Champagne Moments 5 Mar
5th March 2008 By Munster Rugby Supporters Club
Again, we would like to thank Shaun Payne for taking time to answer some questions from Supporters. With the Heineken Cup Qtr Final just around the corner how are the feelings in the camp and do you think Gloucester playing games right through the 6 Nations gives them an advantage? In general things are good in the squad. Mind you last weekend was a huge disappoinment. It was a game we know we should have won. But you tend to get over that pretty quickly. You have to. Important to learn from an experience like that. And yes I think it is an advantage to be playing regularly but we have a few games ahead of our meeting with Gloucester and hopefully we will be in sync by then Do you have any target date to step into your management role yet? Are you looking forward to hanging up the boots and getting behind the desk. When you’re out there in the freezing wind and rain like we’ve been in some of the games this year, a night in Musgrave Park and that game in Strsdey spring to mind immediately, a place in the snd is very attractive. But of course it will be hard to leave the playing side behind, I’ve enjoyed it and all it entails particulerly the last number of years. so no target date and mixed feelings really. There has been a lot of press talk and speculation over the number 15 spot on the Irish team over the past 2 weeks. As a full back yourself if both Geordan Murphy and Girvan Dempsey are fully fit who do you think would be the best option to start? Not a chance of getting me involved in that debate. Two excellent players. Eddie O’Sullivan is the one to decide. All I’ll say is I dont envy him having to make the choice. Both you and the team must have been very disappointed saturday night with the final score conceded in the last few seconds! What do you think happened and do you think there was anything positive to be taken from the game. Yes of course we were disappointed. Absolutely. Positives ? The way we played in general and particularly in the second half. The return of Paulie, back playing a full game and coming through unscathed. John O’Sullivan back in the side after a long period. Do you watch other Heineken Cup contenders play at the weekends? If so how do you think Gloucesters form is at the moment. If you don’t watch them why? I didn’t watch Gloucester because I was out with my family. Dutchy (Jason Holland) recorded the game and I got to see it on Moday. Even though they lost they look impressive, good mobile pack and backs who love to play it fast and wide. They’re a good side, a very good outfit allover. Standing at 15 you have had a great view of what Tipoki/Howlett and Mafi are bringing to our back-line so far this season. What has impressed you most about their performances to date? Their work rate is excellent both in attack and defence. They love to get their hands on the ball and are always looking to go forward. Doug hasn’t had a load of opportunity going forward but he works his socks off, prepared to get in and graft. They’ve excellent skill levels but they are all prepared to get in there and do the basics. The previous Champagne Moments can be viewed
Again, we would like to thank Shaun Payne for taking time to answer some questions from Supporters. With the Heineken Cup Qtr Final just around the corner how are the feelings in the camp and do you think Gloucester playing games right through the 6 Nations gives them an advantage? In general things are good in the squad. Mind you last weekend was a huge disappoinment. It was a game we know we should have won. But you tend to get over that pretty quickly. You have to. Important to learn from an experience like that. And yes I think it is an advantage to be playing regularly but we have a few games ahead of our meeting with Gloucester and hopefully we will be in sync by then Do you have any target date to step into your management role yet? Are you looking forward to hanging up the boots and getting behind the desk. When you’re out there in the freezing wind and rain like we’ve been in some of the games this year, a night in Musgrave Park and that game in Strsdey spring to mind immediately, a place in the snd is very attractive. But of course it will be hard to leave the playing side behind, I’ve enjoyed it and all it entails particulerly the last number of years. so no target date and mixed feelings really. There has been a lot of press talk and speculation over the number 15 spot on the Irish team over the past 2 weeks. As a full back yourself if both Geordan Murphy and Girvan Dempsey are fully fit who do you think would be the best option to start? Not a chance of getting me involved in that debate. Two excellent players. Eddie O’Sullivan is the one to decide. All I’ll say is I dont envy him having to make the choice. Both you and the team must have been very disappointed saturday night with the final score conceded in the last few seconds! What do you think happened and do you think there was anything positive to be taken from the game. Yes of course we were disappointed. Absolutely. Positives ? The way we played in general and particularly in the second half. The return of Paulie, back playing a full game and coming through unscathed. John O’Sullivan back in the side after a long period. Do you watch other Heineken Cup contenders play at the weekends? If so how do you think Gloucesters form is at the moment. If you don’t watch them why? I didn’t watch Gloucester because I was out with my family. Dutchy (Jason Holland) recorded the game and I got to see it on Moday. Even though they lost they look impressive, good mobile pack and backs who love to play it fast and wide. They’re a good side, a very good outfit allover. Standing at 15 you have had a great view of what Tipoki/Howlett and Mafi are bringing to our back-line so far this season. What has impressed you most about their performances to date? Their work rate is excellent both in attack and defence. They love to get their hands on the ball and are always looking to go forward. Doug hasn’t had a load of opportunity going forward but he works his socks off, prepared to get in and graft. They’ve excellent skill levels but they are all prepared to get in there and do the basics. The previous Champagne Moments can be viewed
