Ireland Tour Down Under

toomevara

new Zealand have named their training squad for the upcoming tour. 9 uncapped players. P'haps Henry and Co. are looking at it as a team building opportunity which may give us a sliver of hope!

New Zealand training squad:

John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Tom Donnelly, Andrew Hore, Richard Kahui, Jerome Kaino, Sione Lauaki, Brendon Leonard, Keven Mealamu, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, Kevin O'Neill, John Schwalger, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Rodney So'oialo, Adam Thomson, Neemia Tialata, Anthony Tuitavake, Paul Williams, Tony Woodcock, Rudi Wulf.

Podge_irl

I can't believe Bradley is in charge for possibly our best ever chance of beating the ABs. They've been hit pretty hard by the player exodus, though there are still some high profile names missing from there.

toomevara

Podge_irl wrote: »

I can't believe Bradley is in charge for possibly our best ever chance of beating the ABs.

Yeah, I take your point. On paper a least there's nothing there that should overly frighten a fully fit Irish 1st XV. I think, looking at that squad, morale issues, coaching upheaval and NZ hoodoo aside, I see no reason why we couldn't put one over on them...

Size=everything

your getting my hopes up...

Podge_irl

toomevara wrote: »

I think, looking at that squad, morale issues, coaching upheaval and NZ hoodoo aside, I see no reason why we couldn't put one over on them...

They'll be used to playing the ELVs as well (or whatever bastardized version of them it is they are using down south). It really is set up well for us.

toomevara

RickyHatton wrote: »

your getting my hopes up...

Oh Christ, apologies..God forbid, it is NZ after all....but Podge's argument re: the ELV's is seductive...to paraphrase Kev Keegan "I would love it!!!!"

Stev_o

Podge_irl wrote: »

They'll be used to playing the ELVs as well (or whatever bastardized version of them it is they are using down south). It really is set up well for us.

But that could mean that they ll run even more then they usually do! Do we have the fitness to keep up with that?

Id agree that now there's a slimmer of chance of a upset dew to their midfield being a joke but still they are New Zealand and they always [expect RWC's :P] have a way of becoming brilliant when you wouldnt expect them to.

angry

I think they are due to have 7 Crusaders players joining that squad after the S14 final too.

ibh

angry wrote: »

I think they are due to have 7 Crusaders players joining that squad after the S14 final too.

Including Mc Caw and Carter i presume???!

mc23

I would have to agree that without all the stars who have come to play in the NH, that all blacks squad doesn't make me very worried about playing them......maybe this is a bad thing. Given the fact that they haven't played since the world cup and our players will be trying to impress a new head coach, I think we have a great chance.

Stev_o

ibh wrote: »

Including Mc Caw and Carter i presume???!

Yeah

zAbbo

We really should beat them, they are all a little lighter condition wise, due to the ELV's they've been playing all season.

Carter would be lucky to start, he's been poor recently.

We should win, but we've got Bradley

Pinetree Boy

I think you will find this is what is called the elite squad. The All Black squad which will include the Crusaders will be named on Sunday. Expect as follows for starting 15:

Woodcock
Mealamu
Afoa/sommerville
Williams
Brad Thorne
McCaw
Soilao
Read/Kaino
Leonard
Carter
Nonu
Muliaina
Sitevini
Tuitavake
Mc Donald

Don't know about Ireland havingits best shot ever. To be honest cominghere for one test with a new coach on the back of average form I would be very suprised ifthey won.

Stev_o

Pinetree Boy wrote: »

I think you will find this is what is called the elite squad. The All Black squad which will include the Crusaders will be named on Sunday. Expect as follows for starting 15:

Woodcock
Mealamu
Afoa/sommerville
Williams
Brad Thorne
McCaw
Soilao
Read/Kaino
Leonard
Carter
Nonu
Muliaina
Sitevini
Tuitavake
Mc Donald

Don't know about Ireland havingits best shot ever. To be honest cominghere for one test with a new coach on the back of average form I would be very suprised ifthey won.

Doubt they will use Nonu at 12 they would usually go for a more traditional 12 rather then a bashing up the front i think they'll use him on the wing instead