Eddie O'Sullivan

redmca2

I have seen Eddie O'Sullivan on Against the Head a few times. He comes across as very level headed and knowledgeable (naturally).

I am surprised he has not landed a decent job managing a Rabo or HEC team.

Despite this he does not display and sign of bitterness or disappointment to be a somewhat forgotten man. One might recall that Kidney took over from him in late 2008, lost to the All Blacks in Croke Park and went on to win the Grand Slam a few months later. That team was built by EOS.

CGD

redmca2 wrote: »

I have seen Eddie O'Sullivan on Against the Head a few times. He comes across as very level headed and knowledgeable (naturally).

I am surprised he has not landed a decent job managing a Rabo or HEC team.

Despite this he does not display and sign of bitterness or disappointment to be a somewhat forgotten man. One might recall that Kidney took over from him in late 2008, lost to the All Blacks in Croke Park and went on to win the Grand Slam a few months later. That team was built by EOS.

His nick name was the dagger that should tell you everything.

In life you reap what you sow and that is what is happeningto Eddie. Wasn't the nicest person on the way up the ladder and people are slow to forget that on his way back down! Plenty of young exciting coaches around who need an oppurtunity.

In saying that he would do a decent job for most of the teams in the rabo or even in the English league

Buer

His politics hurt him in the long run but there's no way that he wouldn't be of significant benefit to the majority of sides around. If he was as intolerable as some make out, he wouldn't have lasted in the Irish job for 7 years; the players would have wanted him out before that.

We do not have the coaching talent in this country to be so dismissive of someone with his ability. The fact that not one province has an Irish head coach should be indication enough of that. More proof of it is that the assistant coach at each province bar Ulster is foreign also.

Then we have one of the best rugby brains we've ever produced being completely ignored due to old scores being settled. It would make sense to hire him on a consulting basis and provide input to different levels of the game in Ireland.

evil_seed

He was asked last night how do we improve. His response "We get better". Fantastic insight indeed:rolleyes:

Robert McGrath

evil_seed wrote: »

He was asked last night how do we improve. His response "We get better". Fantastic insight indeed:rolleyes:

To be fair, his analysis on Against The Head was by far the most technical of all the panelists (IMHO)

its_phil

evil_seed wrote: »

He was asked last night how do we improve. His response "We get better". Fantastic insight indeed:rolleyes:

Come on. He was just after doing some fantastic analysis on Ireland pointing out what Ireland did well. It was about 5 mins of straight analysis

The RTE rugby crew needs a shakeup, because rugby fans are becoming more intelligent and unfortunately Lenihan and Keys just don't provide as much insight to the modern game. I'd be putting three people on commentary and a three man panel from ROG/ Horgan/ Pope and O'Shea hosted by Joanne Cantwell.

former legend

CGD wrote: »

His nick name was the dagger that should tell you everything.

I think that originated from his playing days as a winger, because he was able to slice open defences.

I would hate to think that there was a vendetta against him but there could well be. He would have been far better qualified for the Connacht job than Pat Lam, for example.

its_phil

former legend wrote: »

I think that originated from his playing days as a winger, because he was able to slice open defences.

I would hate to think that there was a vendetta against him but there could well be. He would have been far better qualified for the Connacht job than Pat Lam, for example.

EDIT: _

Buer

evil_seed wrote: »

He was asked last night how do we improve. His response "We get better". Fantastic insight indeed:rolleyes:

I'd like to think that most are sensible enough not to take much from a throwaway comment in comparison to years of proven quality in terms of analysis and coaching.

vienne86

I presume there is some reason for his being out of a job - I agree, his analysis is spot on, and I love to see him on a panel. Very articulate and inciteful.

.ak

evil_seed wrote: »

He was asked last night how do we improve. His response "We get better". Fantastic insight indeed:rolleyes:

Stupid answer to a stupid question.

Larbre34

I thought his show-and-tell on the attack v defence match ups at full tilt was very interesting, even if the deflector shield 'green wall' was a bit Sky Sportsy!

He is no doubt a very able rugby man, but his style has burnt too many bridges and there are no jobs available where his reputation doesn't go before him. He makes a good analyst and Ive no doubt would be a good performer on the board of a sports initiative, like perhaps the World Cup bid.

Blindside87

I agree..we played some of our best rugby under Eddie. I think he is very much in the Joe Schmidt mold of coaches...very technical and knows how to beat the opposition. Unfortunately he seems to have burned bridges somewhere along the line. I am sure he could get a job in the UK somewhere though? Probably our best coach ever so far as it stands.

Rightwing

I thought last season Connacht should have appointed him coach, I've seen nothing since to suggest otherwise.

FrannoFan

Rightwing wrote: »

I thought last season Connacht should have appointed him coach, I've seen nothing since to suggest otherwise.

He left connacht high and dry when he was appointed there before, can't blame them for not wanting him back.(how many Leinster fans/board would welcome Kidney back after jumping ship after one season?)
It's interesting to see the contrasting careers of Gatland and him

bilston

its_phil wrote: »

Come on. He was just after doing some fantastic analysis on Ireland pointing out what Ireland did well. It was about 5 mins of straight analysis

The RTE rugby crew needs a shakeup, because rugby fans are becoming more intelligent and unfortunately Lenihan and Keys just don't provide as much insight to the modern game. I'd be putting three people on commentary and a three man panel from ROG/ Horgan/ Pope and O'Shea hosted by Joanne Cantwell.

I think next season sees a series of new TV deals come into play with the Pro 12, HEC/RCC and the November Series (not sure about the 6Ns) so it might be a good time for a revamp.

its_phil

bilston wrote: »

I think next season sees a series of new TV deals come into play with the Pro 12, HEC/RCC and the November Series (not sure about the 6Ns) so it might be a good time for a revamp.

Isn't the November series just not going to be for UK coverage? Sorry to remind you bilston, I remember there was a lot of discontent about here from the Ulster contingent but didn't look very hard tbh

former legend

its_phil wrote: »

Isn't the November series just not going to be for UK coverage? Sorry to remind you bilston, I remember there was a lot of discontent about here from the Ulster contingent but didn't look very hard tbh

Yeah but Sky will be broadcasting Ireland games to the republic as well as RTE, so there will be a bit of competition. And frankly, if Sky have their usual high calibre of pundits and RTE are still rolling out Hooky, well I know which one I'll be watching.
Even on Sunday, Clive Woodward and Keith Wood were a great alternative to have, not to mention being able to dodge Ryle Nugent.

OldRio

Unfortunately that alternative will now cost us money.

yosser hughes

OldRio wrote: »

Unfortunately that alternative will now cost us money.

How much do you think Tom McGurk et al get paid? It ain't free either

its_phil

former legend wrote: »

Yeah but Sky will be broadcasting Ireland games to the republic as well as RTE, so there will be a bit of competition. And frankly, if Sky have their usual high calibre of pundits and RTE are still rolling out Hooky, well I know which one I'll be watching.
Even on Sunday, Clive Woodward and Keith Wood were a great alternative to have, not to mention being able to dodge Ryle Nugent.

I actually like Nugent. Just seems like a fan, sitting on the couch with you which is fine with me when it is on a national broadcaster's station.

yosser hughes

former legend wrote: »

Yeah but Sky will be broadcasting Ireland games to the republic as well as RTE, so there will be a bit of competition. And frankly, if Sky have their usual high calibre of pundits and RTE are still rolling out Hooky, well I know which one I'll be watching.
Even on Sunday, Clive Woodward and Keith Wood were a great alternative to have, not to mention being able to dodge Ryle Nugent.

Yeah I was able to watch on BBC for the first time in ages and it was a much more enjoyable experience. Brian Moore is excellent and Woodward and Wood were interesting. I really enjoyed it.
I can't abide Tom McGurk and switch them off at half time etc. But there's no avoiding Ryle or Hugh Cahill if they are commentating.
BBC all the way for me unless it's the NI crew who are covering it.

uRbaN

Eddies Blog is always worth a read. Coherent analysis regardless of his history.
http://www.eddieosullivan.com/blog/

http://whiffofcordite.com/
http://dementedmole.com/

I also find worth the read.

paulo6891

yosser hughes wrote: »

Brian Moore is excellent...

Hmm, I can't agree with that. For me, he is possibly the most annoying man on tv.

yosser hughes

I saw against the head last night as well. I enjoyed listening to Eddie as well and it struck me that it is a waste that he's not coaching in some capacity. He has huge experience.
I also though Joanne cantwell was good. She has more insight in to rugby than McGurk has anyway.

yosser hughes

paulo6891 wrote: »

Hmm, I can't agree with that. For me, he is possibly the most annoying man on tv.

I knew someone would disagree.:) He knows his stuff. That's all I care about

bilston

its_phil wrote: »

Isn't the November series just not going to be for UK coverage? Sorry to remind you bilston, I remember there was a lot of discontent about here from the Ulster contingent but didn't look very hard tbh

Yeah it's only up here where the broadcaster changes, but even still with a new deal in place maybe RTE might give their coverage a revamp anyway. As Former Legend says they will have proper competition for viewers on both sides of the border next year.

Flincher

its_phil wrote: »

Come on. He was just after doing some fantastic analysis on Ireland pointing out what Ireland did well. It was about 5 mins of straight analysis

The RTE rugby crew needs a shakeup, because rugby fans are becoming more intelligent and unfortunately Lenihan and Keys just don't provide as much insight to the modern game. I'd be putting three people on commentary and a three man panel from ROG/ Horgan/ Pope and O'Shea hosted by Joanne Cantwell.

Nearly threw my slippers at the tv when Keyes was blathering on about downward pressure for the try Nick Cummins had disallowed against us. For someone who is paid the commentate not to know a fairly important law drives me mad.

Cummins was in possession, he didn't feckin need downward pressure.

On topic, surely Eddie could do some work with some provinces at least on a consultancy basis. Some of the backplay during his reign was outstanding, especially when you compare it to the error-prone crabbing sideways carp we often get served up in Thomond.

Buer

Flincher wrote: »

On topic, surely Eddie could do some work with some provinces at least on a consultancy basis. Some of the backplay during his reign was outstanding, especially when you compare it to the error-prone crabbing sideways carp we often get served up in Thomond.

As a Leinster fan, I genuinely would fear what EOS could do with a back line including Murray, JJH, Earls, Laulala and Zebo.

I wouldn't have any issue with him being out in the cold if provinces had no need for him but Connacht and Munster are absolutely screaming for the input of someone like him.

bilston

Flincher wrote: »

Some of the backplay during his reign was outstanding, especially when you compare it to the error-prone crabbing sideways carp we often get served up in Thomond.

I always remember a try that Tyrone Howe scored against South Africa. There was some outstanding backs play in it. Think it came off a lineout.

I think at the time EOS was the backs coach at the time as opposed to head coach but it was a real cracker. Must try to source it out on Youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shNpicZJKKU

The try is actually down to a wonderful pass by BOD but look at the decoy lines across the back line. I think every single back is involved in this move in one form or another.

rrpc

bilston wrote: »

Edit - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shNpicZJKKU

I'll let the MODs embed...

I'm sure the Mods will be eternally grateful to you for your largesse

You just click the YouTube icon on the toolbar and insert the bit after the equals sign in the above link (shNpicZJKKU) between the YOUTUBE tags.

Like this:

Rightwing

FrannoFan wrote: »

He left connacht high and dry when he was appointed there before, can't blame them for not wanting him back.(how many Leinster fans/board would welcome Kidney back after jumping ship after one season?)
It's interesting to see the contrasting careers of Gatland and him

Fair point, but is it a case of biting your nose to spite your face? If he's the best qualified, he should get it.

Gatland is simply way ahead of him imo.

bilston

rrpc wrote: »

I'm sure the Mods will be eternally grateful to you for your largesse

You just click the YouTube icon on the toolbar and insert the bit after the equals sign in the above link (shNpicZJKKU) between the YOUTUBE tags.

Like this:

I am a generous man!:D

Cheers, today has been a learning day!

jayg1971

bilston wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shNpicZJKKU

The try is actually down to a wonderful pass by BOD but look at the decoy lines across the back line. I think every single back is involved in this move in one form or another.

Great try indeed !

Are my eyes playing tricks with me as I read the "logo" or whatever it is in the middle of the field...? Can anyone make out what it says ?

.ak

jayg1971 wrote: »

Great try indeed !

Are my eyes playing tricks with me as I read the "logo" or whatever it is in the middle of the field...? Can anyone make out what it says ?

B'shít.

T'was our motto.

who_me

Flincher wrote: »

Nearly threw my slippers at the tv when Keyes was blathering on about downward pressure for the try Nick Cummins had disallowed against us. For someone who is paid the commentate not to know a fairly important law drives me mad.

Cummins was in possession, he didn't feckin need downward pressure.

On topic, surely Eddie could do some work with some provinces at least on a consultancy basis. Some of the backplay during his reign was outstanding, especially when you compare it to the error-prone crabbing sideways carp we often get served up in Thomond.

I'm sometimes surprised at how many laws ex-internationals are unaware of (or fuzzy on). From talking about passes going forward based on the pitch lines (not really relevant, given momentum) to confusion about the breakdown (I remember Lenihan confidently saying how Horan had just scored a try, despite the fact he was lying in the middle of a ruck and thus 'out of play' - to be fair the ref & TMO got it wrong as well!)

jayg1971

.ak wrote: »

B'shít.

T'was our motto.

I know you are kidding.....Right ? Yeah you are.....

















are you...

danthefan

bilston wrote: »

The try is actually down to a wonderful pass by BOD but look at the decoy lines across the back line. I think every single back is involved in this move in one form or another.

Really brilliant. As you say some great decoy lines keep a pile of SA defenders in the middle of the park, so by the time it gets to Hickie he's all the space in the world and with his pace it's only ending up one way, just has to lay off the pass.

I'd have no problem if EOS took over Leinster at some stage, he's an excellent coach and I'm also really surprised he hasn't had another job.

Flincher wrote: »

Nearly threw my slippers at the tv when Keyes was blathering on about downward pressure for the try Nick Cummins had disallowed against us. For someone who is paid the commentate not to know a fairly important law drives me mad.

Cummins was in possession, he didn't feckin need downward pressure.

On topic, surely Eddie could do some work with some provinces at least on a consultancy basis. Some of the backplay during his reign was outstanding, especially when you compare it to the error-prone crabbing sideways carp we often get served up in Thomond.

Tony Ward (who can't even come close to remaining impartial) in the last Munster v Leinster game was moaning that Madigan took a quick lineout and threw it backwards. Said the ball had to be in straight. I mean, honest to god.

Trojan

Let's not lose the heads here. EOS was a disaster of a coach in his last few seasons with Ireland. He didn't make tactical substitutions, ever. He didn't use the squad, he didn't pick players on form but from his small group of favourites, and he seemed to have long term grudges against other players (Murphy & Quinlan in particular). He never varied the lineout, and he mis-used the most talented group of players we've ever had in the best opportunity we'll ever get to make it to the late stages of a World Cup.

Take off the rose-tinted glasses and remember our dreams in tatters in Paris.

Zzippy

its_phil wrote: »

EDIT: _

PM?

danthefan

Trojan wrote: »

Let's not lose the heads here. EOS was a disaster of a coach in his last few seasons with Ireland. He didn't make tactical substitutions, ever. He didn't use the squad, he didn't pick players on form but from his small group of favourites, and he seemed to have long term grudges against other players (Murphy & Quinlan in particular). He never varied the lineout, and he mis-used the most talented group of players we've ever had in the best opportunity we'll ever get to make it to the late stages of a World Cup.

Take off the rose-tinted glasses and remember our dreams in tatters in Paris.

Last few seasons? That's just incorrect. The last 9 months or of his tenure were terrible, encompassing the 2008 6N and the 2007 RWC, no doubt. The 2007 6N was excellent, in 2006 we won 4 as well and had great games against Aus and SA.

molloyjh

danthefan wrote: »

Last few seasons? That's just incorrect. The last 9 months or of his tenure were terrible, encompassing the 2008 6N and the 2007 RWC, no doubt. The 2007 6N was excellent, in 2006 we won 4 as well and had great games against Aus and SA.

Sure weren't people tipping us to get to the final in the 2007 RWC after our performance in the 6 Nations that year?

CatFromHue

Trojan wrote: »

Let's not lose the heads here. EOS was a disaster of a coach in his last few seasons with Ireland. He didn't make tactical substitutions, ever. He didn't use the squad, he didn't pick players on form but from his small group of favourites, and he seemed to have long term grudges against other players (Murphy & Quinlan in particular). He never varied the lineout, and he mis-used the most talented group of players we've ever had in the best opportunity we'll ever get to make it to the late stages of a World Cup.

Take off the rose-tinted glasses and remember our dreams in tatters in Paris.

Yup he really held a grudge against that guy he capped 70 something times while there was an excellent player also in that position of that other guy he capped 20 something times in the position where the competition for places was massive.

P_1

Actually it seems that once you become an international coach it is quite hard to get a gig afterwards. Off the top of my head there'e EOS and Kidney (early days I know) for Ireland, Johnson and Ashton for England, Robinson and Hadden for Scotland, and so on

phog

I'd have EOS as a back coach but not as a head coach.

thomond2006

Zzippy wrote: »

PM?

Sure CC me while you're at it.

its_phil

Zzippy wrote: »

PM?

Gimme a while.

&me please.

Gossip hounds 'r' us!

P_1

thomond2006 wrote: »

Sure CC me while you're at it.

Me too please

Robert McGrath

P_1 wrote: »

Me too please

Me three! Intrigued ...

Morf

I'll wait for it to appear on balls.ie or thescore.ie as a screenshot of pms.