Game against Zebre

[Setanta]

This game has increased in importance regarding the rest of the season. We have injuries and they'll be at full strength; if we win we should move into the top four if other results go our way, if we lose we could fall to sixth; and confidence or lack of for the next three games. Never thought this game would be so important earlier, indeed a bit of a gimme. It ain't no longer!

[Neill_M]

Game is live on RTE2 at 1:55pm this Sat (2pm ko). No mention of it being on BBC Red Button/Website yet. Team selection will definitely be interesting, especially at lock and the back row with Muller, Henderson, Stevenson, Williams and Henry all injured! Almost came unstuck there last year with NOC saving the day.

[ruckover]

With the Hairsprays playing Glasgie this weekend, unless we manage to mess up big time in Italy, we'll overtake at least one of them. If they play out a draw we'll pass both of them. Turnips away to Dragqueens and Mexicans home to Scaaaaaaaaaalets so they probably have two wins in the bag, especially since Wales are playing against Australia next week so they'll still be missing their internationals.

Game before the Heineken Cup, full side out please:
15. J Payne, 14. A Trimble, 13. D Cave, 12. L Marshall, 11. T Bowe, 10. P Jackson, 9. R Pienaar; 1. T Court, 2. R Herring, 3. J Afoa, 4. D Tuohy, 5. N McComb*, 6. R Diack (c), 7. S Doyle, 8. R Wilson.

16. N Annett, 17. C Black, 18. D Fitzpatrick, 19. J Muller, 20. M McComish, 21. P Marshall, 22. C Farrell, 23. C Gilroy.

*I have no idea what the situation is with our locks so unless Muller is fully fit I wouldn't risk him. Better to have him for Treviso than Zebre.

[Ithryn]

As close to the full team as possible barring injuries. I'd say we will rest bowe though, or bench at best.

With gilroy back we have some options in the back 3.

[Russ]

Bowe will not play - IRFU player management rules.

[Cornerfleg]

Feckin Autumn feckin Inter-feckin-nationals .... pointless ...

[Kofi Annan]

Bowe will not play - IRFU player management rules.

Feck did he play on Sunday, missed that

[Mac]

More like outplayed on Sunday by Savea.
Previous week wasn't any better.

[Scranner]

I don't know why, but I thought the player management rules did not apply to HEC games.

[waggonsroll]

Game is live on RTE2 at 1:55pm this Sat (2pm ko). No mention of it being on BBC Red Button/Website yet. Team selection will definitely be interesting, especially at lock and the back row with Muller, Henderson, Stevenson, Williams and Henry all injured! Almost came unstuck there last year with NOC saving the day.

Stephen Watson said it was live on the BBC website.

[BaggyTrousers]

Well here's the thing. At the last URSC meeting Johann was confident of playing against Embra so with luck he will be available this week.

Then again what about Windy Payne? We could well see Craig at 15 again, Jared doesn't appear to be a cold weather player

The great Maacoooooooomash will probably be on Italian duty, no harm if he can recreate his break & neat wee pass for McKinney's try last week.

Presumably the Ginger Prince will fight his way past McKinney for the 10 shirt. Ruan past p.

[BR]

Can't see Afoa starting. But it would be hard to leave him off the bench.

[Russ]

Let's not forget, Zebre are a much better side than that tom kite we played last week

[Cap'n Grumpy]

Then again what about Windy Payne? We could well see Craig at 15 again, Jared doesn't appear to be a cold weather player

Windy was training yesterday, but no idea to what extent or what the problem is.

[BaggyTrousers]

Then again what about Windy Payne? We could well see Craig at 15 again, Jared doesn't appear to be a cold weather player

Windy was training yesterday, but no idea to what extent or what the problem is.

Believe it is one of groin, achilles, brain or cooling system - most probably the first one.