy and academy. Jack McGrath is a 20 year old prop who made his full Leinster debut this season and has picked up a development contract next season. It's another myth to say that Leinster don't develop props.

 

[MunsterMan]

Jack O'Connell is ours

 

[Feicarsinn]

Jack O'Connell is ours

Just like you guys did with duPreez?