New Irish Rugby Captain

seahorse61

So who is Joe Smith going to pick as the Irish Rugby Captain. I reckon he will go for O'Connell

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

BOD

Beats by Dre will be delighted this thread is starting up. Free publicity in 3,2,1....

Tox56

seahorse61 wrote: »

So who is Joe Smith going to pick as the Irish Rugby Captain. I reckon he will go for O'Connell

I reckon John Heaslip is in with a good shout

Buer

POM has put himself into contention of late. POC's credentials possibly taken a bit of a hit. Heaslip has possibly enhanced his chances but only by a small margin, if at all.

All in all, I'm still thinking POC but POM has been the big winner. He captained Ireland relatively well in the summer, Munster showed a void of leadership last weekend when he wasn't there and POC had taken over and led massively from the front last night.

Schmidt and Kiss were interviewed earlier. I didn't hear it but apparently said they've a good number of candidates and they're not going to make any decision until everyone is in camp and they can assess and ensure the captain will actually be fit for selection. Maybe someone who heard the interview can confirm but, if that's what was said, it would suggest BOD is a strong candidate still.

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

BOD

I don't think POM should get it based on his age but I would say he's more or less locked in as a starter now

Himself Heaslip and SOB could be a fantastic backrow if they click

irishbucsfan

BOD

POC for me

Tox56

Buer wrote: »

POM has put himself into contention of late. POC's credentials possibly taken a bit of a hit. Heaslip has possibly enhanced his chances but only by a small margin, if at all.

All in all, I'm still thinking POC but POM has been the big winner. He captained Ireland relatively well in the summer, Munster showed a void of leadership last weekend when he wasn't there and POC had taken over and led massively from the front last night.

Schmidt and Kiss were interviewed earlier. I didn't hear it but apparently said they've a good number of candidates and they're not going to make any decision until everyone is in camp and they can assess and ensure the captain will actually be fit for selection. Maybe someone who heard the interview can confirm but, if that's what was said, it would suggest BOD is a strong candidate still.

Id give it to BOD or POC (don't think it makes a massive difference which one) for now and let the situation develop naturally during the Autumn. If POM, POC, Heaslip, Best or even BOD himself stick their hands up as leaders and top performers, or the opposite happens and they fail to impress, the situation will be clearer by the time the 6N rolls around. Don't really see any basis for giving it to any particular player of the 5 above right now, the player who has impressed the most this season (POM) is probably starting a bit behind the others given his age/relative inexperience

Buer

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

I don't think POM should get it based on his age but I would say he's more or less locked in as a starter now

Himself Heaslip and SOB could be a fantastic backrow if they click

To be honest, the only real issue I'd have with POM right now is what happens if Ferris comes back in December/January and shows good form? Is POM in the team or relegated to the bench as someone that can play 6, 7 and 8? That's a big problem with giving him the job.

I wouldn't rule him out at all based on age. He's showing great leadership for Munster thus far and dragged them to victory last night.

POM is an unlikely appointment but a fortnight ago I'd have had POC out on his own but he hasn't enhanced his chances at all in the last two games. He's still the front runner but I'm sure the past week will be food for thought for the coaches.

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

BOD

Buer wrote: »

To be honest, the only real issue I'd have with POM right now is what happens if Ferris comes back in December/January and shows good form? Is POM in the team or relegated to the bench as someone that can play 6, 7 and 8? That's a big problem with giving him the job.

I wouldn't rule him out at all based on age. He's showing great leadership for Munster thus far and dragged them to victory last night.

It's an unlikely appointment but a fortnight ago I'd have had POC out on his own but he hasn't enhanced his chances at all in the last two games. He's still the front runner but I'm sure the past week will be food for thought for the coaches.

No not saying he should be captain, and for more or less that exact reason

He's without a doubt going to start for Ireland if fit now but he's not as cemented for the next two years as POC or Heaslip

Judgement Day

POM

BOD - is there any other choice for the man to lead Ireland to another Grand Slam?

sydthebeat

POC

Heaslip

Heroditas

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

I don't think POM should get it based on his age but I would say he's more or less locked in as a starter now

Himself Heaslip and SOB could be a fantastic backrow if they click

BOD was pretty much the same age when he was named captain but it could very well hinge on how nailed-on a starter POM is.
Unfortunately I can't see Ferris returning so maybe POM is the new long term option both at 6 and as captain.

Phoeey

I'd be happy with any of the front-runners.

JPCN1

POM

I'd give it to BOD for his last season but wouldn't mind POC getting it. Hopefully we'll see Ferris back and that would mean POM on the bench so he's out imo. Sexton going to France also rules him out. Only other guaranteed starters are Healy, Murry, Heaslip, Bowe, SOB.

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

BOD

Ferris is going to have to earn his place when and if he gets back from injury. No guarantee he'll be the World Class player he was a year or two ago when he gets back

TheGoldenAges

POM

I'd consider PO'M but when (And from the soundings it's when and not if) Ferris comes back he'll almost certainly slot back into 6 since he's world-class.

I'd probably give it to PO'C since he'll probably be around to the next world cup and is a superb captain.

Although then again Heaslip didn't do much wrong and was a victim of Kidneys failures in the last 6N more so than anything.

And then you have BO'D, the man inspires others everytime he's on the pitch. I think Kidney taking the captaincy off him was a disastrous decision (Hindsight's a beautiful thing right :rolleyes: )and it would be a testament to the man to give it to him for his last season for all he's done for Irish rugby. Or at the very least I'd give it to B'OD for his one last crack at the AB's

jamiedav2011

POC is the obvious choice for me.

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

BOD

Ferris hasn't played rugby for more than a year now? There's no guarantee that he will be back yet, and if he does he may not be the player he once was

Now I don't think POM should be captain but I'm very skeptical about Ferris ever playing consistent rugby again

danthefan

POC

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

Ferris hasn't played rugby for more than a year now? There's no guarantee that he will be back yet, and if he does he may not be the player he once was

Now I don't think POM should be captain but I'm very skeptical about Ferris ever playing consistent rugby again

I think it'll be two years come the 6N. I think Ireland have to pretty much plan without him at this rate, massive shame that it is. And he's so good that if he did get back to his best, he'd be straight back into the Ireland side.

TheGoldenAges

POM

Also the thread author should have included a poll!

.ak

BOD

TheGoldenAges wrote: »

Also the thread author should have included a poll!

I'll add one in a sec...

.ak

BOD

Would be really awkward for the squad if POM was named captain and then Fez got fit by december and pushed him out of the squad.

Taco Corp

well I'm sure the Joe will pick the person who is most intimidating at the coin toss, cos that's most important.

danthefan

POC

Captain_Hindsight wrote: »

well I'm sure the Joe will pick the person who is most intimidating at the coin toss, cos that's most important.

Whether they do or don't wear headphones on the team bus will also be a big factor, my sources tell me.

Todd Toddington III

Niall O Conner

jm08

.ak wrote: »

Would be really awkward for the squad if POM was named captain and then Fez got fit by december and pushed him out of the squad.

POM has been playing No. 8 recently including on the US tour in the summer. Heaslip better watch out!

I think he has enough on his plate at the moment with Munster.

jm08

danthefan wrote: »

Whether they do or don't wear headphones on the team bus will also be a big factor, my sources tell me.

They will need to wear green knickers though if they are going to wear the ass of their jeans at the back of their knees

Heroditas

Where's the John Hayes option or are the dasterdly mods clamping down on our freedom again?

Mahatma Geansai

BOD

jm08 wrote: »

POM has been playing No. 8 recently including on the US tour in the summer. Heaslip better watch out!

I think he has enough on his plate at the moment with Munster.

If Ferris does come back. It isn't inconceivable that POM could wrestle the 8 jersey from Heaslip. They have a lot of similar attributes, but Heaslip is definitely ahead as an 8 at present.

Speaking of POM, I'd love to see a gif of his pass to send away Earls for his non-try at the death on Saturday. Looked like brilliant handling from a backrow forward.

jm08

Mahatma Geansai wrote: »

If Ferris does come back. It isn't inconceivable that POM could wrestle the 8 jersey from Heaslip. They have a lot of similar attributes, but Heaslip is definitely ahead as an 8 at present.

Speaking of POM, I'd love to see a gif of his pass to send away Earls for his non-try at the death on Saturday. Looked like brilliant handling from a backrow forward.

Why is it inconceivable? If POM is playing regularly for Munster at 8, there is every chance he could play there internationally.

Rightwing

Best

POC/BOD too old, they're past it. Should be looking for someone in their late 20's.

ScissorPaperRock

jm08 wrote: »

Why is it inconceivable? If POM is playing regularly for Munster at 8, there is every chance he could play there internationally.

He said it isn't inconceivable.

On recent performances it would probably be O'Mahony or Heaslip for me, but Ferris coming back could mean a rejigging of the back row . It would be nice to give it to O'Driscoll for his last season, but there's no guarantee he's going to be fit. He seems quite injury prone at this stage.

If POC gets back to his monstrous best, it probably has to be him.

former legend

POC

In this order:

Heaslip
Best
O'Mahony

They are the only realistic candidates IMO.

On the radio today, Joe mentioned that 6-8 senior players were under consideration, I'm at a loss as to who the eight might be.

jm08

ScissorPaperRock wrote: »

He said it isn't inconceivable.

On recent performances it would probably be O'Mahony or Heaslip for me, but Ferris coming back could mean a rejigging of the back row . It would be nice to give it to O'Driscoll for his last season, but there's no guarantee he's going to be fit. He seems quite injury prone at this stage.

If POC gets back to his monstrous best, it probably has to be him.

Missed the double negative.

Hagz

POM

Rightwing wrote: »

POC/BOD too old, they're past it. Should be looking for someone in their late 20's.

Past it in what sense? They're both still the best in their position in the country, so therefore they're not past it. The idea that we need to develop a captain is beyond me. We should be sticking with BOD/POC until BOD/POC hang up their boots. Then change the captain.

Grimebox

POC

I think this is really unimportant

.ak

BOD

Just thinking about it... but are we a little obsessed about the whole captain thing? I know it's been discussed before here, but we seem engrossed with who's captain and how it effects the team. Also, are we so obsessed with it we think we should be future planning towards captains? Most other countries leave their captain in place until his testimonial game, and then the next in line takes up the armband in the next match.

I voted POC - thats who I reckon Schmidt will name as captain, but if I was picking it'd be BOD.

Bogota

POC

It really doesn't make that big a difference. Any of BOD/POC/Heaslip/Best will make great captains and won't be the winning or losing of this Irish team. I'd opt for Heaslip as he is going to be around the longest and is very likely to be starting 8 for a number of years.

rrpc

POM

For those who missed it, the interview with Joe Schmidt and Les Kiss was on Newstalk during the week. They repeated it yesterday. Quite a long interview; at least half an hour.

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

BOD

Rightwing wrote: »

POC/BOD too old, they're past it. Should be looking for someone in their late 20's.

POC and BOD were starting for the Lions 6 weeks ago and you're saying they're past it?

They're also the undisputed first choice in their positions for Ireland and arguably still the two best players in the country

Where do you come up with this stuff?

BOD is retiring at the end of the year so I'd think he won't be selected but POC will be playing on until the next World Cup so he's not too old

thomond2006

POC

Heroditas wrote: »

Where's the John Hayes option or are the dasterdly mods clamping down on our freedom again?

The John Hayes Truth is being censored by these dastardly mods.

.ak

BOD

I had John Hayes in there but it crashed my explorer. Make of that what you will.

former legend

POC

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

POC and BOD were starting for the Lions 6 weeks ago and you're saying they're past it?

They're also the undisputed first choice in their positions for Ireland and arguably still the two best players in the country

Where do you come up with this stuff?

BOD is retiring at the end of the year so I'd think he won't be selected but POC will be playing on until the next World Cup so he's not too old

The problem with POC is the same as with BOD.

No-one disputes that they are, despite their age, nailed-on starters. Their leadership credentials are proven beyond doubt.

Where they fall down is the massive question mark over their ability to remain injury-free.

O'Connell hasn't played for Ireland since March 2012. For context, Stephen Ferris has been capped for Ireland more recently than POC.

This is not an isolated incident. He played 8 games for Munster last season, 13 the season before, 10 in 2010-11 and 9 in 2009-10.

We're getting a bit of selective amnesia on this because he came back in April last year, played an enormous role in Munster's QF win over Quins then went out to Australia with the Lions. Where he played well but got injured again. Fair enough it was a broken arm which could happen anyone, but before that it was his back that kept him out for months on end, before that it was his knee, and his groin before that.

I just think that if O'Connell is named captain, there's a very good chance that someone else will have to step in sooner rather than later, so why bother? It's not like there is a shortage of younger guys willing and able for the job.

jm08

I'd imagine most of POC's problems stemmed from his back problem which has now been resolved so I wouldn't worry too much about them. Anyway, if POC is injured, others get an opportunity without too much pressure on them. Its really not an issue.

Of course there is also the issue that a few of the candidates may not be playing in Ireland next season as well and I'd imagine the provinces would prefer if their captain was in Ireland.

ScissorPaperRock

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

POC and BOD were starting for the Lions 6 weeks ago and you're saying they're past it?

I agree with you that they're not too old.

But we're in late October dude!

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

BOD

ScissorPaperRock wrote: »

I agree with you that they're not too old.

But we're in late October dude!

ha. ok three months ago!

thebaz

Best

I'd give it to O'Mahony - one of the new brigade , also diffuse any possible leinster bias thoughts, that may be perceived under Schmidt.

Grimebox

POC

thebaz wrote: »

I'd give it to O'Mahony - one of the new brigade , also diffuse any possible leinster bias thoughts, that may be perceived under Schmidt.

That bias is only an issue with fans. I hope to god that Schmidt does not take this into account for any of his selection decisions.

Howard Juneau

POC

.ak wrote: »

Would be really awkward for the squad if POM was named captain and then Fez got fit by december and pushed him out of the squad.

Oooh !!

RoundBox11

POC

To be honest I see no reason not to keep Heaslip as captain.

He's younger and more robust than POC and BOD. He's more experienced and calm minded than POM and is a nailled on starter.

Saying that his win record as captain is bad is the most moronic argument ive seen given the decimated squad and awful gameplan at the time.

obvious choice for me

Fireball07

BOD

POC for me.