Jean De Villiers For Munster

Great news Munster have landed the services of South Africa's Jean De Villiers and he will replace the outstanding Rua Tipoki in the Munster back line.

DeVilliers will fit nicely into the Reds back line a long side Lafeimi Mafi with Keith Earls most likely to move to fullback or wing .

I think De Villiers will offer a lot to Munster the 28 year old still has the skills that has made him the world class player he is.

New Season

Looking Forward to the new rugby season Munster are back preseason and also many of the limerick clubs.
News that Shannon RFC have a new coach former player Colm Tucker JR is new head coach at the club .
Old Crescent have a new coach coming to the Club South African I Believe Thomond Have Ger Earls and David Corkery also Paul Warwick good combo.

Last Chance Saloon

The Lion's go into the Boks den today in Ellis park Johannesburg needing a win to get some pride back into that famous jersey .
Looking at the selection of mcgeechan's side I am not to confident the can do so.
The Lions coach has picked a very Conservative side today and I think that he should have went with the younger guys that will have a go not picking Earls was a let down for me and the likes of Phil vickery getting another chance has me totally confused .
I just hope for the sake of future lion's tours the can win 1 today a 3 nil whitewash would be a disaster.

Final Test

The Lion's play there final game this Saturday .Will coach Ian mcgeechan play the likes of Keith Earls and more of the mid week team or will he stick to the same team as last week?
Would love to see Earls in the mix with O'Driscoll and Carney at fullback Fitzgerald and Tommy Bowe on the wings the Bull in the front row .

Wounded Lion's

The south African Springbok 's today destroyed and hope's of the British and Irish Lion's repeating the upset of the famous Lion's tour in 1997.
The lions got off to a great start when man of the match Rob Carney crossed for an early score and looked as if the Lions would cruse to an easy victory.

The second half started differently for the Lions when in the space of 10 minutes the had lost a number of key players through injury.
The Springboks then took control of this magnificent game of rugby with some excellent running lines especially from wing Brian Habana.

This game could have went anyway in the final few minutes when Stephan Jones landed the equaliser to leave the scores at 25 all but a moment of madness from replacement number 10 Ronan OGara gifted the Boks the opportunity to win the game and Morne Steyn stepped up to land a monster kick to break the Lions players and many supporters harts

D Day

Can the Lions square up the test series tomorrow at Loftus Versfeld Stadium Pretoria .
I have a gut feeling that the test series will be over tomorrow hopefully I am wrong. The Springboks look to be the real deal and I don't think Boks coach Peter de villiers will not make the same mistake as last week in taking off some of his big guns.

I think this game will go down to the wire with the Springboks just edging it. I think that their enormous pack will do the damage and the likes of back row forward Skulk Burger will reek havoc in the lose.

Hines ban

Lions lock Nathan Hines will miss this weekends second test against the Boks for an alleged high tackle.
It's not good news for the big Scot who's discipline has left him down in the past and properly will not take any part in the remaining games on tour.

lions to square up test's

The British and Irish Lions go into this weekends 2ND test in South Africa looking to square up the test series after last Saturdays narrow defeat to the Boks.
Its been a mixed tour for the Lions with some great rugby and some rather not so good rugby so lets hope that the Lions can get it together for this weekends must win clash.

EARLS TO START FOR LIONS

Keith Earls the young soda cake will get his first Lions start on Saturday .Its a great occasion for all his family and former club Thomond Rfc .We wish Keith all the very best on Saturday give them hell Earlsy.

THOMOND RFC

Would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Keith Earls on becoming a British and Irish Lion.

No doubt it's a fantastic Honor for the young Thomond rfc man and all at The club would like to pass on there congratulations to there young star.

Keith is an inspiration to all the young kids playing rugby at the club and maybe in a few more years we just might nurture a couple more stars just like Keith.

Here Here The Blues Are Here

The showdown

The Munster machine rolls on to the Capital on Saturday to take on Leinster in the semi final of this years Heineken cup.
Irish rugby has come A long way its great to see two Irish Provence's in the last four of this great competition.

There will be a lot at stake not just for the Heineken final but for places in loins test 15 no doubt Ian mcgeekin will keep a close eye on a lot of the players involved on Saturday.
So here's to a Munster win on Saturday best of luck to the squad stand up and fight.

Battle of Ireland

Braveheart, The Gladiator, Saving Private Ryan. Think of any epic battle movies you care to - they wont be a patch on what is about to unfold at Thomond park Limerick tonight.

The scene is set for that age old rivalry to be played out as Munster and Leinster go head-to-head in the Magners league at the famous new stadium built on the legendary old stadium in Limerick.

It's ironic that just over a fortnight ago most of of the players on both sides embraced each other with shared delight after winning the grand slam as Ireland and tonight at Thomond Park there will be no love lost between the sides.

Its going to be hard to predict a result with both teams on top of the games just look at their respective positions in the Magners league at present.

Monkey off our backs

Irish eyes are smiling - what a weekend - we finally got our hands on the big one, and my God was it close! 15 Irish heroes took to the field at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday - and were not leaving that magnificent stadium without the Six Nations trophy.

Captain Brian O'Driscoll was immense in both attack and also in defence and led his troops willingly. Another top class performance by the one and only Paul O'Connell this guy just gets bigger and better in every game.

Our economy might be on the the ropes but our sports stars are sure leading the way. We should all take a leaf out of their books: when you look at the hard work and determination can do. Lets hope Munster can keep it going now when in just 3 weeks time we meet more Welsh opposition in the quarter final of the Heineken cup. Its going to be a great year.

Down to the wire

What a weekend it's going to be, with the top two teams in this years six nations battling it out for for honours at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Ireland go into this weekends game as slight favourites to lift the championship trophy but the Welsh men won't let this game slip that easy - after all the are last years six nations champions.

This game is, in my opinion, going to be a cracker - both teams evenly matched in all areas of play. Both teams have very exciting back lines and also the two sets of packs will be well up for this clash its not going to be a place for the faint hearted.

So lets hope that come seven o clock Saturday evening Irish eyes will be smiling and Welsh harts will be broken. And, of course, plenty of the black stuff taken.

Tuesday Push - MyMunster.com

Today's Tuesday push couldn't be more apt for our blog - www.MyMunster.com - the website for Munster fans all over the world. Tuesday push is a co-ordinated effort to get the word out about something and was launched by Damien Mulley. Read more about this Munster Rugby Social Network:

MyMunster.com is a rugby social media network that connects you with other Munster Rugby supporters.

King Brian

Croke Park Dublin Ireland v England this game used to be the game of the six nations but at Croke park yesterday this was one game that wont live long in the memory.Both sides came into this weekends fixture with different results behind them England with a win and one loss Ireland with two wins under there belt.

It was evident from the first whistle that both sides were keeping there cards close to there chests with both defences at the top of there game.
It needed something special to break down both lines of defence and thank god or should I say BOD the Irish Captain grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and lead by example .

O'Driscoll took his try very well when the Irish forwards couldn't break down the stubborn English defence O'Driscoll crashed over to leave Ireland on the verge of victory.Ireland again will have to improve in two weeks time when we travel to Murry field to take on the the Scots who are improving with every game and out half Ronan O'Gara will have to bring his kicking boots next time.

NO LINEOUT FOR BIG MAL

Croke Park Ireland Declan Kidney announced his squad for Saturdays crunch fixture against England at Croke Park without Irish rugby's most capped lock Malcom O'Kelly. Most pundits are speculating that big Mal will make way for the inform Alan Quinlan who will cover both the back row and second row.

The Irish squad has a youthful look to it with star players such as Keith Earls and Darren Cave included in Kidney's plans two outstanding young rugby players that are ready to step up to the mark.

Ireland will have a very difficult assignment on Saturday the English are not coming over to make up the numbers the have plenty of experience both in the pack and also in the back line.
Roll on Saturday.

Rome Conquered

Stadio Flaminio, ROME. A nervous and unchanged Irish side took the to the field today in the sunshine of the Italian capital to take on hosts, Italy in their second outing of this years six nations.Todays game did not live up to the highs of last weeks classic in Croke Park and was riddled with errors which resulted in a host of yellow cards and a sin bins.

The game plan of the Italians was evident from the first whistle stop the men in green at all costs a yellow card for the Azzuri full-back for a dangerous tackle on Rob Carney set the tone for this very lackluster ball game. The Italian side showed a lot of improvement today but as always indiscipline let them down nearly every time.

Ireland showed some of the skill and adventurism of last week with some well worked trys - 2 trys from man of the match Luke Fitzgerald David Wallace Tommy Bowe and captain Brian O'Driscoll scoring late on in the game. A lot of improvement is needed for a fortnights time when we take on the old enemy England at Croke Park.

38 - 9
Ireland - Italy

Tried and Trusted

Thomond Park, IRELAND. Declan Kidney sticks with the same fifteen that started in last weekends thriller against France at Croke Park. The Irishmen head to Rome's Stadio Flaminio this weekend, to take on the Italians in their own back garden after their dismal performance against a stuttering English side.

Kidney puts his trust in the same back line that matched the flamboyant French backs in every aspect of play. Many pundits were wondering if super-sub Gorden Darcy will partner Brian O'Driscoll in the centre -although The Popular Side think Kidney made the right decision in giving Ulster man Paddy Wallace a second chance.

Its not going to be an easy game - the Italians have a big bruising pack and the Irishmen will have to move the ball wide against a lacklustre Azurri back line and outscore their Italian opponents. Many will use Sunday's game as a yardstick for Ireland -v- England.

Ireland v Italy - Sunday February 15th March 2009.

Croker classic

Croke Park, Dublin. Ireland are leading France 13 - 10 in a riveting game at Crokers. A final drop goal from France brought them up from 7 points to ten, after O'gara crucially missed an important penalty kick in the middle of the first half.

Ireland are looking strong but scrappy. Jamey Heaslip is earning his cap with a fantastic try and some brilliant play making.Ireland have started the second half of this fascinating contest with an outstanding try by captain Brian o Driscoll this game is turning into a classic its looking good for the men in green with the game going into the final few minutes.The Irish lads are holding a very determent french side at bay.Its all over

Ireland have won 30 pts to 21 a great start to this years six nations lets hope for more of the same next weekend verses Italy.

Declan Kidney names his starting XV against France

UL Trainig Camp, LIMERICK. Declan Kidney has started his selection with the usual Munster 5 at the front and the outstanding David Wallace at number 7, with the dynamo that is Stephen Ferris at his blindside partner. Many pundits and journalists are questioning the inclusion of Jamey Heaslip instead of Dennis Leamy. Heaslip just hasn't been consistent in the Magners league or the Heineken Cup. Leamy hasn't as much time on the pitch but has showed consistently good form than Heaslip who has been found wanting in a lot of games. Maybe Kidney is expecting a more open game from the French and this has influenced Heaslip's inclusion as number 8.

Given the fantastic run of great on the field results, it's of no surprise and much delight, that Tomas O'Leary is being played at scrum-half with his fellow Corkonian and Munster team-mate, Ronan O'Gara pulling the strings at out-half. The backline is almost unchanged, with the notable exception of Keith Earls - out to injury after the Montauban game - with Paddy Wallace stepping taking the strain and partnering with Brian O'Driscoll.

Ireland is up against a strong and confident French team at the start of it's Six Nations campaign. Marc Levremont has selected a youthful and experienced side which won't be easy to beat. The French are always good for doing the unexepected but with probably the biggest pool of talent to choose from (certainly in the forwards), Ireland could go on to win this with a view to setting it's sight on a Grand Slam. Here's to a winning start.

Kidney promotes talent over experience for Six Nations

Declan Kidney has stripped down the Irish squad to 27 players in the face-off against France on Saturday the 7th of February. Kidney's new line up has seen key players axed from the Irish line up including Eoin Reddan, Shane Jennings, Bernard Jackman, Ian Dowling, Jonathan Sexton, Gaven Duffy and Andrew Trimble.

Kidney's strategy has included promoting upcoming new talent like Stephen Ferris, Luke Fitzgerald, Rob Carney and Keith Earls, who will more than likely partner Brian O'Driscoll.

The surprise selection has left pundits and punters alike wondering if he has made a fatal mistake by having no recognised replacement number 10 in the even anything happens to O'Gara. The exclusion of Ian Humphries from the original squad of players was a pre-cursor to creating this situation. Ian Humphries has showed great form in the Magners league and the Heineken Cup for Ulster. We hope this risky move doesn't come back to bite him.

The selection of perennial favourite Peter Stringer over the in form Eoin Reddan, who is having an outstanding season with London Wasps, is yet another disappointment for the younger, future players. By not picking Reddan, is Kidney dangling a carrot to the young scrum-half by trying to entice him to come back and play with a province in his native country.

The Devil's Advocate

Ireland has been a passionate and interesting - if sometimes lacklustre- contributor to the game of rugby, none more so than Limerick, at whose heart lies Thomond Park which is at the centre of the modern Irish game into the 21st Century. Read the thoughts, rants and rambling nonsense of those at the coal face.