Kearney a bluffer?

beezer84

Ireland and Lions legend John Fergus Slattery believes the absence of Rob Kearney through illness is a blessing in disguise for Leinster.
The Irish province come up against bitter rivals Munster in the Heineken Cup semi-final this weekend, and speaking exclusively to skysports.com, Slattery believes having the dependable Girvan Dempsey at full-back is a much better option.

"I'm happy about Dempsey being full-back because he's more of a straight runner," said Slattery, who won 61 caps for his country. "I don't rate Kearney; I don't think he's got the pace. He runs all over the place, he can sidestep on his left or right foot but he hasn't the pace.
"Kearney's got a big boot, he can lash the ball down the field but I think his defence is very ordinary. Also, having booted the ball 60 yards downfield he doesn't do an awful lot about it when he gets up there. He's fooling people but he won't do that for ever.

"I think Kearney's exclusion through default is a plus for Leinster. Dempsey is good. He's not great but he's dependable and I'd be happy with him."
Slattery - a member of the 1974 Lions squad that went unbeaten in South Africa - believes the game is balanced "60-40 in Munster's favour". However, he feels that if Leinster adopt a quick running game they could pull off a shock result.

"I think Leinster need to go out with the gameplan of running Munster off the park," he said. "I know it's risky but I don't think they have any choice. I think one or two Munster players might suffer in that kind of environment.

"Leinster have to stretch Munster, particularly up front. The back rows are evenly balanced but out of those six players, I think Rocky Elsom is the key guy. He's physical and throws himself around the place, and for a big fella he can really move around. He was fantastic against Harlequins.
He continued: "Leinster need to have a go. They could easily go behind by 14 points after 20 minutes trying it, but I think if they persevere it might pay off. They also need to attack Ronan O'Gara off the scrum; that'll be the plan and it should be. I think Leinster's scrum is an area where they could edge ahead of Munster.

"The lineouts should be fine; both will win their own throw. But I think Leinster should nudge it in the scrum. To close that 60-40 they've got to edge it somewhere.

"If Leinster go out and start trying to shape up and neutralise Munster they'll lose. However, I still think on an overall basis that if Leinster can run the legs off Munster their pack will travel better in that environment."



I have to say I was quite surprised by this article and especially the source it came from! The lad is out of form but I dont think this is a fair reflection of his game!

Noopti

Stupid comments tbh.

He is entitled to his opinion, but if he thinks he knows more than Kidney, Cheika, McGeechan and all the major TV experts and pundits then he is deluding himself.

Kearney is just as safe as Dempsey, plus he has a better kicking game, and a better running game.

anonymous_joe

Noopti wrote: »

Stupid comments tbh.

He is entitled to his opinion, but if he thinks he knows more than Kidney, Cheika, McGeechan and all the major TV experts and pundits then he is deluding himself.

Kearney is just as safe as Dempsey, plus he has a better kicking game, and a better running game.

Nah, I disagree that he's as safe as Dempsey per sé. Dempsey's got years of experience, and is less prone to errors. The rest of what you say is on the mark.

He's copped a little flak lately, but then, all players have quiet periods, and it was always going to be difficult to live up to the NZ/Oz games last summer.

puntosporting

on very recent games he is on to something!
Do i do think kearney is better than he has shown of late!

zAbbo

Apparently Necewa might play full back, according to Gerry Thornley, with Horgan right wing.

louthandproud

anonymous_joe wrote: »

Nah, I disagree that he's as safe as Dempsey per sé. Dempsey's got years of experience, and is less prone to errors. The rest of what you say is on the mark.

He's copped a little flak lately, but then, all players have quiet periods, and it was always going to be difficult to live up to the NZ/Oz games last summer.

According to todays times, Dempsey will be on the bench with Nacewa at 15.

anonymous_joe

louthandproud wrote: »

According to todays times, Dempsey will be on the bench with Nacewa at 15.

So I've heard.

If it's true it means Leinster are more likely to counter-attack.

zenmonk

His form this year is poor. Lucky to get his Lions spot. Will be a good player in time and has been before.

premierstone

Yeah I think Slattery was deliberetly trying to be a bit sensationalist and OTT but in fairness Kearney's form has been slightly worrying recently but he's still very young and he's form has been as good as Lee Byrne's tbh

bamboozle

premierstone wrote: »

Yeah I think Slattery was deliberetly trying to be a bit sensationalist and OTT but in fairness Kearney's form has been slightly worrying recently but he's still very young and he's form has been as good as Lee Byrne's tbh

Kearney has being playing under instructions, Leinster have probably needed to shackle him a bit as his first instinct was always to counter, problem is now he's just a fielding & kicking full back, something which Girv is probably the best in the world at.

stephen_n

TBH I'm really surprised at Slattery's comments it would be hard to say that Kearney's defense is weak although as was proven against Munster the last day he is prone to lapses positionally but he is still learning but Under the high ball he is rock solid. As for the comments about his kicking and chasing game I think that is stupid as he is obviously under instruction about how to deal with that, something Slattery wouldn't have experienced as a player but should realise is part of the modern game. This aerial tennis **** will end in September with the reintroduction of the maul and will give his counter attacking side a chance to shine properly.

Zzippy

I think he's spot on going on how Kearney has played this year. Yes, he's incredibly solid under the high ball, but so is Dempsey. His counter attacking hasn't been great this year, his chasing when he does kick it is not great, and he hasn't done much else. Dempsey is a master at coming into the line at the right time, the number of tries he scores underlines that, thats something Kearney hasn't learned yet.
In any case, neither are playing tomorrow, but either would be better than Nacewa at FB.

Stev_o

stephen_n wrote: »

TBH I'm really surprised at Slattery's comments it would be hard to say that Kearney's defense is weak although as was proven against Munster the last day he is prone to lapses positionally but he is still learning but Under the high ball he is rock solid. As for the comments about his kicking and chasing game I think that is stupid as he is obviously under instruction about how to deal with that, something Slattery wouldn't have experienced as a player but should realise is part of the modern game. This aerial tennis **** will end in September with the reintroduction of the maul and will give his counter attacking side a chance to shine properly.

Kicking is here to stay im afraid no matter what rules are brought in.

As for Kearney he is right in parts, the guy is off form for the most part. Defence and his following kicks are his biggest flaw. His kicking game is bad in the sense he can't up and under or hang the ball in the air for his life, someone really needs to teach him as it would be a great attacking weapon if he could reclaim those balls that he sends up.

Serenity Now!

stephen_n wrote: »

This aerial tennis **** will end in September with the reintroduction of the maul and will give his counter attacking side a chance to shine properly.

*sigh* :rolleyes:
It has nothing to do with the maul. Not even down to a law variation. Try the breakdown instead and how the IRB want it reffed (ie. the way the laws decree)

corny

I completely agree with him. Kearney is weak in the tackle and he's stood up far too often for my likeing. I firmly believe he's capable of being a dangerous counter attacker but he has shown very little over the second half of the season, so no big loss on current form. Girv is easily the better defender in my book and if Kearney continues to show nothing in attack his place is on the bench.

At least Nacewa might run the ball back on occassion tomorrow.

He's also very lucky to be going on the Lions tour in Armitages place. If i was English i'd call it scandalous!

Pemba

Sounds like Fergus had a few drinks in him.

Serenity Now!

corny wrote: »

I completely agree with him. Kearney is weak in the tackle and he's stood up far too often for my likeing. I firmly believe he's capable of being a dangerous counter attacker but he has shown very little over the second half of the season, so no big loss on current form. Girv is easily the better defender in my book and if Kearney continues to show nothing in attack his place is on the bench.

At least Nacewa might run the ball back on occassion tomorrow.

He's also very lucky to be going on the Lions tour in Armitages place. If i was English i'd call it scandalous!

The back three en masse tackled out of their skins throughout the entire 6N (which is in the second half of the season as you'll no doubt agree). No exceptions. Unless of course you can point some instances where Kearney went turnstiley.

corny

Serenity Now! wrote: »

The back three en masse tackled out of their skins throughout the entire 6N (which is in the second half of the season as you'll no doubt agree). No exceptions. Unless of course you can point some instances where Kearney went turnstiley.

You prove it? En masse? Definitely can't agree with that now unless of course you can point to instances where Kearney made 11+ tackles in a game (like Fitz) or where he made a fantastic try saving tackle on (Thom Evans like Bowe)?

Off hand? He showed Chabal (an aged flanker) the outside in the France game and got burned. Had Tommy Bowe to pick up the pieces that time. Did the same thing with Keith Earls recently too. Its something he has a tendency to do and he has to work on it. Medard sidestepped him all too easily in that game if i remember correctly too.

Suffice it say i don't rate him as a good defender, his kick chase is awful, and if he's contributing nothing in attack (because of instruction or a lack of form/confidence) then Fergus' original assertion that it could be a blessing in disguise for Leinster holds merit for me. Your welcome to disagree.

corny

corny wrote: »

You prove it? En masse? Definitely can't agree with that now unless of course you can point to instances where Kearney made 11+ tackles in a game (like Fitz) or where he made a fantastic try saving tackle on (Thom Evans like Bowe)?

Off hand? He showed Chabal (an aged flanker) the outside in the France game and got burned. Had Tommy Bowe to pick up the pieces that time. Did the same thing with Keith Earls recently too. Its something he has a tendency to do and he has to work on it. Medard sidestepped him all too easily in that game if i remember correctly too.

Suffice it say i don't rate him as a good defender, his kick chase is awful, and if he's contributing nothing in attack (because of instruction or a lack of form/confidence) then Fergus' original assertion that it could be a blessing in disguise for Leinster holds merit for me. Your welcome to disagree.

The only weakness Kearney has is tackle off his right side.

earlier in the season he was the best 15 in the world imo.Once he sorts that or the coaches tell the 14 to help him he will be fine,sometimes sacrifices have to be made.

Il tell you though,fitz would be the starting 15 apart from the fact hes a better winger than Kearney is.

Sacrifices have to be made and this is one.

Serenity Now!

corny wrote: »

Your welcome to disagree.

I do. Been watching the Grand Slam DVD. Up as far as England game so far. Absolutely awesome all-round form shown by Kearney particularly in the two Croke park games.

danthefan

corny wrote: »

You prove it? En masse? Definitely can't agree with that now unless of course you can point to instances where Kearney made 11+ tackles in a game (like Fitz) or where he made a fantastic try saving tackle on (Thom Evans like Bowe)?

Matt Tait springs to mind. Also made a vital try saving tackle in the Quins game.

Serenity Now! wrote: »

I do. Been watching the Grand Slam DVD. Up as far as England game so far. Absolutely awesome all-round form shown by Kearney particularly in the two Croke park games.

Agreed, the revisionism is something else.

waraf

Serenity Now! wrote: »

*sigh* :rolleyes:
It has nothing to do with the maul. Not even down to a law variation. Try the breakdown instead and how the IRB want it reffed (ie. the way the laws decree)

Does it not have something to do with not being allowed kick directly to touch when the ball is passed back into the 22.

Serenity Now!

waraf wrote: »

Does it not have something to do with not being allowed kick directly to touch when the ball is passed back into the 22.

Fear of having to ruck inside your own third of the pitch with rucks being stringently officated re.entering through the 'gate' and staying on feet with no sealing at the tackle.

Had the IRB directive been enforced before law variations, you still would have seen just as much of this kind of kicking.

waraf

Serenity Now! wrote: »

Fear of having to ruck inside your own third of the pitch with rucks being stringently officated re.entering through the 'gate' and staying on feet with no sealing at the tackle.

Had the IRB directive been enforced before law variations, you still would have seen just as much of this kind of kicking.

In fairness though, refs aren't picking up on the team in possession coming in from the side only the attacking teams are getting pinged for this. Also, if a defending player can't clear his lines properly by putting a ball straight into touch from inside his 22 then we're seeing a lot of tennis with the ball as the opposing full back gathers, sprints 10 yards and then puts up the garryowen again. It has been ridiculous at times this season.

Stev_o

Augustus Obedient Tarantula wrote: »

The only weakness Kearney has is tackle off his right side.

earlier in the season he was the best 15 in the world imo.Once he sorts that or the coaches tell the 14 to help him he will be fine,sometimes sacrifices have to be made.

Il tell you though,fitz would be the starting 15 apart from the fact hes a better winger than Kearney is.

Sacrifices have to be made and this is one.

He was never ever ever ever EVER the best 15 in the world at any point, Muliania is still the best 15 around in the world and there's hardly anyone that could take him away from that spot.

anonymous_joe

Stev_o wrote: »

He was never ever ever ever EVER the best 15 in the world at any point, Muliania is still the best 15 around in the world and there's hardly anyone that could take him away from that spot.

He was hailed by the NZ press as a future world's best 15 in fairness to him.

He has the talent, the skills and the build. He'll be grand. Everyone has the odd bad patch.

stephen_n

Stev_o wrote: »

Kicking is here to stay im afraid no matter what rules are brought in.

As for Kearney he is right in parts, the guy is off form for the most part. Defence and his following kicks are his biggest flaw. His kicking game is bad in the sense he can't up and under or hang the ball in the air for his life, someone really needs to teach him as it would be a great attacking weapon if he could reclaim those balls that he sends up.

Serenity Now! wrote: »

*sigh* :rolleyes:
It has nothing to do with the maul. Not even down to a law variation. Try the breakdown instead and how the IRB want it reffed (ie. the way the laws decree)

I'm aware that it is the risk of being isolated in a ruck and turning over the ball and conceeding penalties that is driving the kicking game but the re introduction of the maul will change the defence system that is allowing no room for FB's to counter attack i.e. there will be more space to attack from aimless kicking.


It's amazing that during the 6N most commentators were putting Kearney neck and neck with Lee Byrne as the best NH FB and yet people on here seem to think he had a poor 6N defensively. His kicking and chasing game is poor? well in that case so was ROG, TOL Fitz's and every other back on the Irish team during the 6N. The object is not seemingly to kick and chase these days but rather to kick as long and deep as possible and hope the opposition make a mistake in returning the ball. They don't even appear to be trying to find space just distance!

corny

danthefan wrote: »

Matt Tait springs to mind. Also made a vital try saving tackle in the Quins game.



Agreed, the revisionism is something else.

Matthew Tait ran straight into him! I'd have stopped him. Can't recall the instance in the Quins game if i'm honest but an isolated incident in one game proves little. For me the amount of mistakes Kearney's made in defence over the last while is alarming. Call it revisionism if you like but its better than burying your head in the sand.