Keith Earls for the Lions?

thomond2006

Earlsy been a relevation and imo he deserves to go. What do ye all think?

Junior

No, and isn't the second one of these polls you've started ?

sioda

Who?

As a staunch Munster fan I would have to say no I dont think he has the maturity yet to play at the lions level and bringing him along for the midweek matches might do more damage than good.

Let him get better established break into the Irish set up and then he'll be better than ready for the next lions tour

phog

sioda wrote: »

As a staunch Munster fan I would have to say no I dont think he has the maturity yet to play at the lions level and bringing him along for the midweek matches might do more damage than good.

Let him get better established break into the Irish set up and then he'll be better than ready for the next lions tour

I cant really see how bringing along for the mid-week games could effect him, I think it could be very good for his development. I remember ROG saying he learnt a lot from watching Wilkinson train.

thomond2006

No.

Junior wrote: »

No, and isn't the second one of these polls you've started ?

So, complain to the mods if you like and if they agree with you they can lock the thread and I'll have no complaints. I just think this is a topical point of discussion. You make it sound like I'm trolling.

sioda

Who?

Was thinking more alongthe lines of gettng the crap knocked out of him which does happen in some of the midweek games.

Major injury at his age can do long term damage and we need a replacement 13 for ireland down the line.

God this time last year can remember saying ireland needed a new 13 now well done BOD faith found in you again

dRNk SAnTA

I really don't think that the lions should be a place for nurturing talent. Keith Earls is promising but he's not experienced enough or proven enough to deserve a place.

anonymous_joe

Who?

Look, I'd be wary of guys like Fitzgerald going. Earls is too young. He's miles behind the other Irish players of his age and talent (i.e. Kearney, Fitzgerald) because he's played very little rugby at the top level.

There's a whole host of guys who've done more to deserve a place than him. From Ireland alone, Fitzgerald and Bowe can cover the same positions and are both better. (11, 13, 14, 15)

He plays for Munster who are the best club in the world, yes, but as has been said by many outside of Ireland, just because Ireland won the Grand Slam doesn't mean we have the best individuals, likewise, Munster have the best team, that says nothing about individual talent.

Again, what I mean is this - the best fullback of the 6 Nations was probably Armitage followed by Byrne and Kearney. Earls is a very good young player, but he's not perfect, not by a long shot.

If you play him in the centre, he's up against guys like de Villiers, if you play him on the wings or at full back you've got to deal with Habana, Pietersen, and another half dozen or so guys almost as good.

He's a good player, he will be but is not yet a great player, his time will come. There is absolutely no point in throwing him (in)to the lions now.

[Jackass]

Who?

I've no doubt that Earls will one day play for the Lions, but I don't think he deserves or is ready yet to tour with the Lions.

From a Lions persepctive he should be well down the pecking order. I don't think it would be doing him any favours bringing him either.

Serenity Now!

thomond2006 wrote: »

Earlsy been a relevation and imo he deserves to go. What do ye all think?

He has hardly tapped international rugby and you think he is ready for a 7 week tour to play against South African provinces and the Sprinboks in their own backyard?
Definitely not this tour. He's going to the States with the Irish tour.

Profiler

Who?

thomond2006 wrote: »

Earlsy been a relevation and imo he deserves to go. What do ye all think?

I voted No.

If it's too early for him to make the Irish squad then he does not deserve to go on the Lions tour.

His time will come very soon but I'd rather he was nursed through to the highest level to prolong his career at the top.

I would hate for him to become another Eric Miller and I say this as a Leinster fan.

JJ

Maybe not this Lions tour but I'd say he'll be on the next one if he stays on the same trajectory he's on now and he stays healthy.

barnesd

Who?

For me, he hasn't done enough yet. Fitz and Kearney have proven themselves at the highest level now, which Earls is yet to do. Having said that I could see him being selected.

piby

No.

If it's picked on current form then maybe but it's a long shot. The selectors have said, for example, that the door was open for Halfpenny if he was on form so they may keep an open mind!

chupacabra

No.

To be honest im utterly shocked at all the suggestions from pundits that Earls should travel. He has as good as no experience at international level, one season proper with munster and is simply not good enough yet.

thehighground

No.

Serenity Now! wrote: »

He has hardly tapped international rugby and you think he is ready for a 7 week tour to play against South African provinces and the Sprinboks in their own backyard?
Definitely not this tour. He's going to the States with the Irish tour.

I doubt if the US will do much for his development as an Ireland player as Munster play the US ever year in the Setanta Cup and usually slaughter them. He scored a try against Canada on his debut last November. Earls would probably be blocking someone like Ian Humphreys or Ian Keatley by going along when he is clearly up to playing mid-week games in SA.

You probably don't realise it, but Earls made his debut as a centre for Munster away against Sale in the Heineken Cup (Luke McAlister played in the centre that day -Munster won btw). He didn't look out of place. He will also have a few more big games with Munster before taking to the High Veldt. Two tries against the Ospreys (playing centre) wasn't bad going either two weeks ago. I think they had 13 internationals on the pitch.

Are some of you worried that he will get ahead of Fitzy or something in the Lions pecking order, because I don't think that will happen. BOD can't play all 10 matches you know and is more than likely going to be kept in cotton wool for the Three Tests (just like Leinster seem to be resting him a lot at the minute).

marco_polo

chupacabra wrote: »

To be honest im utterly shocked at all the suggestions from pundits that Earls should travel. He has as good as no experience at international level, one season proper with munster and is simply not good enough yet.

I don't know how you could say he is not good enough yet given the form he is in at the moment. As one of the form players in the whole NH I don't think he should be automatically barred from going purely on the grounds of not having enough experience.

It would hardly be a disgrace if he was selected would it?

If the team was Ireland and the coach was Eddie O'Sullivan, I have a feeling the tune being sung on this thread would be alot different.

chupacabra

No.

marco_polo wrote: »

I don't know how you could say he is not good enough yet given the form he is in at the moment. As one of the form players in the whole NH I don't think he should be automatically barred from going purely on the grounds of not having enough experience.

It would hardly be a disgrace if he was selected would it?

If the team was Ireland and the coach was Eddie O'Sullivan, I have a feeling the tune being sung on this thread would be alot different.

He has much to learn yet. His defense is my largest worry with him, he makes alot of terrible defensive decisions and falls off alot of tackles. Pace and a side step arent the be all end all.

thehighground

No.

chupacabra wrote: »

He has much to learn yet. His defense is my largest worry with him, he makes alot of terrible defensive decisions and falls off alot of tackles. Pace and a side step arent the be all end all.

Luke Fitzgerald was really targetted by the ABs in the Autumn and they ran riot over him. Since then (I know he has moved out to the wing so isn't in the same line of traffic), but he has obviously really worked hard on it and has been absolutely superb. All that in a couple of months.

Pace and a side step are a lot. Not many have that.

marco_polo

chupacabra wrote: »

He has much to learn yet. His defense is my largest worry with him, he makes alot of terrible defensive decisions and falls off alot of tackles. Pace and a side step arent the be all end all.

I am not saying that he should be brought or that the should be in the test side. But it would not be a massive shock if he was brought along on the tour. It is true that he makes some (alot is harsh) defensive mistakes as a result of inexperience but there are plenty of established players in line to go who have defensive frailties.

Anyway, it is hard to truely judge the merits of the possible inclusion of any player in the lions tour until we see the list of players who have been left at home in their place.

Podge_irl

Who?

thehighground wrote: »

Luke Fitzgerald was really targetted by the ABs in the Autumn and they ran riot over him. Since then (I know he has moved out to the wing so isn't in the same line of traffic), but he has obviously really worked hard on it and has been absolutely superb. All that in a couple of months.

Pace and a side step are a lot. Not many have that.

Unfortunately for Earls, Lions tours aren't selected on potential or on the basis that the players may learn form it. McGeechan won't care whether Earls will benefit from a Lions tour, he will care about whether Earls can contribute to it. I think there is a chance he will tour but its unlikely. Earls simply hasn't played been tested to the same level as some of the international options and SA is no place to find his weaknesses out. It's probably not of much benefit to him that the HEC QF was a such an easy run for Munster, as we all know of Earl's attackign potential, but he just was not tested in defence by the Ospreys as he will be by SA.

marco_polo

Podge_irl wrote: »

Unfortunately for Earls, Lions tours aren't selected on potential or on the basis that the players may learn form it. McGeechan won't care whether Earls will benefit from a Lions tour, he will care about whether Earls can contribute to it. I think there is a chance he will tour but its unlikely. Earls simply hasn't played been tested to the same level as some of the international options and SA is no place to find his weaknesses out. It's probably not of much benefit to him that the HEC QF was a such an easy run for Munster, as we all know of Earl's attackign potential, but he just was not tested in defence by the Ospreys as he will be by SA.

Exactly. If he is brought along it will be because the coach feels that in spite of his inexperience he will bring something to the table on the basis of his form and ability (Even if it is only to the midweek squad - as is most likely should he travel).

All I am trying to say really is that if he is picked it will not for development purposes, but that the coach feels he has something to offer. It is not like Ian will have any intrest in his future development.

Tomtom364

No.

Id agree in saying that he hasnt enough experience to play the test matches but id be undecided about the mid week games. Could do him some good.


Sorry this is OT but does anyone know what time tge squad is being announced tomorrow?

spoon

No.

Tomtom364 wrote: »

Id agree in saying that he hasnt enough experience to play the test matches but id be undecided about the mid week games. Could do him some good.


Sorry this is OT but does anyone know what time tge squad is being announced tomorrow?

1.30pm tomorrow.

I'm not expecting him to be picked for the squad, but would be absalutely deleighted if he did. I think it would be great for him to show other nations what he can do, as im guessing he's not known at all outside of europe. I don't think he would be out of his depth at all for the mid week games either.

thehighground

No.

Podge_irl wrote: »

Unfortunately for Earls, Lions tours aren't selected on potential or on the basis that the players may learn form it. McGeechan won't care whether Earls will benefit from a Lions tour, he will care about whether Earls can contribute to it. I think there is a chance he will tour but its unlikely. Earls simply hasn't played been tested to the same level as some of the international options and SA is no place to find his weaknesses out. It's probably not of much benefit to him that the HEC QF was a such an easy run for Munster, as we all know of Earl's attackign potential, but he just was not tested in defence by the Ospreys as he will be by SA.

From the Guardian today.

As for the make-up of the rest of the party, it is understood that at least one unheralded name is being seriously considered. Keith Earls, the Munster utility back, has had little exposure at Test level but has been an increasingly sharp presence for his province on their march to the Heineken Cup semi-finals. McGeechan wants players who are finishing the season strongly and Earls' ability to play at outside centre and full-back clearly counts in his favour. Like O'Connell, Earls hails from Limerick and has graduated from the school of hard knocks. Mentally and physically, the Lions seek men who will not take a backward step.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/apr/20/lions-ireland-rugby-union-ian-mcgeechan

Zzippy

thehighground wrote: »

I doubt if the US will do much for his development as an Ireland player as Munster play the US ever year in the Setanta Cup and usually slaughter them. He scored a try against Canada on his debut last November. Earls would probably be blocking someone like Ian Humphreys or Ian Keatley by going along when he is clearly up to playing mid-week games in SA.

You do realise neither of these players are competing against Earls for the same position?

He might be blocking someone like Fionn Carr or Darren Cave alright, but I doubt he'll be considered for outhalf...

chupacabra

No.

We'll know in 24 hours anyway. Its being broadcast live on setanta ireland at 1:15pm, not sure if it will be streamed anywhere online.

thehighground

No.

Zzippy wrote: »

You do realise neither of these players are competing against Earls for the same position?

He might be blocking someone like Fionn Carr or Darren Cave alright, but I doubt he'll be considered for outhalf...

I seem to recall Ian Humphreys coming on as a FB in an 'A' game earlier this year - it might be a way to give them international time without the pressure of being OH.

rentacrowd

No.

Voted yes, think he could definately add something to the mid-week team and who knows might go on from there to make a test appearance. He's a young guy who would benefit from the experience but as said already will be picked only for what he can contribute to the team/squad. His day will come and this tour may just prove to be too soon for him

Podge_irl

Who?

spoon wrote: »

I don't think he would be out of his depth at all for the mid week games either.

No point bringing him unless he is capable of playing in the tests. I would hope and assume that Geech ain't bringing a predefined midweek squad like Woodward did.

sioda

Who?

Sky Sports news also broadcasting the selection

stephen_n

Well Frano gave him the seal of approval on the last word earlier so he must be a cert to go lmao

trek climber

When is the squad being announced ?

chupacabra

No.

trek climber wrote: »

When is the squad being announced ?

1:30pm tomorrow

Cuchulain

No.

chupacabra wrote: »

1:30pm tomorrow

Is it live on the telly?

TarfHead

Cuchulain wrote: »

Is it live on the telly?

SETANTA have coverage from 13:15.

buck65

No.

bet he makes it as a wildcard!
well hopefully

Het-Field

The calls for Earls to go, are kinda like the calls for Johnny O Conner to travel in 2005. He was a player who was bigged up, had a poor six nations (Earls had no six nations), didnt get selected for New Zealand, and has rarely been heard of since, and is unlikely to get back into the Irish team.

Keep Earls confident, and introduce him to top level international rugby in the Autumn.. A poor tour could destroy him.

Podge_irl

Who?

I'm surprised he got picked and I still don't think I would have picked him, but good luck to him. Certainly an exciting player.

CoDy1

Podge_irl wrote: »

I'm surprised he got picked and I still don't think I would have picked him, but good luck to him. Certainly an exciting player.

I'm pretty surprised myself but maybe he can come up with some magic on tour and impress even more people;)

Congratrs to him and best of luck.

Micky Dolenz

No.

This will only be a good thing for Earls, training with the other lions alone is a great experiance.

RugbyFanatic

Who?

Got to laugh looking at the poll results. Not one Munster poster here believes Earls shouldn't have been picked! So every Munster poster here believes Earls is currently superior to the likes of Armitage!!!


Good to see posters aren't letting bias get in the way of logic

anonymous_joe

Who?

All I can say is wow.

Congrats to the guy obviously. But ehm, wow. The Scots are going to go ape over this.

RichTea

No.

G'wan the Earl of Thomond!

Every Lions tour has a surprise star and I think Keith Earls could be the man this time out.

Micky Dolenz

No.

RugbyFanatic wrote: »

Got to laugh looking at the poll results. Not one Munster poster here believes Earls shouldn't have been picked! So every Munster poster here believes Earls is currently superior to the likes of Armitage!!!


Good to see posters aren't letting bias get in the way of logic

It doesn't matter what the fans think, only what the Lions management think.

So if they say it, it must be true :pac:

phog

RugbyFanatic wrote: »

Got to laugh looking at the poll results. Not one Munster poster here believes Earls shouldn't have been picked! So every Munster poster here believes Earls is currently superior to the likes of Armitage!!!


Good to see posters aren't letting bias get in the way of logic

So what Munster poster actually picked him to tour, oh sorry, it was Ian McGeechan and Co that selected him, I guess they know a bit more about team selection then most if not all the posters here.:D

BTW, I didn't vote in the poll.

marco_polo

RugbyFanatic wrote: »

Got to laugh looking at the poll results. Not one Munster poster here believes Earls shouldn't have been picked! So every Munster poster here believes Earls is currently superior to the likes of Armitage!!!


Good to see posters aren't letting bias get in the way of logic

You can change the record now.

K Thx

premierstone

No.

RugbyFanatic wrote: »

Good to see posters aren't letting bias get in the way of logic

People in glass houses come to mind

Serenity Now!

Well, happily proven wrong. Well done young fella.

bleg

No.

top try scorer of the best team in europe this season.

daveirl

No.

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