Rugby Union 2009

**tetsujin1979** · 07/05/2009, 1:16 PM

Originally Posted by Bald Student

Is there much support for Niall Ronan?

See for yourself:
http://www.munsterfans.com/forum/for....asp?TID=16159
http://www.munsterfans.com/forum/for....asp?TID=19052

**tetsujin1979** · 10/05/2009, 1:20 AM

Was at the AIL final in Thomond yesterday, great game.
Shannon were awarded the win, and the league, in bizarre circumstances. At full time, the sides were level 19-19, and after the teams went back into the dressing rooms, it was announced over the tannoy that there would be two 10-minute halves of extra time played. Should the scores still be level, total tries scored would determine the winner. If that still did not separate the two teams, then the first team to score a try would be deemed winners, and champions. Queue 20 minutes of outstanding defensive rugby from Shannon, despite being outclassed by Clontarf, and winning by virtue of scoring the first try, almost two hours earlier. An awful way to end any game, but to lose a title that way is almost unimaginable. Can't understand why they didn't use the same penalty kicks as the Heineken Cup semi final last weekend to determine the winner.

**joeSoap** · 10/05/2009, 5:42 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

Was at the AIL final in Thomond yesterday, great game.
Shannon were awarded the win, and the league, in bizarre circumstances. At full time, the sides were level 19-19, and after the teams went back into the dressing rooms, it was announced over the tannoy that there would be two 10-minute halves of extra time played. Should the scores still be level, total tries scored would determine the winner. If that still did not separate the two teams, then the first team to score a try would be deemed winners, and champions. Queue 20 minutes of outstanding defensive rugby from Shannon, despite being outclassed by Clontarf, and winning by virtue of scoring the first try, almost two hours earlier. An awful way to end any game, but to lose a title that way is almost unimaginable. Can't understand why they didn't use the same penalty kicks as the Heineken Cup semi final last weekend to determine the winner.

It is in the clubs handbook and has been for the past few years. Both sides were aware of the situation before the game, and while I agree with you that it sucks to lose a game in that fashion, it should encourage sides to attack from the word go in case the unlikely scenario that came up yesterday should arise.

Clontarf were the better side, but couldn't put away the opposition despite numerous opportunities. Their sub winger knocked on over the line, and they had about 65% of the ball. A great day, yet another one, for Shannon RFC. I cant agree that Shannon played defensive rugby for the 20 minutes of extra time. They were finishing the second period on the attack, and a crazy attempt at a drop goal by Tadhg Bennett which was charged down and returned the length of the pitch for the knock on over the line by the Clontarf winger nearly cost them the game.

I was a little surprised at Stephen Kelly the Shannon winger who asked to be substituted at half time in extra time so he could go and play a gaelic football match with Newcastlewest. If he's not totally committed to playing in an All Ireland league final, then perhaps the club should look elsewhere for players who would be proud to wear the Shannon shirt.

**tetsujin1979** · 10/05/2009, 11:57 PM

You sure? One of the Shannon players was interviewed after the game, and said some of the team weren't sure if they had won or not after extra time.

Have to give props to the Clontarf support as well, outsung the locals by a distance. Didn't agree with the political signs they brought to the game though.

**joeSoap** · 11/05/2009, 12:10 PM

The ref is obliged to inform both coaches before the game of all possible outcomes. A world class ref such as Rolland who has reffed a World Cup final would have done this, I am pretty sure.

Clontarf had great support, I agree. What a miserable trip home fro them, losing in such a fashion.

**NeilMcD** · 11/05/2009, 1:15 PM

Originally Posted by tetsujin1979

You sure? One of the Shannon players was interviewed after the game, and said some of the team weren't sure if they had won or not after extra time.

Have to give props to the Clontarf support as well, outsung the locals by a distance. Didn't agree with the political signs they brought to the game though.

What were the signs.

**tetsujin1979** · 11/05/2009, 1:17 PM

Originally Posted by NeilMcD

What were the signs.

election posters for some guy running in Clontarf, can't remember his name, or political party

I wasn't too impressed with Sean Kelly parking his car with campaign messages on it outside Jury's before Heineken Cup Semi Final either

**jbyrne** · 11/05/2009, 2:44 PM

Originally Posted by joeSoap

The ref is obliged to inform both coaches before the game of all possible outcomes. A world class ref such as Rolland who has reffed a World Cup final would have done this, I am pretty sure.

he definately told them during the extra time as it could be heard coming accross on tv

**joeSoap** · 12/05/2009, 9:36 AM

Originally Posted by jbyrne

he definately told them during the extra time as it could be heard coming accross on tv

I imagie he would have told them before the game-he would have been obliged to. It would be pretty pointless telling them at the start of extra-time that the first try scored during normal time was going to win in the event of a draw...that would be like closing the gate after the dog got out...pointless.

**joeSoap** · 20/05/2009, 2:11 PM

Delighted in particular for Dowling and Ronan.

see here

**Youths4Ever** · 20/05/2009, 2:53 PM

Glad to see a lot of new players are getting caps and experience.

I wonder does Ross inclusion have anything to do with fact he is moving to Leinster in the summer

**Bald Student** · 20/05/2009, 3:13 PM

Originally Posted by Youths4Ever

I wonder does Ross inclusion have anything to do with fact he is moving to Leinster in the summer

He was in the 6 nations squad and tight heads are thin on the ground so probably not.

**Dodge** · 23/05/2009, 7:26 PM

Start of a new Leinster bandwagon? Seems to have all the right conditions for it

Great display by the pack today. Ever since martin Johnson ruled the roost I've had a fear of tht Leicester pack and I remember a quarter final in Lansdowne a few years ago when they destroyed Leinster

Nice for the ol' boys like Horgan and O'Kelly

**OneRedArmy** · 23/05/2009, 7:32 PM

Well done to Leinster winning it on their first trip to the final.

As always, its the pack that wins trophies.

Unbelievable achievement that 3 Irish provinces have won the trophy.