Quinny for a Lions spot?

paulgumdrop

Lots of people have said that Earls has played himself onto the Lions plane. But I think Quinny has also. I know his age is against him. But he has been in contention for the last 6 or 7 man-of the match awards. He lasts the 80 minutes no problem and he would be ideal against the South Africans. Anyone else agree?

Stev_o

paulgumdrop wrote: »

Lots of people have said that Earls has played himself onto the Lions plane. But I think Quinny has also. I know his age is against him. But he has been in contention for the last 6 or 7 man-of the match awards. He lasts the 80 minutes no problem and he would be ideal against the South Africans. Anyone else agree?

Too slow, thought his match against New Zealand settled this argument once and for all he gives away far too many penalties at international level and plus there are better 6's available.

jam_on_toast

no chance. he is miles down the list.

Ferris, Leamy, Croft, Haskell, Jones, Taylor would all be ahead of him for the 6 spot. Not that I would rate him that low but given the coaches, he has very little chance.

tughfc

i have to say i don't think earls will go to SA!! sure there's fitzgerald, roberts, shanklin, henson, bod, kearney, darcy, byrne, halfpenny, williams, evans brothers, flutey, tindall!!! id put all of them ahead of earls!! don't get me wrong he's a good player but not a lions player yet by any means and i can't see quinlan going to be honest far too many better players ahead of him!

barnesd

There are a number of players ahead of him. I amazed that some people seem to have forgotten the entire 6N already. Ferris had a superb tournament, yet Quinlan plays well in 1 game against very poor opposition...

jayteecork

Don't say you heard this from me but I hear from reliable sources within the Lions camp that Brian Carney has all but booked himself on the plane to SA.

His heroics as a "wild card" with the 2007 Ireland WC squad brought him to the management's attention.

Profiler

jayteecork wrote: »

Brian Carney has all but booked himself on the plane to SA.

So he is going as a fan then, is the "all but" bit because he is waiting to see if the Travel agent has got him test tickets

NoelJ

I can't see earls or quinny getting onto the squad. too many better players ahead of them

Stick_man

Quinlan has been outstanding now for over a year, remember last years final? I dont think for a second he will be picked but some in the media still talk about Haskell yet Quinlan has ben a class above him all year. Rocky Elsom two weeks ago? Who had a better game, him or Quinlan? and id consider Elsom along with Juan Smith as the best six in the game. He wont be picked but he is having a great year.

thomond2006

No chance of going, give away too many penos.

Shame really, would love to see him annoying the sh1te out of the Boks. :D:D:D

puntosporting

Id imagine the camp would be somewhat livlier with Quiny on board im sure if he was a lion hed have a few team mates who may no be his best pall !
Cant realy see it do would love it but its unlikely!

chupacabra

thomond2006 wrote: »

No chance of going, give away too many penos.

Shame really, would love to see him annoying the sh1te out of the Boks. :D:D:D

Himself and Burger would knock the shíte out of each other.

redmca

The only Irish Lion who is not a regular starter on our first XV will be Rory Best

Deedsie

Anyone who remembers the last tour to SA will know the Lions will need someone like Quinny.

I reckon McGeechan will recognise this. Id say he has a shot.

myflipflops

Deedsie wrote: »

Anyone who remembers the last tour to SA will know the Lions will need someone like Quinny.

I reckon McGeechan will recognise this. Id say he has a shot.

This is a very fair point.

I don't see it myself but with McGeechan on board, I wouldn't rule it out.

McGeechan will be picking a squad/team to specifically beat the Springboks (unlike whatever the hell Woodward was trying). There's a not unreasonable chance that Quinlan could be part of that.

paulgumdrop

I'd have Earls ahead of fitzgerald, roberts, shanklin, henson, kearney, darcy, byrne, halfpenny, williams, evans brothers, flutey, tindall in the centre. With the dry conditions in SA this would suit his style of play.

tughfc wrote: »

i have to say i don't think earls will go to SA!! sure there's fitzgerald, roberts, shanklin, henson, bod, kearney, darcy, byrne, halfpenny, williams, evans brothers, flutey, tindall!!! id put all of them ahead of earls!! don't get me wrong he's a good player but not a lions player yet by any means and i can't see quinlan going to be honest far too many better players ahead of him!

zenmonk

Quinlan won't make the Lions tour. I like the guy and for Munster he is great. Maybe should be on the Irish team but not a Lion due to his age/speed.
Earls has a shot as a replacement only. Personally I think there is nothing to be gained from going on tour it will be another disaster.
Tomas O Leary is the only Munster wild card to be considered.

anonymous_joe

Lads, I quite like Quinlan, but he's too old, too slow and gives away penalties. Can't have that when you get an extra 10 yards range on kicks in 2 out of 3 tests.

Anyway, Stephen Ferris, Strokosch and Croft would all get in ahead of him.

stephen_n

Actually thought this was a piss take thread but clearly not!

One question WHY!!!!

Quinlan is not considered good enough to make the Irish squad so WHY would he be good enough to make the Lions squad. WHY would he get picked ahead of players from four countries who are good enough to make their respective international squads. WHY would the selectors ignore the fact that he gives away to many penalties at International level!

Earls has not got the experience to break into the Irish team yet and even as a utility back there are much better players who have 6N game time behind them to fill that slot. I don't know where this idea that Earls is even in contention for a Lions spot came from apart from Munster fans that is!

What's next Mick O'Driscoll for a second row berth on the Lions team?

Diom

paulgumdrop wrote: »

I'd have Earls ahead of fitzgerald, roberts, shanklin, henson, kearney, darcy, byrne, halfpenny, williams, evans brothers, flutey, tindall in the centre. With the dry conditions in SA this would suit his style of play.

....with Earls learning his rugby on the barren salt flats of Limerick

theKramer

I'd say he would have a hope. He's too old and slow at this stage. Especially since the Boks have been playing under the new rules which makes the game much faster which means that they are much fitter.

Even the younger fellas will have trouble living with the pace, not to mind a guy approaching his mid-thirties.

Quinny is a great player, but its too late for him now. If Ferris doesnt get the starting 6 berth, then it'll be a travesty

[Jackass]

Earls would be eaten alive in South Africa....are you mental???

At very best, VERY BEST, he could go for a mid-week team game...but McGeehan has no interest in player development - only the here and now - Earls is a fantastic young talent, but you can't help but feel the hype put around him is beyond ridiculos.

He's a top class player, but still has a way to go to make an Irish side, let alone an Irish 22, let alone a Lions tourist, let alone a Lions test player ... he's scored a handfull of tries and has played very well in his rookie season - not a whole lot unlike Fitzgerald, but to say Fitzgerald was a Lions contender after his first season would have been a bit much, even now, after being top try scorer (iirc) in the ML last season and putting away a few now in ML, HEC & 6 Nations and starting every single game in an Irish grand slam run, there's still no guarnetees of him being on that plane!

barnesd

paulgumdrop wrote: »

I'd have Earls ahead of fitzgerald, roberts, shanklin, henson, kearney, darcy, byrne, halfpenny, williams, evans brothers, flutey, tindall in the centre. With the dry conditions in SA this would suit his style of play.

That the same D'Arcy who played 12 during the 6N and now has a grand slam medal hanging around his neck? Not sure how Earls has worked his way ahead of him I have to say.

premierstone

barnesd wrote: »

That the same D'Arcy who played 12 during the 6N and now has a grand slam medal hanging around his neck? Not sure how Earls has worked his way ahead of him I have to say.

I can send u a video of then recent ML game if ur memory is that bad!

[Jackass]

Swop it for a video of the Glasgow game? When he was sub AIL level a week earlier???

One game does not make the man! No where near ready! He will be I have no doubt, but no where near it yet! Don't take it as an insult, if anything, it's bigging him up - he will get better - he's already a fantastic player, but he's not as good as you think he is yet.

Skuxx

I like Quinny but unfortunetly I can't see him going!

I would like to see Rob Kearny go though I think he is a brilliant player

barnesd

premierstone wrote: »

I can send u a video of then recent ML game if ur memory is that bad!

You think that's what the Lions selectors will be looking at? An ML game where he was out of position ahead of the biggest tournament in the NH?

Furthermore, Earls was exposed badly against Glasgow the week before.

premierstone

barnesd wrote: »

You think that's what the Lions selectors will be looking at? An ML game where he was out of position ahead of the biggest tournament in the NH?

Furthermore, Earls was exposed badly against Glasgow the week before.

well seen that it was a top of the table clash in the second biggest league in the four eligble nations (that is if u subscribe to the skysports hype re the pemiership) I would be very suprised and quite dissapointed if they werent

And what has the game against Glasgow got to do with your refernece to Gordan Darcy, that is what i was repling to, but if you really want to go down that route : What was your honest assessment of Earls Sunday? And McGeechan was quoted in the press this week as saying he is a huge fan and has been monitoring him since November.


Just on a side note btw I really dont know why people are getting so worked up over the Lions its a joke of a tour and imo has no place in the modern game and while I will congratulate all the Irish players that are selected and wish them well on a personal level I just hope that they all come back injury free and other than that I couldnt care less if SA thump them or not its a pointless tour with far too many political overtones for my likeing........... ah needed to get that off my chest

tughfc

paulgumdrop wrote: »

I'd have Earls ahead of fitzgerald, roberts, shanklin, henson, kearney, darcy, byrne, halfpenny, williams, evans brothers, flutey, tindall in the centre. With the dry conditions in SA this would suit his style of play.

just aswell your not the lions coach because jean de vielliers would piss on earls!! don't get me wrong not a bad player and could well be on the lions tour in 4 years but not this year and theres no way hes better then all those players!!

Mr Clonfadda

I don't think earls should go on Lions tour yet, However when Will Greenwood was selected for the lions he had not played for England and was only based on preformances in Heineken Cup

sslazio11

Nigel Sage wrote: »

I don't think earls should go on Lions tour yet, However when Will Greenwood was selected for the lions he had not played for England and was only based on preformances in Heineken Cup

I think that's Earls main hope of getting selected. I think it might be a bit soon for him personally, but McGeehan has previous in selecting players you wouldn't have thought of as Lions at all. Apart from Will Greenwood, there was Jon Bentley, who played Rugby League 1989-1996, went on tour in 97, and ended up playing in the second test.

Stick_man

Both Earls and Quinlan were talked about on the rugby club tonight, Shaun Edwards was on sayong the tight five are pretty much fixed, talked very highly of Gethin Jenkins (rightly).

zAbbo

barnesd wrote: »

That the same D'Arcy who played 12 during the 6N and now has a grand slam medal hanging around his neck? Not sure how Earls has worked his way ahead of him I have to say.

Straight from Shaun Edwards

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/8004005.stm

"Some of those currently in the reckoning may not have made their national teams in the Six Nations which ended less than a month ago. Others may have caught the eye with performances in last weekend's Heineken quarter-finals.

jprender

I for one hope he goes, he's dead 'ard and playing some great rugby at the mo. If the lions squad is picked on current form, he is surely one of the best players in the 6 position right a this moment.

A little on the old side alright but fitness does not seem to be a problem for him.

He gives away more than his fair share of penalties but that comes with the territory of being a player than is constantly playing on the edge. He would be an immense pain in the ar$e for the Africans.

He gives an extra option at lineout, and as a squad player can cover lock position also.

I really hope he makes the plane, I think he deserves it.

jayteecork

My tips for the outsider spots:

Kevin Maggs
Brian Carney
Peter Stringer
Jeremy Staunton
Gavin Duffy
Mike Prendergast
Ben Christophers

duckysauce

jayteecork wrote: »

My tips for the outsider spots:

Kevin Maggs
Brian Carney
Peter Stringer
Jeremy Staunton
Gavin Duffy
Mike Prendergast
Ben Christophers

Jeremy Staunton is already on the plane there, and mags is too young according to edwards

Podge_irl

jprender wrote: »

He gives away more than his fair share of penalties but that comes with the territory of being a player than is constantly playing on the edge. He would be an immense pain in the ar$e for the Africans.

It comes with the territory if you're unable to get away with it anymore, which is Quinny's problem. He's simply not up to international rugby anymore and his offences lack anything approaching subtlety. Ferris and Leamy would both be ahead of him from an Irish point of view, never mind players like Croft or Jones.

jrichardca

barnesd wrote: »

There are a number of players ahead of him. I amazed that some people seem to have forgotten the entire 6N already. Ferris had a superb tournament, yet Quinlan plays well in 1 game against very poor opposition...

Sorry, but I disagree. Regardless of who gets selected for the Lions, or any other team, Quinlan has performed consistently well all year and has yet to be outplayed by his opposite number in any match. I was all in favour of Ferris being selected ahead of Quinlan for Ireland, because it's time for Ireland to build for te future and Ferris is an excellent player. However, Quinlan is also an excellent player and his ability and attitude are exactly what is required on a short tour such as this.

paulgumdrop

Well Quinny and Earls made it in. A great reward for Quinnys persistence. I feel a bit sorry for Leamy and Hayes though.

anonymous_joe

Well congratulations to Quinlan. Not a call many here would have made but hope he has a great tour.

rugbynut

Fair play to you. Good call!

paulgumdrop wrote: »

Well Quinny and Earls made it in. A great reward for Quinnys persistence. I feel a bit sorry for Leamy and Hayes though.

2040

bleg

hopefully he can goad smit into kicking him up the arse

tughfc

i hold my hand up didnt see that coming fairplay!

[Jackass]

Fair play OP!!

Have to say, McGeehan knows a lot more about rugby than I ever will and he's picked the pair of them, so firmly eat my hat!!

Have to say I'm as surprised at their inclusion as I was at the suggestion of their inclusion, but there you go - onwards and upwards now, I would be in awe of either of them if they managed to play their way into the test team, which can't be ruled out now if they're been given a shot!

jop

congrats to him, dont know why people are bitchin about 2 certain irish players getting onto the lions team , you should be proud of them whether you think they should be there or not:mad:

partyguinness

Taking Quinlan makes perfect sense...old dog for the hard road..

I posted here before that he should be taken and even chatted with my buddy during the weekend that I would defo take him...he in the toughest dog on the Munster team and that will be perfect for those mid week games and who knows he may make the test side....:)

anonymous_joe

partyguinness wrote: »

Taking Quinlan makes perfect sense...old dog for the hard road..

I posted here before that he should be taken and even chatted with my buddy during the weekend that I would defo take him...he in the toughest dog on the Munster team and that will be perfect for those mid week games and who knows he may make the test side....:)

Nah, it doesn't make perfect sense.

It's logical, but the fact it's such a surprise is indicative of the fact that this is not the most perfect of choices.

I'd have thought Croft should've nipped in in front of Quinlan, given his more powerful physical presence, Quinlan has different gifts that are also very useful, but again, it's a clear indication of style.

The_Kew_Tour

I am disgusted that Quinlan made that team does not deserve a place on it one bit.. He will be shown up big time down under.

NickNolte

adrian280582 wrote: »

I am disgusted that Quinlan made that team does not deserve a place on it one bit.

Overreact much?

Serenity Now!

jrichardca wrote: »

Quinlan has performed consistently well all year and has yet to be outplayed by his opposite number in any match.

He was actually whalloped in the match vs All Blacks in November