So here’s a rapid fire preview for the season which lies ahead that has been completed in Q&A fashion by our own admins Ronan and Paul, along with Three Red Kings writer Tom Savage.
Hope you enjoy!
Ronan Calvert – Munster Haka Founder
Ronan has been the manager of MH since 2013 and is looking forward to a renaissance season for Munster following the darkness of years past.
His favourite Munster player is Rory Scannell.
Best XV: Kilcoyne, Casey, Archer, Ryan, Madigan, O’Mahony, O’Donnell, Stander; Murray, Holland; Scannell, Saili; Earls, O’Mahony, Zebo.
Breakthrough Player for 2016/17: John Madigan
Key Player: Whoever plays at outhalf – in my case Johnny Holland. Munster must have an outhalf capable of grabbing a stranglehold on games both from the tee and when behind the pack, or could otherwise face a repeat of last season. I think Holland will keep up his end of season form to address both aspects for the province.
Thoughts on Erasmus Appointment: Possibly the best man available for the job but patience is required. I expect an instant injection of aggression and physicality to impress in the early league stages, but on the technical-side supporters should allow his philosophies to slowly filter in throughout the year before making judgements. Finished product could be mighty.
Next Signing You Would Make: A tighthead prop. Like most, I’m lost for names in such a demanding position but I hope to God the management team aren’t likewise. Erasmus as a former high performance director of South African rugby is sure to have some suggestions up his sleeve but whether the IRFU and Munster are willing to open the cheque book is another question. This of course, is with the presumption that Rassie doesn’t rate Archer, Andress or Ryan as some of Europe’s stronger scrummagers.
Predicted League Finish: 2nd
Predicted Cup Finish: Quarter Finals
Tom Savage – Three Red Kings Top Dog
Tom Savage is the one name I know from fellow Munster bloggers Three Red Kings. Rightly or wrongly, I’ve went ahead and stated that he’s the main man because of all the times he’s been the one that signs off whenever we get in contact. After all, I know the feeling of doing double the workload without recognition, so here’s to you Tom! The Cork Echo columnist tells us that Peter O’Mahony is his favourite Munster player.
Best XV: Cronin, Casey, Archer, Kleyn, Madigan, O’Mahony, O’Donnell, Stander; Murray, Holland; Scannell, Saili; Earls, Sweetnam, Zebo.
Breakthrough Player for 2016/17?: John Madigan
Key Player: Peter O’Mahony
Thoughts on Erasmus Appointment: Massive. Has the ability to kick Munster back into gear in a way that’s been needed since 2009.
Next Signing You Would Make: Chris Cloete. Munster have needed a proper groundhog to compliment O’Donnell’s game for a few years and Cloete has the potential to be a superstar.
Predicted League Finish: 2nd
Predicted Cup Finish: Quarter Finals
Paul Hurley – Munster Haka Co-Owner
Another Munster Haka man who has been there from the start. When he isn’t stirring shit Paul works away on our ridiculously underrated YouTube Channel TheWeeklyHaka. Following Felix Jones’ retirement, he has confirmed that Jack O’Donoghue is his new favourite man in red.
(Yes all of our picks came with the ‘saying Stander would be too mainstream’ notion)
Best XV: Cronin, Casey, Archer, Kleyn, Ryan, O’Mahony, O’Donnell, Stander; Murray, Holland; Scannell, Saili; Earls, Conway, Zebo.
Breakthrough Player for 2016/17: Bill Johnston
Key Player: Rory Scannell
Thoughts on Erasmus Appointment: The appointment of Rassie should indicate a positive change from what we had been seeing ever since Axel was installed as head coach. Erasmus accumulated so much experience from South Africa, enjoying many great triumphs along the way and his stature can only help to turn Munster’s fortunes around for the better
Next Signing You Would Make: Dan Carter.
Predicted League Finish: 3rd
Predicted Cup Finish: Group Stage. With the addition of Rassie Munster will be in transition so anything more than group stage will be fantastic.
We’ll just have to wait and see how it all pans out but let’s hope for a whole new chapter.
Munster Haka 