interesting fact

[Freddie Benson]

from bbc website

Cunningham, a regular in the side since the turn of the century, has played 53 Celtic League games, one fewer than team colleague Paul Shields who has played more games than other other player in the League.



now I know that a lot of Shields appearances were coming off the pine to spell Sexton but even so it goes to show the experience that many of our players now have and that the 'team for the future' tag should no longer apply.

[pwrmoore]

I noticed that too freddie. Was surprised that Shields and Cunningham are amongst the most experienced in the league. Congratulations to them both though.

The other startling realisation yesterday was our lack of good cover for the FB position. We're reliant on the other 1/2 and 3/4 backs to cover what is a key position should Bryn get injured and when this inevitably happens we're in a real bind.

[colinh]

'team for the future' tag should no longer apply.

Agreed now is the hour ..... Ulster expects and all of that. Sometimes it is easy to hide under the mantle of "potential of the future" it has to be now especially if you look at the average of the Ospreys side.

Colin

[Rooster]

I hope Bryn has not picked up one of those ever recurring type shoulder injuries, the time he was injured last season, if he has Boss may be needed as a fullback instead of a scrumhalf.
Bryn and Shields remained injury free for most of the last 3 years where most of the other players have been out injured for several weeks at some stage.
Some of the rest of our players must be up near the same number of games, Neil and Simon Best and Matt McCullough I don't think have had long lay offs.

[pwrmoore]

Good point about Boss Rooster me old cockerel. I'd forgotten about his potential as a FB.

[Freddie Benson]

Bowe played FB for the 21s and I understand that's where Eddie sees him at in due course.
But I agree with Paul that we've been without a recognised backup to Bryn for some time. Sure Boss has played FB at NPC frequently enough but I doubt O'Sullivan or the money men would be too happy to see him playing there when he's been bought, I mean bRought, to go straight into the international setup as Stringer's backup.

Reports suggest that Bryn will be out for 2 more weeks only.

[Freddie Benson]

Some of the rest of our players must be up near the same number of games, Neil and Simon Best and Matt McCullough I don't think have had long lay offs.

That's the point I'm making - need to see improved results and performances given that fact (although Neil and Matt have really only been regulars for the past 2 seasons).

[Rooster]

Totally agree with you Freddie on this point, if you look at our regular side Tommy is probably the least experienced
Tommy as you said played FB at U21 level, but was always a bit shaky under high ball, he has improved since then and if he gets that part of his game under control he could potentially make a great fullback, he has both speed and bulk for defence and attack.

[BR]

from bbc website

Not exactly a reliable source - have you seen what they have published as the Celtic league table this week?

[Freddie Benson]

you mean this BR??
I take your point - I wasn't taking responsibility for the accuracy of their figures (on games played by our lads) but I thought it was any interesting taking point.


Celtic League : Table
Team P W D L F A BP PTS
1 Newport-Gwent D'gons 1 1 0 0 21 15 0 4
2 Edinburgh 1 1 0 0 21 15 0 4
3 Connacht 1 1 0 0 13 9 0 4
4 Ospreys 1 1 0 0 22 20 0 4
5 Munster 1 1 0 0 9 7 0 4
6 Borders 1 0 0 1 7 9 1 1
7 Leinster 1 0 0 1 20 22 1 1
8 Cardiff Blues 1 0 0 1 9 13 1 1
9 Glasgow 1 0 0 1 15 21 1 1
10 Llanelli Scarlets 1 0 0 1 15 21 1 1
11 Ulster 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

[BR]

you mean this BR??
I take your point - I wasn't taking responsibility for the accuracy of their figures (on games played by our lads) but I thought it was any interesting taking point.


Celtic League : Table
Team P W D L F A BP PTS
1 Newport-Gwent D'gons 1 1 0 0 21 15 0 4
2 Edinburgh 1 1 0 0 21 15 0 4
3 Connacht 1 1 0 0 13 9 0 4
4 Ospreys 1 1 0 0 22 20 0 4
5 Munster 1 1 0 0 9 7 0 4
6 Borders 1 0 0 1 7 9 1 1
7 Leinster 1 0 0 1 20 22 1 1
8 Cardiff Blues 1 0 0 1 9 13 1 1
9 Glasgow 1 0 0 1 15 21 1 1
10 Llanelli Scarlets 1 0 0 1 15 21 1 1
11 Ulster 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

The figures could be right Freddie, I don't know, but if they can manage 3 distict errors in the league table after only one round of games, I wouldn't bet a whole lot on it.