Ireland Team Talk/Gossip/Rumour Thread

slowburner · 18-12-2011 8:58am

leakyboots wrote: »

And any rugby player who has his own website at 25 without being seriously world class can go and jump as far as I'm concerned - http://www.robkearney.com/.

Indeed he can.

bamboozle · 18-12-2011 9:03am

Sport101 wrote: »

If by score you mean overrun the pass then wave his hands, then sure!
Where's Shaggy these days? Now he's a winger who knows how to score tries...what a machine.

well egg on your face for all your Luke Fitz slagging off on friday....two great trys (as i predicted!)

padser · 18-12-2011 10:39am

leakyboots wrote: »

Deleted User wrote: »

did you see the Leinster game tonight?

Kearney was everything you've just said he wasn't.

Oh yeah and... just how many times has Earls worn 13 for Ireland? Last time he did he put 2 tries past Russia in the World Cup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu0dX79tzFA

The lions selectors (who had a bang in form Lee Byrne as well) thought Kearney was able to cut it at international level.

I'm perfectly happy with the notion that Earls be a 13 everytime we play a tier II nation. Incidently, EOM scored two tries from 13 last month against a side significantly better than Russia.....

Seriously though, the thing I don't get about moving earls from the wing is they he has proven himself a damn good winger. He has also proven himself unable to play 13 and 15 at the highest levels.

Why oh why can these basic observations not lead to the conclusion - earls plays on the wing.

Benny Cake · 18-12-2011 10:56am

padser wrote: »

Why oh why can these basic observations not lead to the conclusion - earls plays on the wing.

Because the best 13 we have ever had is 18/24 months from retirement and this is a discussion forum where the merits of his alternatives are being analysed... Like it or not, Earls is part of that discussion. The indignation that Earls even be mentioned is bizarre TBH...

So far there is no stand-out candidate, but if BOD retired in the morning I would have Bowe at 13 for the 6 nations with Fitz taking his place on the wing. Thats my 2 cents anyway.

wixfjord · 18-12-2011 11:07am

leakyboots wrote: »

And any rugby player who has his own website at 25 without being seriously world class can go and jump as far as I'm concerned - http://www.robkearney.com/. Again, if he has a storming Six Nations I'll hold my hands up, I'm not above that at all. But as international full backs go, he isin't above the grade by any means

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu0dX79tzFA

Ah for **** sake. What a pure load. What's your vendetta about? Munster fans seem to have this thing about heaslip and Kearney, despite the two being lions and two of the best in the world in their positions, but that crap really takes the biscuit!

Tox56 · 18-12-2011 11:24am

Benny Cake wrote: »

Because the best 13 we have ever had is 18/24 months from retirement and this is a discussion forum where the merits of his alternatives are being analysed... Like it or not, Earls is part of that discussion. The indignation that Earls even be mentioned is bizarre TBH...

So far there is no stand-out candidate, but if BOD retired in the morning I would have Bowe at 13 for the 6 nations with Fitz taking his place on the wing. Thats my 2 cents anyway.

Yes, but the fact Earls is a very good winger also forms part of this discussion under his merits of becoming a centre. If we were to put him there, we would be losing an excellent winger, and that can form part of a reason not to select him there.

GerM · 18-12-2011 11:35am

Jayzus, LB. Last night's performance must be killing you. Kearney has been excellent this season for Leinster. Aside from Sexton, he is arguably Leinster's most consistent performer. Some of your arguments are beyond bizarre. Lets stick it to him because he has a website? What's with the vendetta?

He's the best 15 in the country by some distance and I don't think that's really debatable. Earls last man tackling is worse than Kearney's and, whilst he isn't bad under the high ball, he's not in at the same level as RK.

I don't know what the fascination is with taking players that are excellent in their positions and making them play somewhere else. If people had their way we'd have a side with SOB at 8, Heaslip at 7, Ferris at 4, Bowe at 13 and Earls at 15. Mad stuff.

Amazotheamazing · 18-12-2011 12:19pm

wixfjord wrote: »

Ah for **** sake. What a pure load. What's your vendetta about? Munster fans seem to have this thing about heaslip and Kearney, despite the two being lions and two of the best in the world in their positions, but that crap really takes the biscuit!

Neither have been among the best in the world in their positions for some time now. (relative standard, obviously both are better than 99.999% of rugby players)

I think Kearney will bounce back though, he has all the goods to be a genuinely world class fullback, something Earls doesn't. Earls is a fantastic finisher and a decent broken field runner, where-ever he plays that's what he brings, whatever team he plays for has to adjust accordingly, imo.

Higher · 18-12-2011 12:35pm

leakyboots wrote: »

Funny how you say 'one word posts really irritate' you but yet you 'like' a smilie differing a constructive post.

Now c'mon Emmet, some perspective. Versus a very, very poor Bath. Did you even see the defense from Lukey's second try by the winger/fullback? Never mind the forward pass (these things happen regularly)

Other posters and the commentators were saying, it was like a training exercise at times, that's nowhere near international level and you know it. Kearney has been there by default in recent years because an ageing Geordan Murphy and Gavin Duffy has been his challenger. Nacewa is the better fullback at Leinster by a country mile and should be there week in week out.

As for your post above about Earls versus Scotland, I call shenanigans - I don't recall him being tested that much on the left wing (which anyway ain't fullback where you're surrounded by traffic when going for a ball incidentally), these highlights below don't have a single example and a google of it shows up nothing either.

Oh yeah and... just how many times has Earls worn 13 for Ireland? Last time he did he put 2 tries past Russia in the World Cup. People so quick to write him off haven't seen him have a proper go at it. By all means if he has a fair chance at it and makes a bags of it I'll gladly hold my hand up and shake my Eoin O'Malley pom-poms, all I'm saying is get some perspective in your ideas for who should wear the jersey. Deccie picking Earls isin't an outlandish proposal as some are making out.

Bath are a much better side than Russia.....Why the double standards?

Kearney's try-scoring record for Ireland is abysmal, half of his 7 tries are in friendlies and he hasn't the solidity of Dempsey by any means. And any rugby player who has his own website at 25 without being seriously world class can go and jump as far as I'm concerned -

Kearney is definitely world class. He was the stand out performer for the Lions, he is a consistent starter in a team that has won the HC twice in 3 years, he was a stand out performer in the Irish team that won the Grand Slam and he was brilliant in the world cup this year. its not even in doubt.

Sport101 · 18-12-2011 4:25pm

bamboozle wrote: »

well egg on your face for all your Luke Fitz slagging off on friday....two great trys (as i predicted!)

I just pointing out his poor try scoring record for a winger, and tendency to overrun the ball, he did well yesterday though. Wingers need to score tries, hopefully he can keep it up.

molloyjh · 18-12-2011 5:00pm

Sport101 wrote: »

I just pointing out his poor try scoring record for a winger, and tendency to overrun the ball, he did well yesterday though. Wingers need to score tries, hopefully he can keep it up.

Teams need to score tries. It doesn't matter who does it. If a winger comes in off his wing and helps create tries for others the result is just the same as if he'd scored the try himself. Take Strauss' try against Racing in the RDS for example. Fitzy was involved twice in that. Or even when he was off form look at Ryan's first try against Saracens when he came onto the ball running a great line and offloaded the ball brilliantly in the tackle keeping Sarries on the back foot.

tolosenc · 18-12-2011 8:16pm

leakyboots wrote: »

Another outstanding contribution. Care to offer more than a click of your mouse? I like to think I at the very least try to explain my opinions.

OK, I'll bite. You called Earls a better full back because Kearney is one dimensional. Earls is the definition of a one dimensional player. Can't pass, can't kick, can't create, can't beat players, can't defend. If I was to pick players for a foot race to the line, there'd be few in world rugby I'd pick before Earls, if I was picking a winger/full back for an 80 minute rugby match he'd be way down the list, due to his poor skillset and lack of a rugby brain.

leakyboots wrote: »

Now c'mon Emmet, some perspective. Versus a very, very poor Bath. Did you even see the defense from Lukey's second try by the winger/fullback? Never mind the forward pass (these things happen regularly)

leakyboots wrote: »

Oh yeah and... just how many times has Earls worn 13 for Ireland? Last time he did he put 2 tries past Russia in the World Cup

:rolleyes:

leakyboots wrote: »

Deccie picking Earls isin't an outlandish proposal as some are making out.

I agree. It's not at all unlikely. It's a very poor reflection on Declan Kidney, rather than a good reflection on Keith Earls.

leakyboots wrote: »

My ideal back 3 for an injury-free Ireland would be Felix/Bowe/Earls

Are you serious?! Kearney > Jones. Kearney > Earls. Trimble > Earls. Fitzgerald > Jones. Trimble > Fitzgerald. And many others.

A back three, assuming full fitness, other than Trimble/Bowe/Kearney is silly.

desertcircus · 18-12-2011 8:37pm

leakyboots wrote: »

O'Malley has started 4 HEC matches and two as sub. He's suddenly ready for the international scene? 40 league games. Crazy. I don't think he's stuck out that much to parachute him into our national side.

If we're going to put O'Malley in at centre, I think we should go the whole hog and do an Australia and blood 'em all this Six Nations and summer tour and autumn internationals and Six Nations next year by which time it might or might not have bore fruit. But I don't think we have the talent ready to do that at the moment. O'Malley is no more ready than Barnes or Zebo for the Irish team

If you're going to go on caps earned, then it would only be fair to point out that Barnes, Zebo and Earls haven't been stuck behind Brian O'Driscoll in the queue for gametime for their province.

irishbucsfan · 18-12-2011 9:06pm

leakyboots wrote: »

Also, O'Malley has started 4 HEC matches and two as sub. He's suddenly ready for the international scene?

You must have been furious when Conor Murray was brought to the world cup so! Not to mention Felix Jones nearly making the squad! God wouldn't that have been a complete disaster! :pac:

Cpt_Blackbeard · 18-12-2011 10:12pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

You must have been furious when Conor Murray was brought to the world cup so! Not to mention Felix Jones nearly making the squad! God wouldn't that have been a complete disaster! :pac:

You and those you have liked your post have just proved the hypocrisy that is much too prevalent on this board.

I would comfortably say that some of the posters currently calling for EOM to be playing 13 for Ireland in the 6N, are the same ones who were saying that Murray and Jones were too inexperienced to be playing for Ireland in the WC as they had no HC experience.

Sure, maybe EOM will have a handful of low-level HC games under his belt the time the 6N rolls around but, is there any discernible standard difference between those games and the Amlin and Magner's knockout games the Munster lads played in? I wouldn't say so..

danthefan · 18-12-2011 10:28pm

This thread:

errlloyd · 18-12-2011 10:38pm

You're all getting worked up about this centre carry on too much.

Lets take a slightly back stepped perspective for a second. We are probably not going to win this 6 nations. Even if we do, it really doesn't matter, of all 6 nations this one is the least important.

We have a world class finisher in the shape of Earls, we have tried him at 13. There is some argument about whether or not it failed or succeeded. Why not try someone else. And if we were to put a good play maker inside earls surely it would be to his benefit?

That is... If earls makes the wing.

irishbucsfan · 18-12-2011 11:00pm

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

You and those you have liked your post have just proved the hypocrisy that is much too prevalent on this board.

I would comfortably say that some of the posters currently calling for EOM to be playing 13 for Ireland in the 6N, are the same ones who were saying that Murray and Jones were too inexperienced to be playing for Ireland in the WC as they had no HC experience.

Sure, maybe EOM will have a handful of low-level HC games under his belt the time the 6N rolls around but, is there any discernible standard difference between those games and the Amlin and Magner's knockout games the Munster lads played in? I wouldn't say so..

I wanted Murray and Jones in the world cup squad, I'd have O'Malley or Cave for Ireland in February (not sure which yet, probably Cave tbh). Can you please clarify why exactly you believe I am being hipocritical after a brief stop-off here, ta.

onlyrocknroll · 18-12-2011 11:25pm

Deleted User wrote: »

2cm.

Would you argue that a peanut wasn't actually a nut? Because that's where you're getting to in this.

Sorry, I do agree with the point you were making here, (EOM is not too small for an international centre, I think he's a wonderful player) but I would like to point out that a peanut is actually not a nut but a legume. That's all.

Cpt_Blackbeard · 18-12-2011 11:32pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I wanted Murray and Jones in the world cup squad, I'd have O'Malley or Cave for Ireland in February (not sure which yet, probably Cave tbh). Can you please clarify why exactly you believe I am being hipocritical after a brief stop-off here, ta.

Didn't really mean to call you a hypocrite but, rather say that your point displayed to me the hypocritical behaviour that's on all message boards. Proved was probably the wrong word in retrospect.

I'm not going to trawl through the threads to see who used Murray's/Jones' inexperience as a stick to beat them but, I'm just ignorantly assuming that there is some overlap between the posters who supported this and those who choose to ignore EOM's lack of experience.

Provincialism causing you to over-rate/ your own players is one thing and understandable but, using a completely different barometer to judge players from different provinces differently is just hypocrisy in my books.

tolosenc · 18-12-2011 11:35pm

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

I'm not going to trawl through the threads to see who used Murray's/Jones' inexperience as a stick to beat them but, I'm just ignorantly assuming that there is some overlap between the posters who supported this and those who choose to ignore EOM's lack of experience.

You're ignoring that Murray's selection was for the World Cup, and that EOM is looking for a 6N spot. Different animals.

totallegend · 18-12-2011 11:37pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I wanted Murray and Jones in the world cup squad, I'd have O'Malley or Cave for Ireland in February (not sure which yet, probably Cave tbh).

Didn't see any of the Ulster game, how did he do? I've always been a fan of his, just not sure if he can make the step up to international level. I think it's worth a look though, he's more of a natural centre than Earls, has more experience than EOM and is bigger than both of them.

I thought McFadden was excellent at 12 on Saturday, btw.

Cpt_Blackbeard · 19-12-2011 12:21am

tolosenc wrote: »

You're ignoring that Murray's selection was for the World Cup, and that EOM is looking for a 6N spot. Different animals.

They're really not. The WC is a much lower standard than the average 6N and is fixed to ensure that the 2nd tier nations have no chance of success. Every year the 6N comes around, at least 50% of the teams have realistic aspirations of winning the title, which is something the WC will never have. Continued success in the 6N will also ensure a good showing when the WC comes around.

I'd much rather we do well in the 6N every year and have the knock-on success of doing well in the WC, than building towards a competition that we won't have realistic ambitions of winning.

molloyjh · 19-12-2011 12:28am

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

Didn't really mean to call you a hypocrite but, rather say that your point displayed to me the hypocritical behaviour that's on all message boards. Proved was probably the wrong word in retrospect.

I'm not going to trawl through the threads to see who used Murray's/Jones' inexperience as a stick to beat them but, I'm just ignorantly assuming that there is some overlap between the posters who supported this and those who choose to ignore EOM's lack of experience.

Provincialism causing you to over-rate/ your own players is one thing and understandable but, using a completely different barometer to judge players from different provinces differently is just hypocrisy in my books.

Oh get down off your high horse CB, you're the one who continually applies different standards depending on province. Look at the OC debate for example.

At the end of the day a lot of people were concerned about Jones and Murrays experience (particularly Murrays) going into the RWC. It's the highest level anyone can play at against better opposition than in the 6 Ns at times. Most of us were happy enough with Jones given the lack of other options (Kearneys form was an unknown given he was just coming back from injury) but with Murray there were 2 experienced alternatives.

With EOM we are saying he should be in the running given the serious lack of options at the moment. Bowe and Earls are both wingers, McFadden is more like a 12. So we're left with youngsters like EOM, Cave etc. And we're all saying they should all be in the running. That doesn't mean we wouldn't be concerned about their lack of experience as well. But what other choices have we? Few, if any, are saying EOM should be the only one considered. You're the only one making anything provincial here. Again.

Podge_irl · 19-12-2011 12:41am

There is also the fact that the incumbent 13 is missing and there is no experienced option available. There were 2 very solid experienced options available at 9 during the world cup.

That said, I was exceedingly critical of the decision to start Murray at the RWC - I still think it's one of the daftest things Kidney has ever done. I'd have concerns over EOM as well. He already has more high level game experience then Murray did though. I'd probably start Cave (which won't happen) or Bowe (which probably won't either) ahead of him for this 6N. But it's a completely difference situation.

porterbelly · 19-12-2011 12:49am

http://http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SS7KBVoDBd4

This man is the future

Fireball07 · 19-12-2011 12:58am

Out of interest, do people want to see one 13 for the whole 6N or would they prefer to see maybe 2 of them get a shot?

For me...I think we should be open to making a switch. I know it's an important position and continuity is good for the whole team, and particularly for the confidence of a particular player but I think that unless one player really plays brilliantly and lays claim to the jersey, that we could try more than one.

molloyjh · 19-12-2011 1:04am

Fireball07 wrote: »

Out of interest, do people want to see one 13 for the whole 6N or would they prefer to see maybe 2 of them get a shot?

For me...I think we should be open to making a switch. I know it's an important position and continuity is good for the whole team, and particularly for the confidence of a particular player but I think that unless one player really plays brilliantly and lays claim to the jersey, that we could try more than one.

It's a tough call really. With so few games I suppose you could argue it either way. If we were to bring in a young lad he'd need time to settle in. But at the same time there isn't a front runner as such at this stage either. That said I fully expect Earls at 13, especially with Fitzys form at the moment where I think we'll see him at 11. So this is all academic really....

Fireball07 · 19-12-2011 1:09am

molloyjh wrote: »

It's a tough call really. With so few games I suppose you could argue it either way. If we were to bring in a young lad he'd need time to settle in. But at the same time there isn't a front runner as such at this stage either. That said I fully expect Earls at 13, especially with Fitzys form at the moment where I think we'll see him at 11. So this is all academic really....

Ah but sure you could say that about anything. Discussion boards would be boring if you couldn't take on hypothetical situations.

So I'm asking people if they were in charge, and Earls wasn't a certainty (which I'm not sure he will be) who would they pick?

I actually think Earls could do an okay job in the centre for the 6N...but obviously I'd much prefer to see him on the wing, with some other players blooded. And of course I want to see Fitz start at 12 but that's unlikely too.

molloyjh · 19-12-2011 1:17am

Fireball07 wrote: »

Ah but sure you could say that about anything. Discussion boards would be boring if you couldn't take on hypothetical situations.

So I'm asking people if they were in charge, and Earls wasn't a certainty (which I'm not sure he will be) who would they pick?

I actually think Earls could do an okay job in the centre for the 6N...but obviously I'd much prefer to see him on the wing, with some other players blooded. And of course I want to see Fitz start at 12 but that's unlikely too.

A lot hangs on Earls form over the next few weeks obviously but for now I'd have a back line of Fitz, D'Arcy (we're already going to have a young gun at OC so we need the experience here), EOM/Cave (I haven't seen enough of Ulster these last couple of weeks to make this call), Bowe and Kearney. Trimble is unlucky to miss out again but I just think Fitzys form at the moment can't be overlooked.

JustinDee · 19-12-2011 5:43am

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

They're really not. The WC is a much lower standard than the average 6N and is fixed to ensure that the 2nd tier nations have no chance of success. Every year the 6N comes around, at least 50% of the teams have realistic aspirations of winning the title, which is something the WC will never have. Continued success in the 6N will also ensure a good showing when the WC comes around.

I'd much rather we do well in the 6N every year and have the knock-on success of doing well in the WC, than building towards a competition that we won't have realistic ambitions of winning.

Don't give up the day job then.

profitius · 19-12-2011 8:12am

Griffin and Cave for me look the front runners for the 13 jersey. EOMs defense is an issue still. Hes a class player who needs some experience playing at a higher level. Ireland can't afford to have too many weaknesses especially in defense. Maybe an option would be to put him on the wing in defensive situations? He'd certainly offer a quality attacking threat in BODs absense.

You'd have to say that there are some genuine options in the center these days which is great. Its one of the most difficult positions to play since players need to be good all rounders to play there and then have something else. Skills are vital to play there. Mafi butchering a try for Munster at the weekend is a good example of lack of skills. I was watching an Aviva premiership match a few weeks back and a counter attack was on for a team who turned over ball in their own 22. They had numbers out wide against no defense but the center didn't trust himself to make the pass so just cut back inside. It sums up the importance of having good skills.

Bowe could also be a real option at 13 in the coming years. If he loses a bit of pace he'd still have the class to play there. Spense and Barnes look short of international class for center at least. Ulster have a few centers coming through who look very promising.

19-12-2011 8:23am

onlyrocknroll wrote: »

Sorry, I do agree with the point you were making here, (EOM is not too small for an international centre, I think he's a wonderful player) but I would like to point out that a peanut is actually not a nut but a legume. That's all.

that was the point....

irishbucsfan · 19-12-2011 1:20pm

Omalley has historically been a better defender than McFadden, who has played 13 for Ireland. He also has more experience at a high level as a 13 than McFadden. Don't think experience or defense is a problem.

He misses one tackle against a world cup winner in the closing minutes of a game whilst leading by 30 points and suddenly his defense is an issue? If he can defend in the SMM against Rougerie, he can certainly play 6 Nations rugby.

Think id have Cave ahead of him though right now, just about.

Fishooks12 · 19-12-2011 1:31pm

I think people are being slightly pessimistic about Earls being more or less a definite starter at ten.

I for one have some bit of hope that Kidney will give a shot to the form player in the shirt, which at the moment is not including Earls.

If this does happen it will pose an interesting selection dilemma at 11.

Podge_irl · 19-12-2011 1:38pm

Fishooks12 wrote: »

If this does happen it will pose an interesting selection dilemma at 11.

Indeed. Fitz and Trimble are both pressing their case for selection there and obviously Earls is the incumbent. Nice position to be in really.

yimrsg · 19-12-2011 1:44pm

Jauzion was put on his backside by Ugo Monye whilst attempting to tackle him on Sunday.
D'arcy missed a tackle against Rougerie which lead to a try in last years 6 nations (I think).
Earls didn't stop Manu.
EOM didn't stop Donald.
SOB was run over by Gorgodze.

Just because the incidents are memorable doesn't mean that all of a sudden player X is a poor defender. It's far better to make that assumption over a longer timeline than focus on one incident. EOM is a natural 13 and should be in contention for selection in the 6 nations.

molloyjh · 19-12-2011 2:06pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Omalley has historically been a better defender than McFadden, who has played 13 for Ireland. He also has more experience at a high level as a 13 than McFadden. Don't think experience or defense is a problem.

He misses one tackle against a world cup winner in the closing minutes of a game whilst leading by 30 points and suddenly his defense is an issue? If he can defend in the SMM against Rougerie, he can certainly play 6 Nations rugby.

Think id have Cave ahead of him though right now, just about.

Tbh I think EOM fell off about 2 or 3 tackles in the game. But having watched it back last night I think people are making too much of the Donald incident. Jenno looked to be going low on Donald but at the last second didn't commit (he obviously thought he was too far away to make it effectively). It actually looks like EOM thought Jenno was going low and so went high to prevent the offload. When Jenno pulled out of the tackle EOM didn't have the time or the space to re-adjust.

Either way other than that 1 incident there hasn't been any stand-out issue defensively from him and he's faced some serious opposition.

Fireball07 · 19-12-2011 2:41pm

Fishooks12 wrote: »

I think people are being slightly pessimistic about Earls being more or less a definite starter at ten.

I for one have some bit of hope that Kidney will give a shot to the form player in the shirt, which at the moment is not including Earls.

If this does happen it will pose an interesting selection dilemma at 11.

So is it an Earls/Sexton debate now??

Fishooks12 · 19-12-2011 2:45pm

Fireball07 wrote: »

So is it an Earls/Sexton debate now??

woops!

I meant 13 obviously!

Fireball07 · 19-12-2011 2:51pm

Fishooks12 wrote: »

woops!

I meant 13 obviously!

I think Earls has everything you could possibly need to be a great 10. Tbh, it's a disgrace he's never got a chance there.

But I suppose there's still time for players to stake a claim, get a bit of form coming up to the 6N. Hopefully all 3 candidates will be chosen in the squad though...and it could come down to who performs best in training.

durkadurka · 19-12-2011 5:17pm

Fireball07 wrote: »

I think Earls has everything you could possibly need to be a great 10. Tbh, it's a disgrace he's never got a chance there.

Tighthead surely?

onlyrocknroll · 19-12-2011 7:15pm

durkadurka wrote: »

Fireball07 wrote: »

I think Earls has everything you could possibly need to be a great 10. Tbh, it's a disgrace he's never got a chance there.

Tighthead surely?

Obviously he should be Irelands first choice tighthead and it's only blatant pro-Leinster bias that's keeping him out.

Fireball07 · 19-12-2011 7:20pm

onlyrocknroll wrote: »

Obviously he should be Irelands first choice tighthead and it's only blatant pro-Leinster bias that's keeping him out.

Got it in one. I think Earls should play tighthead, no. 8 and out-half all at once tbh.

jasper11 · 19-12-2011 7:31pm

Cpt_Blackbeard wrote: »

They're really not. The WC is a much lower standard than the average 6N and is fixed to ensure that the 2nd tier nations have no chance of success. Every year the 6N comes around, at least 50% of the teams have realistic aspirations of winning the title, which is something the WC will never have. Continued success in the 6N will also ensure a good showing when the WC comes around.

I'd much rather we do well in the 6N every year and have the knock-on success of doing well in the WC, than building towards a competition that we won't have realistic ambitions of winning.

no realistic ambitions of winning last world cup???

WeeBushy · 19-12-2011 11:03pm

Fireball07 wrote: »

Got it in one. I think Earls should play tighthead, no. 8 and out-half all at once tbh.

We all dream of a team of Keith Earls...

danthefan · 28-12-2011 12:17pm

At this stage after 4 rounds of the HEC, and only about 5 weeks away from the 6N, how is the Ireland team shaping up? I'm going to look at it from a realistic point of view. I.e. EOM or Griffin simply have no realistic chance of playing in the 6N bar a spate of injuries, so I'm going to leave them out. And yes, I am bored.

I would say the following players are definitely nailed on:

Healy, Best, Ross, POC, Ferris, SOB, Heaslip, Kearney

I can't see anything contentious there at all, I expect all those 8 players to start every game if fit.

I would say the following players are sort of 90%+ nailed on:

Bowe, Earls, D'Arcy, Murray

Bowe is in here and not the above category because he's not playing very well at the moment. He's easily been outshone by Fitz recently for example. But I think due to his quality as a player he'll more than likely be starting.
Earls I can see in the centre, for better or worse.
There is nothing Reddan can do imo, he could become a composite of Fourie du Preez and Will Genia and he still wouldn't get a start, Murray imo will start all the games in the 6N. I just hope Kidney sees how effective Reddan and Sexton are together.
D'Arcy isn't playing especially well but P. Wallace is injured. McFadden did well enough for Leinster at 12 but I don't think he's going to take the shirt of D'Arcy. The way I see it is if D'Arcy remains first choice for Leinster he'll be first choice for Ireland.

Rotation:

Sexton, ROG

Everyone could see after the Wales game how really awful ROG was, you'd hope that would lead to Sexton finally being backed but I'm not sure I see it happening.

So we're left with a second row, and I would imagine D. Ryan is in the driving seat as a partner to POC. Munster's pack is going fairly well it has to be said. Touhy is the other alternative and tbh I haven't seen enough of him this season to really comment.

Last spot is wing, which will be either Fitz or Trimble. I'm not sure you could possibly leave out Fitz in the form he's in.

So my predicted team:

Kearney
Bowe
Earls
D'Arcy
Fitz
ROG/Sexton
Murray
Heaslip
SOB
Ferris
POC
Ryan
Ross
Best
Healy

Tox56 · 28-12-2011 12:51pm

danthefan wrote: »

At this stage after 4 rounds of the HEC, and only about 5 weeks away from the 6N, how is the Ireland team shaping up? I'm going to look at it from a realistic point of view. I.e. EOM or Griffin simply have no realistic chance of playing in the 6N bar a spate of injuries, so I'm going to leave them out. And yes, I am bored.

I would say the following players are definitely nailed on:

Healy, Best, Ross, POC, Ferris, SOB, Heaslip, Kearney

I can't see anything contentious there at all, I expect all those 8 players to start every game if fit.

I would say the following players are sort of 90%+ nailed on:

Bowe, Earls, D'Arcy, Murray

Bowe is in here and not the above category because he's not playing very well at the moment. He's easily been outshone by Fitz recently for example. But I think due to his quality as a player he'll more than likely be starting.
Earls I can see in the centre, for better or worse.
There is nothing Reddan can do imo, he could become a composite of Fourie du Preez and Will Genia and he still wouldn't get a start, Murray imo will start all the games in the 6N. I just hope Kidney sees how effective Reddan and Sexton are together.
D'Arcy isn't playing especially well but P. Wallace is injured. McFadden did well enough for Leinster at 12 but I don't think he's going to take the shirt of D'Arcy. The way I see it is if D'Arcy remains first choice for Leinster he'll be first choice for Ireland.

Rotation:

Sexton, ROG

Everyone could see after the Wales game how really awful ROG was, you'd hope that would lead to Sexton finally being backed but I'm not sure I see it happening.

So we're left with a second row, and I would imagine D. Ryan is in the driving seat as a partner to POC. Munster's pack is going fairly well it has to be said. Touhy is the other alternative and tbh I haven't seen enough of him this season to really comment.

Last spot is wing, which will be either Fitz or Trimble. I'm not sure you could possibly leave out Fitz in the form he's in.

So my predicted team:

Kearney
Bowe
Earls
D'Arcy
Fitz
ROG/Sexton
Murray
Heaslip
SOB
Ferris
POC
Ryan
Ross
Best
Healy

You really think even Kidney will be still be even considering Earls at 13, much less starting him? He must know by now that it just isn't happening, especially with how well EOM (or even McFadden) has played at 13.

I don't see why EOM won't get to play at least some part. I personally would start him, although I admit that would be unlikely, I think it is far from impossible.

danthefan · 28-12-2011 12:56pm

Tox56 wrote: »

You really think even Kidney will be still be even considering Earls at 13, much less starting him? He must know by now that it just isn't happening, especially with how well EOM (or even McFadden) has played at 13.

I don't see why EOM won't get to play at least some part. I personally would start him, although I admit that would be unlikely, I think it is far from impossible.

Up to the RWC Earls was getting starts in the centre for Ireland with Kidney stating straight out he was next in line behind BOD. He's barely played since due to injury, so I don't see what's changed.

CatFromHue · 28-12-2011 12:57pm

O' Malley has played great at 13, just not so much this season.

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