Autumn International Squads

Ceartgoleor

Wales have named their squad for the AI's:

Wales Squad:
Backs - D Biggar, G Cooper, J Davies, T James, L Halfpenny, J Hook, M Jones, S Jones, D Peel, J Roberts, M Roberts, T Shanklin, S Williams.
Forwards - H Bennett, L Charteris, B Davies, P James, G Jenkins, A-W Jones, Duncan Jones, Dafydd Jones, R Jones (capt), D Lydiate, C Mitchell, A Powell, M Rees, J Thomas, S Warburton, M Williams.

Some real quality amongst their backs as ever, interesting to see how the new flanker Lydiate fares if given a chance

anonymous_joe

Pack's possibly a little weaker than recent Welsh squads, but it does look a strong team.

Ceartgoleor

They are still carrying over injuries from the Lions tour, but theres no doubt they are growing as a force in my opinion. Interesting to see how much the young Ospreys lad Biggar gets to feature in the big tests, he looks a serious prospect

Ceartgoleor

Have just noticed my original point in posting this thread, namely the expected announcement of the Irish squad today, has been delayed 24 hours because of unspecified concerns about certain players' injuries.

Moncti48

England Squad

Forwards

Steffon Armitage London Irish
David Barnes Bath Rugby
Duncan Bell Bath Rugby
Richard Blaze Leicester Tigers
Steve Borthwick (Captain) Saracens
George Chuter Leicester Tigers
Jordan Crane Leicester Tigers
Tom Croft Leicester Tigers
Louis Deacon Leicester Tigers
Dylan Hartley Northampton Saints
James Haskell Stade Francais
Ben Kay Leicester Tigers
Courtney Lawes Northampton Saints
Lewis Moody Leicester Tigers
Tim Payne London Wasps
Steve Thompson CA Brive
David Wilson Bath Rugby
Joe Worsley London Wasps

Backs

Matt Banahan Bath Rugby
Danny Care Harlequins
Mark Cueto Sale Sharks
Ben Foden Northampton Saints
Shane Geraghty Northampton Saints
Andy Goode CA Brive
Dan Hipkiss Leicester Tigers
Paul Hodgson London Irish
Ugo Monye Harlequins
David Strettle Harlequins
Mathew Tait Sale Sharks
Mike Tindall Gloucester Rugby
Richard Wigglesworth Sale Sharks
Jonny Wilkinson Toulon

danthefan

Ceartgoleor wrote: »

Have just noticed my original point in posting this thread, namely the expected announcement of the Irish squad today, has been delayed 24 hours because of unspecified concerns about certain players' injuries.

Oh? Didn't realise it was meant to be out today.

PhatPiggins

Ceartgoleor wrote: »

Wales have named their squad for the AI's:

Wales Squad:
Backs - D Biggar, G Cooper, J Davies, T James, L Halfpenny, J Hook, M Jones, S Jones, D Peel, J Roberts, M Roberts, T Shanklin, S Williams.
Forwards - H Bennett, L Charteris, B Davies, P James, G Jenkins, A-W Jones, Duncan Jones, Dafydd Jones, R Jones (capt), D Lydiate, C Mitchell, A Powell, M Rees, J Thomas, S Warburton, M Williams.

Some real quality amongst their backs as ever, interesting to see how the new flanker Lydiate fares if given a chance

Like you say some real quality in the backs but some of those forwards are barely ML standard

Looks like Gatland is continuing his policy of picking every starting Osprey regardless.

andrewdcs

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Like you say some real quality in the backs but some of those forwards are barely ML standard

Looks like Gatland is continuing his policy of picking every starting Osprey regardless.

Don't Wales and England have massive injury lists? England can survive it though (600 odd professionals) Wales could really struggle.

toomevara

England have an absolutely woeful situation with injuries, particularly in the front row. So far 20+ first class england eligible pros are out of contention and across GP teams generally the injury count is causing serious concern with many folk blaming the attritional, relentless nature of the GP season combined with ever growing international demands...Lions this year, autumn internationals 6 nations, GP, Heinekin/Amlin...if you're a top class professional life just ain't easy....

This article makes pretty grim reading;

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2009/oct/25/england-rugby-union-team-rugby-union

twinytwo

Moncti48 wrote: »

England Squad

Forwards

Steffon Armitage London Irish
David Barnes Bath Rugby
Duncan Bell Bath Rugby
Richard Blaze Leicester Tigers
Steve Borthwick (Captain) Saracens
George Chuter Leicester Tigers
Jordan Crane Leicester Tigers
Tom Croft Leicester Tigers
Louis Deacon Leicester Tigers
Dylan Hartley Northampton Saints
James Haskell Stade Francais
Ben Kay Leicester Tigers
Courtney Lawes Northampton Saints
Lewis Moody Leicester Tigers
Tim Payne London Wasps
Steve Thompson CA Brive
David Wilson Bath Rugby
Joe Worsley London Wasps

Backs

Matt Banahan Bath Rugby
Danny Care Harlequins
Mark Cueto Sale Sharks
Ben Foden Northampton Saints
Shane Geraghty Northampton Saints
Andy Goode CA Brive
Dan Hipkiss Leicester Tigers
Paul Hodgson London Irish
Ugo Monye Harlequins
David Strettle Harlequins
Mathew Tait Sale Sharks
Mike Tindall Gloucester Rugby
Richard Wigglesworth Sale Sharks
Jonny Wilkinson Toulon

Anyone think england are going to get murdered with that squad granted they have a tuck load of injuries.. but against aus,arg and nz i dont see them winning any

Otacon

twinytwo wrote: »

Anyone think england are going to get murdered with that squad granted they have a tuck load of injuries.. but against aus,arg and nz i dont see them winning any

Their backs look good actually. Care and Wilko, with Cueto and Hipkiss outisde them, Banahan and Monye on the wings and Geraghty full-back looks decent enough.

Its the forwards, that is the worry. especially the frontrow. Armitage, Croft and Borthwick will do well in the loose, but they'll be punished at the set-piece.

toomevara

twinytwo wrote: »

Anyone think england are going to get murdered with that squad granted they have a tuck load of injuries.. but against aus,arg and nz i dont see them winning any

Possibly yes, but paradoxically they may actually have to play some rugby instead of the one-dimensional forward power game they're often rightly criticised for relying on. They've got some serious talent in that backline, question is can they gain parity up front and get decent possession to let them play?

wixfjord

Otacon wrote: »

Their backs look good actually. Care and Wilko, with Cueto and Hipkiss outisde them, Banahan and Monye on the wings and Geraghty full-back looks decent enough.

Its the forwards, that is the worry. especially the frontrow. Armitage, Croft and Borthwick will do well in the loose, but they'll be punished at the set-piece.

I would presume that Monye will be fb and that Gerathy or Tindall will make up the centres with Hipkiss. The squad doesnt look that bad on paper considering the amount of injuries, but you would worry about the quality of the likes of Foden, Armitage, Hodgson, Lawes, Banahan etc, all of whom are standout players year in year out, translating their form to the international stage. Some of these guys have already got games and have been poor. Should be very interesting though. I often wonder whether England would benifit from a more settled squad than bringing in the next big thing from the Guinness Prem too quickly. Aswell as the above guys, the likes of Tait, Cipriani, Haskell etc havent beniffitted from being thrown in straight away.

twinytwo

Otacon wrote: »

Their backs look good actually. Care and Wilko, with Cueto and Hipkiss outisde them, Banahan and Monye on the wings and Geraghty full-back looks decent enough.

Its the forwards, that is the worry. especially the frontrow. Armitage, Croft and Borthwick will do well in the loose, but they'll be punished at the set-piece.

Wilko is playing well at the moment in france but is this to do with him finally returing to some sort of decent form or because he is playing against weaker teams?.. as clear from the lions tour monye is fast but thats about it. Geraghty is good though the few times iv seen him play he has impressed. As you said it is the forwards that really is the problem i cant seem them doing much against the aussies or the pumas not to mention Nz.

r0nanf

Tindall.

Surely there was someone somewhere with just a smidgen more inventiveness who qualifies as English?

Ceartgoleor

Anyone know when this Irish squad is being named??

Beanmachine

Phil Greening was on sky Sports news saying Cueto would start full Back with Hipkiss and Tindall in the centre, i hope for England's sake they don't and go with Geraghty and Hipkiss in the centre and Foden at full back.His argument was that Johnson won't risk throwing the younger players in and play the more experienced players purely just to win the game by any way possible. Getting results has really been the theme throughout Johnson's reign in charge he has failed to bring through enough young quality players and is relaying severely on the old guard.

danthefan

Ireland, 39 man squad so basically a list of everyone that's fit.

Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
Neil Best (Northampton Saints)
Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
Darren Cave (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)*
Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Gavin Duffy (Galwegians/Connacht)
Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
Luke Fitzgerald (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster)
John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster)*
John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)*
Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)
Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster)*
Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster)
Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster)
Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Fergus McFadden (UCD/Leinster)*
Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster)
Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster)
Sean O’Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)*
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Jonathan Sexton (St.Mary's College/Leinster)*
Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)*
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
Brett Wilkinson (Galwegians/Connacht)*

Stick_man

What is Duffy doing there? Surely the likes of Downey are worth a look ahead of him.

outwest

i cant believe carr is not there. he deserves to be in the trainning squad.

thank god mick od is not there.

outwest

duffy is full back. downey is centre. it seems girv mal quinlan have been let go.

smurphy29

Old guard jetissoned: Mick O'D, Mal O'K, Quinlan, Jackman.
Unlucky not to feature: McLaughlin has surely done more than the likes of Donncha Ryan and is a bit unlucky. But Ulster fans must be raging. Isaac Boss is probably the in-form scrummy right now, has experience at this level, but doesn't get in. And whither Ian Humphreys, playing out of his skin and hoping to challenge Sexton in the bid to take over from ROG. Have I issed somethign or are there just two fly halves in a 39 man squad?? A bit odd.

Crash

I'd say Humphs will get the Ireland A spot then, judging on this.

Riskymove

smurphy29 wrote: »

Unlucky not to feature: McLaughlin has surely done more than the likes of Donncha Ryan and is a bit unlucky.

Ryan has a lot more game time than McLaughlin...I prefer to see a bit more from players before bringing into International level

But Ulster fans must be raging. Isaac Boss is probably the in-form scrummy right now, has experience at this level, but doesn't get in. And whither Ian Humphreys, playing out of his skin and hoping to challenge Sexton in the bid to take over from ROG.

agree completely both Ulster players should be in

Have I issed somethign or are there just two fly halves in a 39 man squad?? A bit odd.

Paddy Wallace covers as third fly-half

Deadly Delta

From Irishrugby.ie

A 39-man panel for the upcoming GUINNESS Series 2009 in November against Australia, Fiji and South Africa has been announced.

The public interest and excitement in the games has been high, with the games against Australia and South Africa sold out and only a limited number of tickets for the Fiji game currently still available for purchase - click here.

There are nine uncapped players included in the squad and it provides opportunities for players to further press for selection in either the opening game against Australia at Croke Park or the 'A' international against Tonga at Ravenhill.

In the forwards, the back row provides the usual competition with Neil Best, the uncapped duo of Chris Henry and Sean O'Brien as well as the likes of Stephen Ferris, Denis Leamy, David Wallace and Jamie Heaslip all adding their names into the selection mix.

Uncapped props Brett Wilkinson and Cian Healy are named as front row options with Tony Buckley, Marcus Horan, John Hayes, Mike Ross and Tom Court the other props in the squad.

The experience of Paul O'Connell, Leo Cullen and Donncha O'Callaghan will be augmented by the promising Donnacha Ryan and Devin Toner as possible selections in the second row.

In the backs, Peter Stringer, Tomas O'Leary and Eoin Reddan will be vying for the scrum half positions. Fergus McFadden is the only uncapped player in the outside backs.

Commenting on the squad and the upcoming November games, Ireland coach Declan Kidney said: "We had an opportunity to work with most of the players selected in this squad over our three camps during the summer.

"Those sessions were about giving chances to as many players as possible following last year and after a third of the season gone so far, this November squad gives the majority of those players a chance to put their cases forward for selection.

"November represents a challenge on several fronts with three full internationals and two 'A' games against quality opposition, so it will mean that the strength of our resources will be tested."

An Ireland 'A' squad for the Tonga game at Ravenhill on Friday, November 13 and a 30-man squad for the Australia Test match will be announced at the end of the camp next week in Limerick.

Kidney continued: "The games so far this season have given plenty of options in terms of competition for places.

"There were some hard calls made in selection, which is what you want, and players not included today will come into the reckoning for the two games against Tonga and Argentina Jaguares.

"We now have to try and come up with the combinations to not only win against some of the best teams in the world, with two of those sides ranked above us, but also continue to develop the international experience levels for some of those players."

nipps

smurphy29 wrote: »

Have I issed somethign or are there just two fly halves in a 39 man squad?? A bit odd.

ye ian humphreys should probably be there, but don't forget paddy wallace (even though he's ****e) can also play out-half.

Ceartgoleor

A bit of a joke to have included so many, and then leave out a handful who were playing well. Isaac Boss should definitely be there ahead of Stringer, thats not even up for debate. Kevin McLaughlin should be there ahead of Donncha Ryan-though I see hes being considered a second row too so perhaps that explains it. Ian Humphreys should be there too imo, and Fionn Carr. Good to see Chris Henry and Sean O'Brien though get the call ups they deserved.

No Bob Casey is a complete joke, what does he have to do to get a look in?

outwest

[quote=. Kevin McLaughlin should be there ahead of Donncha Ryan-


kevin has played how many games for leinster.

No Bob Casey is a complete joke, what does he have to do to get a look in?[/quote]

bob has to win a heino cup all by himself, punch the queen in the face and find bin laden before he is to get into irish squad. after all he is only the in form lock for ireland


why is stringer there ahead of boss. it make no sence

nipps

i think its a strong squad, and i think we can give south africa a run for their money. good to see some new lads being brought up, the likes of o'brien, healy, and especially fergus macfadden! i hope they get a bit of game time. its a pity about humphreys and boss aswell.

we have a savage backrow, cant wait to see ferris rip the boks and aussies apart! will be interesting to see who the starting half-backs will be, rog is the dodgy one for me but we are going to have a slick team, cant wait for the series to start!

Ceartgoleor

nipps wrote: »

i think its a strong squad, and i think we can give south africa a run for their money. good to see some new lads being brought up, the likes of o'brien, healy, and especially fergus macfadden! i hope they get a bit of game time. its a pity about humphreys and boss aswell.

we have a savage backrow, cant wait to see ferris rip the boks and aussies apart! will be interesting to see who the starting half-backs will be, rog is the dodgy one for me but we are going to have a slick team, cant wait for the series to start!

Yeah thats probably true enough, shows that we really aren't in bad shape at the moment when we can name a strong 39 man squad, mixed with youth and experience, and still have a handful of excluded talents to gripe about!

crisco10

Riskymove wrote: »

Ryan has a lot more game time than McLaughlin...I prefer to see a bit more from players before bringing into International level

This season Kev Mcl has considerably more gametime though, started 7 games, came on in 1 (scored 2 tries that day too). Ryan has started 3, come on in 3. And KMcL wasn't exactly furniture on the pitch either, player of the month in September.

Seems like the end for MOK, MOD, Quinlan and Girv alright.

I remember hearing that Casey was not that great when he has played for Ireland in summer tours. (Probably read that on here TBH!), perhaps thats counting against him?

Boss and iHumph hard done by I agree.

Aidric

Ceartgoleor wrote: »

No Bob Casey is a complete joke, what does he have to do to get a look in?

That was the one that jumped out for me, a shameful omission by any reckoning.

RugbyFanatic

Very sorry to see the likes of Boss, Fionn Carr and McLaughlin omitted.

3 of the most in form players in Ireland at the minute ffs!

Then theres Downey and Casey who at the very least deserve a look in.

Why does Gavin Duffy continuely make the squad?

Other than that happy with squad. No MOD thank god!

smurphy29

I was rather hoping we could move on from the days of using Wallace as cover at 10. We all know he's a classy 12 but a poor 10. Surely the emergence of two genuine fly-halves over the last 12 months has afforded that opportunity? Though I think we're all pretty much agreed that Humph and Boss are unlucky.

While it's fair to argue that it's a bit soon for McLaughlin, I don't see the point in persisting with Donncha Ryan, who has never looked like a player of any sort to me.

With the absence of Casey, MOD and MOK, it would appear that Cullen is a shoo-in to deservedly add to his meagre tally of caps. Let's just hope for no injuries between now and the first game. If we had anything like England's injury problems we'd be in serious trouble.

Ciaran-Irl

I'm not to bothered about the omissions to be honest. There are very few players in the squad that shouldn't be there, and they can't make the squad too big or they have less time with each player.

If Humphs or Isaac Boss were in the squad, they would get zero game time. Sexton and Reddan will play against Fiji. This way, Humphs / Boss at least get to represent Ireland in the Ireland A team. McLaughlin needs to play at this level for a while longer before he makes the squad, but again, he would never get game time. He will likely play in the Ireland A team.

Rather than bring Casey as forth choice lock, they will put Cullen & Toner against Fiji. Makes sense to give a younger player a run out. Casey is likely to captain the Ireland A team. They'll need that experienced leader figure.

It makes sense to bring Stringer as the third choice, as he offers something else entirely.

Fionn Carr was more deserving of Gavin Duffy's place - I agree with that to be fair. Again though, at least he will get game time with the Ireland As. Downey & Jonne Murphy similarly.

handsomecake

All Blacks coach Graham Henry and his assistant coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have named four new caps and the return of three 2008 All Blacks the key features of the 33-strong squad on their "All Blacks Telecom Northern Tour".

John Afoa Auckland (20 Test caps)
Anthony Boric North Harbour (10)
Dan Carter Canterbury (62)
Jimmy Cowan Southland (28)
Wyatt Crockett Canterbury (1)
Mike Delany Bay of Plenty *
Stephen Donald Waikato (16)
Tom Donnelly Otago (1)
Jason Eaton Taranaki (13)
Andy Ellis Canterbury (11)
Tamati Ellison Wellington*
Corey Flynn Canterbury (5)
Owen Franks Canterbury (6)
Zac Guildford Hawke’s Bay *
Andrew Hore Taranaki (43)
Cory Jane Wellington (8)
Jerome Kaino Auckland (22)
Tanerau Latimer Bay of Plenty (3)
Brendon Leonard Waikato (12)
Luke McAlister North Harbour (28)
Richie McCaw Canterbury (76) – captain
Liam Messam Waikato (2)
Mils Muliaina Waikato (77)
Ma’a Nonu Wellington (42)
Kieran Read Canterbury (12)
Sitiveni Sivivatu Waikato (39)
Rodney So’oialo Wellington (60)
Ben Smith Otago *
Conrad Smith Wellington (29)
Adam Thomson Otago (12)
Brad Thorn Canterbury (33)
Neemia Tialata Wellington (37)
Tony Woodcock North Harbour (58)
* denotes new cap

The All Blacks squad features 18 forwards and 15 backs and will again be captained by Richie McCaw.

The new caps in the squad are 27-year-old Bay of Plenty first five-eighth Mike Delany, 20-year-old Hawke’s Bay winger Zac Guildford, 23-year-old Otago fullback / wing Ben Smith and 26-year-old Wellington utility back Tamati Ellison, who was assembled with the All Blacks during this year’s Investec Tri Nations, but has been officially selected in an All Blacks squad for the first time.

The versatile Ben Smith makes the All Blacks after just his third season of Air New Zealand Cup rugby. He made his debut for the Highlanders this year and also played alongside fellow All Black Owen Franks in the 2007 New Zealand Under 21 side.

The experienced Mike Delany, who also plays fullback, made his provincial debut in 2005 and his Rebel Sport Super 14 debut last year. He has played 52 matches for Bay of Plenty and is the leading points scorer in this year’s Air New Zealand Cup.

Young Zac Guildford has had a stellar season this year, playing for the Hurricanes, the world champion New Zealand Under 20 team and Hawke’s Bay, and is the leading try scorer in this year’s Air New Zealand Cup, with 13 tries.

The skilled Tamati Ellison is well-known to the All Blacks coaches, impressing during his time with the squad this year, and his ability to cover several positions has made him invaluable for his Wellington and Hurricanes teams.

The All Blacks squad also features the return of Canterbury hooker Corey Flynn, who fractured his arm on last year’s Grand Slam tour, his Canterbury teammate, halfback Andy Ellis, who suffered a rib injury on the same tour, and North Harbour lock Anthony Boric, who returned to rugby this year after a toe injury.

Players not considered for selection due to injury include: Piri Weepu (ankle); Isaia Toeava (pelvis), Lelia Masaga (shoulder), Keven Mealamu (chest), Bryn Evans (back), Richard Kahui (shoulder) and Ali Williams (Achilles).

“I would like to congratulate all those players picked, especially the new caps,” All Blacks coach Graham Henry said. “The selectors were impressed by the high standard of play in the Air New Zealand Cup and that is reflected in the selection of players who have been stand-outs in the competition.”

Henry said the All Blacks had two objectives for the tour.

“We want to play quality rugby that we are proud of The tour is also the opportunity for players to put their hand up when it comes to selection for the All Blacks for the future.

The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland for a training camp this week before flying out to Tokyo next Sunday 25 October. A public training and autograph session to raise funds for the Tsunami Relief Fund will be held at Trusts Stadium, Waitakere, on Wednesday at 11.00am.

Meanwhile, it was announced today that Telecom would sponsor the All Blacks tour to Japan and Europe, with the tour to be known as the All Blacks Telecom Northern Tour.

Alan Gourdie, CEO, Telecom Retail, said: “Our best wishes go to the players selected as they embark on the Telecom sponsored Northern Tour. This is a special association for us as it is the first time our new brand will make an appearance with the All Blacks, and coincides with each of the players receiving an XT Mobile so they can stay in touch with home easily in each of the five countries that they visit.”

All Blacks Telecom Northern Tour

Saturday 31 October, All Blacks vs Australia, National Olympic Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday 7 November, All Blacks vs Wales, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Saturday 14 November, All Blacks vs Italy, San Siro Stadium, Milan
Saturday 21 November, All Blacks vs England, Twickenham, London
Saturday 28 November, All Blacks vs France, Stade Velodrome, Marseille
Saturday 5 December, All Blacks vs Barbarians, Twickenham, London



Send to friend

Really looking forward to the NZ France game. Mouth watering prospect of high intensity running rugby (if the French decide to turn up).

danthefan

That's a pretty tough schedule it has to be said.

ALH-06

smurphy29 wrote: »

I was rather hoping we could move on from the days of using Wallace as cover at 10. We all know he's a classy 12 but a poor 10. Surely the emergence of two genuine fly-halves over the last 12 months has afforded that opportunity?

It has - Sexton will probably be the backup 10 for the South Africa game and then perhaps O'Gara thereafter. Who knows?

Wallace is there as backup 10 for emergencies only. Which I reckon is absolutely fine. iHumph was unlucky but I'd prefer to see him get gametime with the As than be a tackle bag for the senior squad.

Ciaran-Irl wrote: »

Fionn Carr was more deserving of Gavin Duffy's place - I agree with that to be fair. Again though, at least he will get game time with the Ireland As. Downey & Jonne Murphy similarly.

Exactly! +1.

thebaz

How did Toner get in ahead of Casey ???

where were his performances judged ??

Podge_irl

ALH-06 wrote: »

It has - Sexton will probably be the backup 10 for the South Africa game and then perhaps O'Gara thereafter. Who knows?

Wallace is there as backup 10 for emergencies only. Which I reckon is absolutely fine. iHumph was unlucky but I'd prefer to see him get gametime with the As than be a tackle bag for the senior squad.

Plenty of people in that squad will be involved in the A games. I'm a bit surprised iHumph isn't listed, as he's bound to be the fly-half for the As. Not a massive deal though, ROG and Sexton were always going to be the two fly-halves in the 22.

The Aus game is first btw.

Stev_o

We are well ****ed in the half backs. TOL and Reddan shouldn't be starting. This sorta confirms Sexton getting the Fiji game and benching for the rest.

danthefan

Stev_o wrote: »

We are well ****ed in the half backs. TOL and Reddan shouldn't be starting. This sorta confirms Sexton getting the Fiji game and benching for the rest.

How? I don't follow. What selection would have suggested Sexton would be starting the Aus/SA games?

As for TOL and Reddan shouldn't be starting.... what?

Podge_irl

Stev_o wrote: »

This sorta confirms Sexton getting the Fiji game and benching for the rest.

Why? ROG and Sexton will both be in all three squads. Who starts is the only concern. Humph will get the A games.

handsomecake

wonder will we ever see rokococo in an all black shirt again

Stev_o

danthefan wrote: »

How? I don't follow. What selection would have suggested Sexton would be starting the Aus/SA games?

As for TOL and Reddan shouldn't be starting.... what?

Ill be extremely surprised if he starts Sexton for three games or infact starts ROG for fiji then drops him.

TOL shouldn't be forced to find form during the AI against top teams it doesn't work ala Cipriani. Reddan is in poor form aswell his service has been sub par and he's crabbing which will cause our backline to walk straight into the likes of Quera Pocock and Brussow.

danthefan

Stev_o wrote: »

Ill be extremely surprised if he starts Sexton for three games or infact starts ROG for fiji then drops him.

TOL shouldn't be forced to find form during the AI against top teams it doesn't work ala Cipriani. Reddan is in poor form aswell his service has been sub par and he's crabbing which will cause our backline to walk straight into the likes of Quera Pocock and Brussow.

I think Reddan has been playing well, as for taking steps with the ball he's making line breaks that way which keeps backrows/pillar defenders honest. He is playing well imo, the brain fart at the end of the LI match is my only major complaint with him so far.

And still not getting how the squad confirms Sexton won't start against Aus/SA tbh. If anything it says he's definitely in the 22.

Stev_o

danthefan wrote: »

I think Reddan has been playing well, as for taking steps with the ball he's making line breaks that way which keeps backrows/pillar defenders honest. He is playing well imo, the brain fart at the end of the LI match is my only major complaint with him so far.

And still not getting how the squad confirms Sexton won't start against Aus/SA tbh. If anything it says he's definitely in the 22.

I don't agree on the stepping issue i haven't seen him make any breaks yet and just seen him give defenders extra time to get up to the backline. It's a SH cardinal sin that shouldn't be encouraged.

2 OH's in a 39 man squad is light by anyones standard i was expecting Humphreys in there which would of indicated Humph having a go against Fiji, Sexton against Australia and a tussle between Sexton and ROG for SA.

danthefan

Stev_o wrote: »

I don't agree on the stepping issue i haven't seen him make any breaks yet and just seen him give defenders extra time to get up to the backline. It's a SH cardinal sin that shouldn't be encouraged.

I have, a few.

Stev_o wrote: »

2 OH's in a 39 man squad is light by anyones standard i was expecting Humphreys in there which would of indicated Humph having a go against Fiji, Sexton against Australia and a tussle between Sexton and ROG for SA.

Humphries isn't in the frame yet first of all. Trying out 3 OHs in 3 games would be daft imo, would give the side no room to settle. Finally how can ROG and Sexton tussle for the SA game if ROG isn't given a game beforehand?

2040

I'm just reiterating a lot of what's been said already when i say that i'm quite disappointed that Boss and Humphreys have been left out. I'm also quite disappointed that Quinlan has been left out. He's been one of the few form forwards in the Munster camp, which is actually quite an achievement if you think about it. And i don't really get the attraction to Casey. He's a great captain and leader and LI are doing quite well, but i actually don't think he's that good of a rugby player. He was quite poor playing for Ireland during the summer i thought.

danthefan

I can understand Quinlan not being there. He won't be making the first choice 22 by any means and giving him a game against Fiji would just be pointless imo.