[Tox56]

I too would like to see Tuohy given another chance, he has earned it with his performances this season, it's just a shame he didn't play well.

I think with Kidney he may have blown his chance already though, I would be very surprised if DOC isn't starting.

[Clegg]

Tuohy looked off the pace during the game but he should be given a chance to prove himself. He needs a few games to get used to test level.

I think we should stick with him because we all know that DOC is a busted flush at test level.

[molloyjh]

To me the 2 most obvious changes we need are Reddan to 9 and SOB to 6. We need one of our back row players making those bursting runs. SOB was excellent at open-side, but thats pointless if we can't make good use of the ball we have. We're not going to see massive improvements in the back line moves over the course of a week so we need SOB making those carries and breaking the line. Put Henry in at 7 and POM - who can play all back row positions - on the bench.

[phog]

Originally Posted by irishbucsfan

If you go by stats, POM was completely out tackled by the other two .

No way in HELL would I start POM over Heaslip against the All Blacks.

True but those stats also show that McLoughlin was way below POM, even taking their time on the field into account.

[irishbucsfan]

Originally Posted by phog

True but those stats also show that McLoughlin was way below POM, even taking their time on the field into account.

True but I'm not arguing for McLoughlin to play, or anyone else in fact!

[irishbucsfan]

Originally Posted by molloyjh

To me the 2 most obvious changes we need are Reddan to 9 and SOB to 6. We need one of our back row players making those bursting runs. SOB was excellent at open-side, but thats pointless if we can't make good use of the ball we have. We're not going to see massive improvements in the back line moves over the course of a week so we need SOB making those carries and breaking the line. Put Henry in at 7 and POM - who can play all back row positions - on the bench.

Why do you think SOB will make more runs at 6?

[danthefan]

Originally Posted by molloyjh

To me the 2 most obvious changes we need are Reddan to 9 and SOB to 6. We need one of our back row players making those bursting runs. SOB was excellent at open-side, but thats pointless if we can't make good use of the ball we have. We're not going to see massive improvements in the back line moves over the course of a week so we need SOB making those carries and breaking the line. Put Henry in at 7 and POM - who can play all back row positions - on the bench.

SOB won't make more runs just by changing the number on his back. This Ireland team cannot get the ball into his hands in areas of the pitch he can do damage. He's definitely going to provide the most value to the team by continuing his level of performance at 7.

And people talking about dropping Heaslip but leaving POM in the team? Please.

[Tox56]

I don't think it's SOB at 6, it would be Henry at 7 that would make the difference. If SOB isn't at the bottom of every breakdown he would have more opportunity to carry, and Henry would be taking a lot of that workload.

Having said that SOB was at 7 for the HEC Final and managed to make an impact around the field.

[irishbucsfan]

Originally Posted by Tox56

I don't think it's SOB at 6, it would be Henry at 7 that would make the difference. If SOB isn't at the bottom of every breakdown he would have more opportunity to carry, and Henry would be taking a lot of that workload.

Having said that SOB was at 7 for the HEC Final and managed to make an impact around the field.

SOB isn't at the bottom of every breakdown because he has the number 7 written on his back!

[Tox56]

Originally Posted by irishbucsfan

SOB isn't at the bottom of every breakdown because he has the number 7 written on his back!

He's there because that's what his role is at the moment, and if Henry takes on that role it affords SOB more opportunities to carry, in theory at least.

As I say however, I think SOB is playing too well to move him, and don't think it's completely necessary.

[phog]

Originally Posted by irishbucsfan

True but I'm not arguing for McLoughlin to play, or anyone else in fact!

True, but I think you'll find the post that profitius replied to certainly argued for his inclusion.

[molloyjh]

Originally Posted by irishbucsfan

Why do you think SOB will make more runs at 6?

With Henry at 7 and Heaslip there the amount of work required from him at the breakdown should be reduced. Regardless of number on his back we need a powerful runner taking ball on. SOB wasn't doing that as much last week because he was doing the more classic openside stuff. You could keep him at 7 and change the emphasis, but with Henry there it makes more sense to me to switch SOB to 6.