What are you looking forward to most in the Autumn?

ch2008

Really can't wait now. Highlights should be;

BOD v Mortlock
Ireland playing in RDS
POC, Donncha and the bull testing the SA lineout
Having a good look at James O'Connor, he should be around for a while
Sexton getting run out (calm down, NOT an anti-O'Gara jibe, just hoping he gets a few mins is all )
New Ireland Kit

ScrubsfanChris

It has to be Ireland v. South Africa for me.

Amazotheamazing

I'm curious to see if Earls can continue his massive rate of improvement, whether Trimble can recover form, if Fitz will stick to one position (preferably as a winger) and can McFadden play 12.

Stev_o

To see some new faces in the green jersey hopefully. Also a more expansive game plan from Kidney.

ch2008

Stev_o wrote: »

To see some new faces in the green jersey hopefully. quote]

Anyone in particular? I'd say the Fiji game could be an interesting team.

Stev_o

ch2008 wrote: »

Stev_o wrote: »

To see some new faces in the green jersey hopefully. quote]

Anyone in particular? I'd say the Fiji game could be an interesting team.

No idea really, a new season a new chance for alot of players really to make a claim for a jersey. Too early to tell who may put up their hand to grab a call up.

upthedub

Getting ff out of goverment:D

ch2008

Healey in the front row vs SA would be interesting. Earls is in line for a start. Also interesting to see what happens at SH with TOL injured.

Stev_o

ch2008 wrote: »

Healey in the front row vs SA would be interesting. Earls is in line for a start. Also interesting to see what happens at SH with TOL injured.

Hopefully Reddan or Frank Murphy. Ill cry if i see Stringer start every test at 9.

ch2008

Stev_o wrote: »

Hopefully Reddan or Frank Murphy. Ill cry if i see Stringer start every test at 9.

Would be nice to see someone besides Stringer, Boss or reddan play agaisnt Fiji but I cant see that happening really.

remus808

ch2008 wrote: »

Stev_o wrote: »

To see some new faces in the green jersey hopefully. quote]

Anyone in particular? I'd say the Fiji game could be an interesting team.

I would imagine:

1. Healy
2. Cronin
3. Buckley ( )
4. Ryan
5. Toner
6. Best
7. Jennings
8. Ferris (gametime)
9. TOL if back from injury (gametime)
10. Sexton
11. Earls
12. Wallace
13. McFadden
14. Dare I say it, Horgan.. Had a solid end to the season
15. Jones

Amazotheamazing

I'm slightly annoyed the RDS is hosting the Fiji game, it's a game that should have gone to Ravenhill or Thomond.

Amazotheamazing

karmabass wrote: »

ch2008 wrote: »

I would imagine:

1. Healy
2. Cronin
3. Buckley ( )
4. Ryan
5. Toner
6. Ferris (gametime)
7. Jennings
8. Leamy (gametime)
9. TOL if back from injury (gametime)
10. Sexton
11. Earls
12. Wallace
13. McFadden
14. Dare I say it, Horgan.. Had a solid end to the season
15. Jones

That's harsh on Buckley, he had an excellent end of season tour and showed what he can do when he gets a run of games.

remus808

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

That's harsh on Buckley, he had an excellent end of season tour and showed what he can do when he gets a run of games.

I agree he had some good outings, but ultimately I don't rate him based on the last two seasons. Id rather Ross be given more opportunities, as he is someone who has had an excellent season.

ch2008

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

I'm slightly annoyed the RDS is hosting the Fiji game, it's a game that should have gone to Ravenhill or Thomond.

Careful where you lead this thread....

I think all the provionces shold get a game on their home ground

remus808

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

I'm slightly annoyed the RDS is hosting the Fiji game, it's a game that should have gone to Ravenhill or Thomond.

Definitely Ravenhill - Obviously Dublin has 90% of our matches, so shouldn't host additionals like this, and Thomond had Canada last year, whereas the last game in Ravenhill was Italy before the RWC.

ch2008

karmabass wrote: »

Definitely Ravenhill - Obviously Dublin has 90% of our matches, so shouldn't host additionals like this, and Thomond had Canada last year, whereas the last game in Ravenhill was Italy before the RWC.

I think Connaught should get to host a game but I think all provincial supporters should get to see Ireland play on their home grounds. I see your point though. Leinster should be last on the list but still on the list

remus808

ch2008 wrote: »

I think Connaught should get to host a game but I think all provincial supporters should get to see Ireland play on their home grounds. I see your point though. Leinster should be last on the list but still on the list

Leinster shouldn't be on the list, and Im a Leinster fan: Croker and certainly Landsdowne cover us.

Playing a game in Connacht is ridiculous: Connacht can barely sustain their own provincial side in terms of facilities and crowd; they certainly shouldnt be hosting an international anytime soon.

ch2008

karmabass wrote: »

Leinster shouldn't be on the list, and Im a Leinster fan: Croker and certainly Landsdowne cover us.

Playing a game in Connacht is ridiculous: Connacht can barely sustain their own provincial side in terms of facilities and crowd; they certainly shouldnt be hosting an international anytime soon.

Do the provinces get a cash windfall from hosting internationals? Surely Connachts current situation is a reason why they should get an international? It would entice the local community into the ground and make them consider doing so again as well as providing some extra cash for the coffers.

Amazotheamazing

ch2008 wrote: »

Do the provinces get a cash windfall from hosting internationals? Surely Connachts current situation is a reason why they should get an international? It would entice the local community into the ground and make them consider doing so again as well as providing some extra cash for the coffers.

I don't think the provinces get any money from the games, maybe bar receipts or something minor.

I was going to say Connacht should host a game too, but where? The Sportsground is only 6,000 capacity, pretty small for a Int match.

ch2008

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

I don't think the provinces get any money from the games, maybe bar receipts or something minor.

I was going to say Connacht should host a game too, but where? The Sportsground is only 6,000 capacity, pretty small for a Int match.

Your probably right.

back on topic; Has best not been given enough chances? Is there someone else who deserves a crack?

Depp

When is tomas o leary back?

Amazotheamazing

Depp wrote: »

When is tomas o leary back?

Last I heard it was November.

Depp

jays it was sum bad break, felt quare bad watching that match

thomond2006

Depp wrote: »

jays it was sum bad break, felt quare bad watching that match

If you are referring to the match vs Scarlets where TOL got hurt, I totally agree.

It was really **** luck for him.

Hopes for Autumn:
1. Hayes keeps on the path for 100 caps.
2. Healy gets a run in 1/2 AIs.
3. Earls sticks to one position.
4. We beat the Springboks.
5. The Fiji game gets moved to Thomond Park.

uRbaN

The SA game; regardless of what kind of squad they bring.

subfreq

ScrubsfanChris wrote: »

It has to be Ireland v. South Africa for me.

+1

Amabokke

I'm looking forward to Irel vs SA. I agree with Chucky not sure if SA would be too interested in playing a serious game.

No disrespect to the Irish but I believe at the end of the year the boks just couldn't care less about it.

However, I believe there will be loads of controversy with the Burger gouging and PDV the clown overshadowing the game. It's a pity as we don't need any thuggishness in rugby, that's why there is wrestling, boxing and soccer.

The boks discipline is at an alltime low again and I believe it won't be an enjoyable game.

d'Oracle

ScrubsfanChris wrote: »

It has to be Ireland v. South Africa for me.

+4.

Hopefully at full strength too.
I believe we can pull it off too.....

d'Oracle

Amabokke wrote: »

I'm looking forward to Irel vs SA. I agree with Chucky not sure if SA would be too interested in playing a serious game.

No disrespect to the Irish but I believe at the end of the year the boks just couldn't care less about it.

However, I believe there will be loads of controversy with the Burger gouging and PDV the clown overshadowing the game. It's a pity as we don't need any thuggishness in rugby, that's why there is wrestling, boxing and soccer.

The boks discipline is at an alltime low again and I believe it won't be an enjoyable game.

C'mon 'bokke, have a bit of optimism.

Stev_o

They'll send a development squad just like they did in 2006, they have no reason to send the team that played the Lions. Plus they need to start developing their new squad in preparation for their title defence for the RWC.

Amabokke

d'Oracle wrote: »

C'mon 'bokke, have a bit of optimism.

I'd like too but there is something seriously fundamentaly wrong in the bok camp.

ALH-06

Amabokke wrote: »

I'd like too but there is something seriously fundamentaly wrong in the bok camp.

What is it?

Re. match in RDS - I fully agree that it should be held in Thomond. As for Ravenhill, it'll need to be further redeveloped in order to host international fixtures surely. And as for Connacht hosting a game - it'd definitely be beneficial to the sport and I'd love to see it happen. But the facilities just don't exist - the thought of an international test match being staged in the Sportsground is just ridiculous.

[Jackass]

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

I'm slightly annoyed the RDS is hosting the Fiji game, it's a game that should have gone to Ravenhill or Thomond.

Agreed. While I'm looking forward to the game there from my own perspective, from an Irish rugby one, it's a complete waste having it there. It's a rented stadium, obviously too small for Croke Park, Leinster have nothing to gain from it really, Leinster has hosted 99% of internationals, where as Thomond needs to be filled as often as possible to help pay it off quicker, and Ulster gets feck all games either....I think there's been 1 in Ravenhill and 1 in Thomond for the last number of years...this would have been a perfect oppertunity, and with Ravenhill being redeveloped too, it would be nice to see on rotation ever season, 1 game being held in either Munster or Ulster.

As for what I'm looking forward to, looking forward to Boks game obviously, looking forward to HOPEFULLY a lot of new faces v Fiji and, as said, from a selfish point of view, looking forward to seeing the game in the RDS

d'Oracle

ALH-06 wrote: »

- the thought of an international test match being staged in the Sportsground is just ridiculous.

Have you seen where Fiji play?