Ronan O'Gara says he'll play till 38

epic10

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/ill-play-till-im-38-ronan-ogara-3061894.html


What an absolute legend, no amount of bias or prejudice can keep this GOD down.

peterako

He'll need to with Mr. Kidney's Player Rotation/Introduction Strategy :rolleyes:

Clegg

He can continue playing until he's 38 for Munster. He's finished as an international though.

He's just not good enough anymore.

Otacon

Clegg wrote: »

He can continue playing until he's 38 for Munster. He's finished as an international though.

He's just not good enough anymore.

Who is ahead of him? [Besides Sexton who is our 10 now.]

Amazotheamazing

Clegg wrote: »

He can continue playing until he's 38 for Munster. He's finished as an international though.

He's just not good enough anymore.

Up to others to take his spot in the squad though.

.ak

I hate when players talk about their own form like that in the media.

epic10

Amazotheamazing wrote: »

Up to others to take his spot in the squad though.

Sometimes how I find it amazing that people think ROG is no longer good enough, he's playing the rugby of his life.

thomond2006

Keatley must not be a happy camper to read that!

desertcircus

Otacon wrote: »

Clegg wrote: »

He can continue playing until he's 38 for Munster. He's finished as an international though.

He's just not good enough anymore.

Who is ahead of him? [Besides Sexton who is our 10 now.]

Not yet ahead, but Ian Madigan is breathing down his neck.

epic10

desertcircus wrote: »

Not yet ahead, but Ian Madigan is breathing down his neck.

Here maite are you actually being serious about Madigan?

GerM

epic10 wrote: »

Sometimes how I find it amazing that people think ROG is no longer good enough, he's playing the rugby of his life.

He's not. He's quality but from 2006-08 he was the best outhalf in the northern hemisphere. He was peerless in the 6N and HEC and probably more influential than any outhalf aside from Carter. Fantastic player and I admire his confidence but I don't think he can honestly believe that he couldn't have played any better throughout the 6N. I'd like to think he knows he could have been playing better and will strive to do so.

epic10

thomond2006 wrote: »

Keatley must not be a happy camper to read that!

Lets face it Kealey has been a big let down for Munster, he doesnt even look like an outhalf

Clegg

Otacon wrote: »

Who is ahead of him? [Besides Sexton who is our 10 now.]

No-one, but that doesn't mean ROG should still be picked.

Ireland gain absolutely nothing by having ROG in the team. He's not playing as we as he thinks either.

Otacon

desertcircus wrote: »

Not yet ahead, but Ian Madigan is breathing down his neck.

I have been very impressed with Madigan. I have no doubt he will be international class in a few seasons, but until then, is there anyone ahead of ROG? [Again, except Sexton]

Clegg wrote: »

No-one, but that doesn't mean ROG should still be picked. Ireland gain absolutely nothing by having ROG in the team.

Except having an experienced, talented, International class 10 as backup to one of, if not the best, 10 in Europe.

.ak

epic10 wrote: »

Here maite are you actually being serious about Madigan?

Have you watched any of Madigan's games? He's been on sublime form. He's not an international OH, but he's easily the third best in the country, so 'breathing down [ROG's] neck' is actually a fair assessment.

desertcircus

epic10 wrote: »

desertcircus wrote: »

Not yet ahead, but Ian Madigan is breathing down his neck.

Here maite are you actually being serious about Madigan?

Am I serious about the second-highest try scorer in the Rabo and the man trusted to direct Leinster in Sexton's absence?

LeinsterDub

Clegg wrote: »

He can continue playing until he's 38 for Munster. He's finished as an international though.

He's just not good enough anymore.

While I think he's still good enough, he's too old for the next World Cup. We should be blooding cover for Sexton .

TheVoodoo

Madigan will be there in a few years. ROG is not off the pace, a good international sub at best (due to Sexton getting the majority of game time).

thomond2006

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/i-thought-i-would-start-the-wales-game-i-was-the-incumbent-ogara-3061641.html

Oh Ronan, for god's sake stop talking....

epic10

.ak wrote: »

Have you watched any of Madigan's games? He's been on sublime form. He's not an international OH, but he's easily the third best in the country, so 'breathing down [ROG's] neck' is actually a fair assessment.

of course i've watched him ad just because he's the third best outhalf does not mean he's breathing down his neck, somebody might come third in a race and finish a mile behind the top two.

desertcircus

In any other rugby-playing country, bringing Madigan into the Test fold would be a top priority. I'd be happier with him on the bench this summer than Rog, admittedly in part because NZ will have limited info on him, but mainly because I'd trust him over O'Gara to come back from the opposition 22 with seven points.

fitz

thomond2006 wrote: »

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/i-thought-i-would-start-the-wales-game-i-was-the-incumbent-ogara-3061641.html

Oh Ronan, for god's sake stop talking....

The guy needs to stfu.
If Heaslip were to give the interviews ROG has in the last while, people would be calling for his head.

Clegg

Otacon wrote: »

Except having an experienced, talented, International class 10 as backup to one of, if not the best, 10 in Europe.

Have you properly looked at ROG in the last few years? He gives up ground in the tackle. His restarts aren't as good as they used to be and his kicking out of hand has become less accurate. He's regressed because of age and that will only continue as he gets older.

His record over the last few years for Ireland hasn't been that impressive either. We should be looking for a replacement right now because he won't be around for much longer.

Otacon

fitz wrote: »

The guy needs to stfu.
If Heaslip were to give the interviews ROG has in the last while, people would be calling for his head.

I would be delighted if any of our players had that much passion for the jersey.

Clegg wrote: »

Have you properly looked at ROG in the last few years? He gives up ground in the tackle. His restarts aren't as good as they used to be and his kicking out of hand has become less accurate.

His record over the last few years for Ireland hasn't been that impressive either.

Again, who is ahead of him?

.ak

epic10 wrote: »

of course i've watched him ad just because he's the third best outhalf does not mean he's breathing down his neck, somebody might come third in a race and finish a mile behind the top two.

Okay, well just for arguments sake lets say we agree.

Would you not agree we should be blooding new players from the bench, rather than taking up space there by a 37 year old outhalf? Regardless of his boot...

I'd wager Wilko is a downside better OH than Farrell, but England used him (albeit under extreme circumstances) and he's come through nicely.

Madigan has shown some great form, and rightly should be getting some bench time atleast in NZ.

.ak

Otacon wrote: »

I would be delighted if any of our players had that much passion for the jersey.

Ofcourse. But saying it to the media is another thing.

LuckyLloyd

thomond2006 wrote: »

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/i-thought-i-would-start-the-wales-game-i-was-the-incumbent-ogara-3061641.html

Oh Ronan, for god's sake stop talking....

He still wants it at 37, not a bad thing imo.

epic10

Otacon wrote: »

I would be delighted if any of our players had that much passion for the jersey.

Well said,no matter what ROG says the hates come out hunting for him.

thomond2006

Otacon wrote: »

I would be delighted if any of our players had that much passion for the jersey.

ROG is obviously passionate, nothing wrong with that, it's great in fact.

But repeatedly using the media to broadcast his frustrations isn't right, it's tiresome at this stage. Surely this sort of thing irritates the other players.

epic10

.ak wrote: »

Okay, well just for arguments sake lets say we agree.

Would you not agree we should be blooding new players from the bench, rather than taking up space there by a 37 year old outhalf? Regardless of his boot...

I'd wager Wilko is a downside better OH than Farrell, but England used him (albeit under extreme circumstances) and he's come through nicely.

Madigan has shown some great form, and rightly should be getting some bench time atleast in NZ.

Wilko retired and his kicking was horrific in the last WC, bring out Madigan no problem whatsoever leave McFadden at home,

Otacon

.ak wrote: »

Ofcourse. But saying it to the media is another thing.

thomond2006 wrote: »

ROG is obviously passionate, nothing wrong with that, it's great in fact.

But repeatedly using the media to broadcast his frustrations isn't right, it's tiresome at this stage. Surely this sort of thing irritates the other players.

Why? You can be sure his teammates already know how he feels. Who is being hurt by this exactly? If anything, it should be a boost to have players like that, doing everything they can to be the best. If Sexton is doing this when he reaches ROG's age, I will be saying the same thing.

.ak

epic10 wrote: »

Well said,no matter what ROG says the hates come out hunting for him.

Oh stop being so melodramatic.

"I especially thought I would start the Wales game given I was the incumbent and was just after helping Munster to their best ever pool campaign in the Heineken Cup." -ROG

Let's put that into context. It'd be like this:

"I especially thought I would start the Wales game, given I was the incumbent and was just after helping Ulster beat Clermont in the Heineken Cup." -iHumph





It screams of me me me. Ofcourse a player should be passionate, but ROG loves a good aul moan to the media. He's a professional player and should suck it up and enjoy the game he gets lots of money to play.

TheVoodoo

Your username would have had more impact as 'Decent21'

I agree that Madigan should be blooded in, because ROG ain't going to be around for ever, and when the time comes that he hangs up his boots we will be left with the age old problem of not having a sufficiently experienced young player to back up Sexton. No doubt that ROG has been a massively huge servant to Irish Rugby over the last 11 years or so, but I do think it's time he moves aside and focuses on the club game. In the interest of Irish Rugby..

Clegg

Otacon wrote: »

Again, who is ahead of him?

I've already said no-one bar Sexton but thats not the point is it?

He is a an out half who is only going to get worse with age. He definitely won't be going to the next World Cup so what is the point of persisting with him? We need to give Madigan and Keatley some gametime.

.ak

Otacon wrote: »

Why? You can be sure his teammates already know how he feels. Who is being hurt by this exactly? If anything, it should be a boost to have players like that, doing everything they can to be the best. If Sexton is doing this when he reaches ROG's age, I will be saying the same thing.

Loose lips sinks ships.

Otacon

Clegg wrote: »

I've already said no-one bar Sexton but thats not the point is it?

He is a an out half who is only going to get worse with age. He definitely won't be going to the next World Cup so what is the point of persisting with him? We need to give Madigan and Keatley some gametime.

Internationals should not be used for development. That is up to the provinces.

.ak wrote: »

Loose lips sinks ships.

Has he said something that would damage the team's chances?

epic10

Clegg wrote: »

I've already said no-one bar Sexton but thats not the point is it?

He is a an out half who is only going to get worse with age. He definitely won't be going to the next World Cup so what is the point of persisting with him? We need to give Madigan and Keatley some gametime.

I wouldnt like to see you in charge of a rugby team, no disrespect, Ian Keatley is hopeless and ure proposing to start him ahead one of the best out halves in the world.


When he cant even get a game for Munster- that makes sense

irishbucsfan

He's not good enough any more. He's one dimensional in attack and a liability in defense. Doesn't threaten the line and kills space for his centers. Obviously he still has a great place kicking game but even his kicking out of hand isn't as good as it was. He dragged Munster to an undefeated record but he was a contributor to the form that warranted it in the first place.

His passion is admirable but the self-deception is a bit sad. I have no doubt he'll keep playing as long as he can, I just hope Ireland and Munster management have tried and tested depth behind him. He is still the best bench option for Ireland in big matches by far.

Fireball07

I have no problem with ROG playing till he's 38. If he's still the best option internationally, he'll get picked, but he'll be phased out over the next year or so imo.


But for Munster, I do expect Keatley to get at least 1 start in the HC next season. Blooding him in big games is necessary but it's nice to have the option of ROG. He won't be at his best forever but he still has class.

Clegg

epic10 wrote: »

I wouldnt like to see you in charge of a rugby team, no disrespect, Ian Keatley is hopeless and ure prposing to start him ahead one of the best out halves in the world.


When he cant even get a game for Munster- that makes sense

Eh what, I think you don't understand how this whole thing works. Keatley and Madigan are the players that will be vying for O'Garas place when he retires, Paddy Jackson as well but he's not quite there yet.

I'm not saying Keatley or Madigan will be brilliant but they are what we have to work with. And never once did I say Keatley or Madigan would be playing against New Zealand. ROG will be on the plane.

.ak

Otacon wrote: »

Has he said something that would damage the team's chances?

Do you ever wonder why most Irish players give very candid media interviews? You can be sure the IRFU media people have them all well trained - the idea of bemoaning the fact you're not getting starts may seem innocent enough, but it fuels the idea of that there's still a riff between players in the camp. This is then blown out of context by the media. Soon enough players start reading it (which ROG did outlined in the OPs link). Who knows what effects that has on an already stressed mind of a professional player. Don't give them that fuel is my opinion.

Otacon

.ak wrote: »

Do you ever wonder why most Irish players give very candid media interviews? You can be sure the IRFU media people have them all well trained - the idea of bemoaning the fact you're not getting starts may seem innocent enough, but it fuels the idea of that there's still a riff between players in the camp. This is then blown out of context by the media. Soon enough players start reading it (which ROG did outlined in the OPs link). Who knows what effects that has on an already stressed mind of a professional player. Don't give them that fuel is my opinion.

As I said, I'm sure ROG's teammates know how he feels.

Anyway, he has always been very open about it, to everyone, so I'm not sure how the media could play it any other way than they already do, which hasn't had the impact you mention.

Before the Wales game, Sexton gave a similarly frank talk to the BBC, where he said the swapping at 10 affected his game. Was he also wrong to voice this? Of course not.

buck65

I wonder is there a game coming up anytime soon that can pitch O Gara against Sexton....oh there is? this weekend? mmmm mindgames perhaps...?

O Gara will earn it to start for Munster next season not to mind Ireland. Great player, great guy but time always wins in these battles. Ian Keatley is coming and good on him. Delighted to have him in Munster.

irishbucsfan

I remember DOC joked about rooming with ROG and him complaining on the day the team is picked. Like most jokes it seems there was an element of truth in it!

ROG is still a legend, but he has overrated by a few zealots.

epic10

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I remember DOC joked about rooming with ROG and him complaining on the day the team is picked. Like most jokes it seems there was an element of truth in it!

ROG is still a legend, but he has overrated by a few zealots.

It's kind of hard to overrate the highest points scorer in the history of the six nations and HEINEKEN cup boss!

wandatowell

Having two high quality number 10's can only be a good thing for Irish rugby.

I hope ROG stays on for as long as he can and he keeps on pushing Sexton.

Its win win as far as im concerned

buck65

He can be pretty ordinary at times in general play, sometimes he looks a bit off the pace but usually his kicking game keeps the scoreboard ticking so there is little emphasis on his attacking play.

epic10

buck65 wrote: »

He can be pretty ordinary at times in general play, sometimes he looks a bit off the pace but usually his kicking game keeps the scoreboard ticking so there is little emphasis on his attacking play.

He is not ordinary, he is never ordinary.

totallegend

Fair play to him if he can play til he's 38.

I'm embarrassed for him after reading his comments in that article though.

Big Nelly

thomond2006 wrote: »

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/i-thought-i-would-start-the-wales-game-i-was-the-incumbent-ogara-3061641.html

Oh Ronan, for god's sake stop talking....

This is typical ROG.....next week there will be another article where he retires.....

Then the week after he won't....

Then the week after he will retire

Then the week after he won't....sick of listening to it......

Sexton is far better and we should have Madigan in ireland squad now and get him into the fold. ROG done nothing when he came on in 6N games. When he did come on the team played worse than the crap they where already playing. The only reason he is still around is because Kidney is involved in Ireland.

In the 2 last World Cups he has lost the games for Ireland. In France he was brutal and because Ireland had no other option they still had to play him.

In NZ he got hammered against Wales. Was one of the major reasons we lost there. Why he would then think he would get picked against Wales in 6N is beyond me!!!!!

epic10

Big Nelly wrote: »

This is typical ROG.....next week there will be another article where he retires.....

Then the week after he won't....

Then the week after he will retire

Then the week after he won't....sick of listening to it......

Sexton is far better and we should have Madigan in ireland squad now and get him into the fold. ROG done nothing when he came on in 6N games. When he did come on the team played worse than the crap they where already playing. The only reason he is still around is because Kidney is involved in Ireland.

In the 2 last World Cups he has lost the games for Ireland. In France he was brutal and because Ireland had no other option they still had to play him.

In NZ he got hammered against Wales. Was one of the major reasons we lost there. Why he would then think he would get picked against Wales in 6N is beyond me!!!!!

The venom and scorn that the ROG haters have never ceases to amaze me.