Ireland Vs Scotland (Sunday 2nd February 15:00. Aviva Stadium)

leonard7

Ireland Vs Scotland ( Sunday 2nd February 2014, k.o. 15:00. Aviva Stadium, Dublin

The Teams

Scotland
Stuart Hogg; Sean Maitland, Alex Dunbar (all Glasgow Warriors), Duncan Taylor (Saracens), Sean Lamont; Duncan Weir (both Glasgow Warriors), Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh); Ryan Grant (Glasgow Warriors), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Moray Low; Tim Swinson (both Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Montpellier); Ryan Wilson (Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Saracens, capt), David Denton (Edinburgh).

Replacements: Pat MacArthur (Glasgow Warriors), Alasdair Dickinson, Geoff Cross (both Edinburgh), Richie Gray (Castres), Johnnie Beattie (Montpellier), Chris Cusiter (Glasgow Warriors), Matt Scott (Edinburgh), Max Evans (Castres).


Ireland

(t.b.a. 1pm 31/1/2014) (can a mod copy this in)


The Match

Alas, the time has come again to welcome the Boys in Green back to the home of Irish rugby. We welcome them back after a “mixed bag” of Autumn Internationals in which hearts were broken against Australia and New Zealand, although, for very different reasons...

Ireland will be buoyed by the success of the provinces in the Heineken Cup (Ulster, Munster and Leinster all qualified for the next stage) but the taste of a 22-24 loss to the A.B.s will be more than enough to keep us hopeful against Scotland.

Scotland come to Dublin with a varied set of results in their recent history. Losses to Australia and South Africa cannot be hidden behind a complimentary 42-17 win over Japan. The Scottish clubs have had an interesting start to the season. Glasgow, as has been the case of late, have been strong at times in the Rabo sitting in 5th but will be disappointed with their last place finish in pool 2 of the Heineken cup. Edinburgh have been the weaker of the two sides currently sitting in 8th in the Rabo Pro 12.

Previous history between the two teams would lead us to believe that this may be a tighter affair than club form may suggest. Can Scotland kick their way to victory again through talisman Greg Laidlaw or will Jackson have an opportunity to make amends for missed kicks in Murrayfield?
The weather forecast would have us believe that it will be a dry day with cloud cover and if the conditions suit running rugby surely Ireland will have the advantage. The likes of Hogg and Maitland will hope to light up the Aviva but the question is ...do they have the backs inside them or the forward pack to set up a platform to allow them to do so.


Key Battles on the Pitch

Stuart Hogg vs Rob Kearney



The mercurial talent of Hogg will be welcomed back into the Scotland set up. The young lion will have a chance to play against his co-lion Rob Kearney who had an impressive autumn in the green. Hogg, with his quick feet, has the running and attacking advantage that many often say is missing from RKs game but to say Kearney is safe under the odd high ball or two would be an understatement. With the selection of the more kicking Weir, Kearney can expect to be kept busy as the Scots attempt to stay out of their half all game. The Irish defence will have to be wary of the running ability of Hogg in broken play as his ability to create something out of nothing could be the difference in a game that may be decided by very little (if previous matches are to go by).

Connor Murray vs Greg Laidlaw



The battle of the scrummies. If Greg Laidlaw can find his kicking boots in the Aviva, Ireland will have to be careful not to concede any penalties inside their own half. Although he may not have the longest boot in the world Laidlaw can strike with pinpoint accuracy on his day and let’s hope he doesn’t get four between the post like last season. A poster boy of Scottish rugby of late he will be hoping he can show that he should’ve got a free ticket to Australia in the summer instead of Murray. C. Murray has developed into a world class 9, gone are the days when his selection turned heads and he has shown for club and country the ability he has on the field. He will be looking to use his size and smarts to get the upper hand over Laidlaw on Sunday and will be key in determining the sort’ve ball Sexton (or Jackson) has to work with. He is a key man in defence and can use his size to give a certain bit of stability and reassurance at the breakdown.

Kelly Brown vs Chris Henry



Chris Henry will be playing with a point to prove come Sunday. He will hope that he can give Schmidt selection doubts even when the raging bull that is SO’B is fit. He has been magnificent for Ulster showing his ability as a ‘real 7’ and his workrate around the pitch. He will be hoping to put in a monstrous display in defence this Sunday. Kelly Brown has become much more assured in the last few years and is now a player that any team should do their homework on. His club team Saracens have been doing well in both the Premiership and the Heineken cup and he will be sure to want to show Henry what to expect when the Sarries role into Ravenhill. Another workhorse, his ability to rile up his fellow teammates will be crucial as they certainly go into the match as underdogs.

Rory Best vs Ross Ford


Rory Best has found a rich vein of form of late after a suspect Lions tour. His ability in open play has never been doubted, but can he get his darts right? His influence around the park will be key and his set piece play must be spot on to give us the platform our backs deserve. Ross Ford, a quiet and unassuming man, has been a stalwart of the Scotland team for the last few years. He will have to front up in and hope that his front row can compete with the likes of Cian Healy and Best. A common factor in many international games of late has been the importance of the scrum and it must be said that this, again, will be an influential factor. On paper Ireland have a strong pack and Best, the spearhead of this eight, will hope to have the Scots buckling from the word go.

Prediction
Ireland to win by 10...COME ON IRELAND!

Pudsy33

To think we doubted him, some preview man!

CatFromHue

What if Joe goes for Henshaw, Boss, Ruddock, and Cronin though :P

bilston

To think I doubted ya! Good man gor walking the walk Leonard.

Swiwi.

Poor write-up

Fireball07

Not too bad now :P


Although can a mod or someone close the bracket in the thread title, my OCD is killing me


Can't wait for this.

jacothelad

Fireball07 wrote: »

Not too bad now :P


Although can a mod or someone close the bracket in the thread title, my OCD is killing me


Can't wait for this.

What (Bracket?

awec

Before the squad announcement later today which I'm sure is going to cause a few points of discussion I am reminding people about the no tolerance for muppetry that is in place. Please read and re-read the notice posted at the top of the forum.

Any talk of provincial bias, or Schmidt having to prove he's not biased, or any other mind numbing provincial crap will see you infracted/banned.

Over the top criticisms of players or over the top gushing over players to the point where it's clear you are aiming to get a reaction will see you get the boot.

Remember that this is a discussion forum, you should be able to back up what you say. Even if it's just your opinion. "Player X is twice as good as Player Y" is a nothing statement and will only raise suspicions that you are trying to get people to react.

ScissorPaperRock

Trimble, Henry and Marshall to be the only changes to the starting 15 for the NZ match, according to GT's 'sources'. Tuohy ahead of Henderson on the bench, along with Jackson ahead of Madigan.

POSSIBLE IRELAND XV (to face Scotland); Rob Kearney (Leinster); Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Brian O’Driscoll (Leinster), Luke Marshall (Ulster), Dave Kearney (Leinster); Johnny Sexton (Racing Metro) , Conor Murray (Munster); Cian Healy (Leinster) , Rory Best (Ulster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Paul O’Connell (Munster, capt), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Chris Henry (Ulster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster). Replacements: Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Marty Moore, Dan Tuohy, Tommy O’Donnell, Isaac Boss, Paddy Jackson, Fergus McFadden.

wittycynic

ScissorPaperRock wrote: »

Trimble, Henry and Marshall to be the only changes to the starting 15 for the NZ match, according to GT's 'sources'. Tuohy ahead of Henderson on the bench, along with Jackson ahead of Madigan.

POSSIBLE IRELAND XV (to face Scotland); Rob Kearney (Leinster); Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Brian O’Driscoll (Leinster), Luke Marshall (Ulster), Dave Kearney (Leinster); Johnny Sexton (Racing Metro) , Conor Murray (Munster); Cian Healy (Leinster) , Rory Best (Ulster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Paul O’Connell (Munster, capt), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Chris Henry (Ulster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster). Replacements: Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Marty Moore, Dan Tuohy, Tommy O’Donnell, Isaac Boss, Paddy Jackson, Fergus McFadden.

Would be surprised to see Dave Kearney preferred to Fergus McFadden, especially after the latter's performance against Australia. Still, Dave has taken his chances at international level when given them.

With Tommy O'Donnell (an out and out 7) on the bench, I'm surprised Henderson wasn't opted for as the lock replacement, given his ability to cover 6.

I suppose we'll know for sure this afternoon.

trackguy

ScissorPaperRock wrote: »

Trimble, Henry and Marshall to be the only changes to the starting 15 for the NZ match, according to GT's 'sources'. Tuohy ahead of Henderson on the bench, along with Jackson ahead of Madigan.

POSSIBLE IRELAND XV (to face Scotland); Rob Kearney (Leinster); Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Brian O’Driscoll (Leinster), Luke Marshall (Ulster), Dave Kearney (Leinster); Johnny Sexton (Racing Metro) , Conor Murray (Munster); Cian Healy (Leinster) , Rory Best (Ulster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Paul O’Connell (Munster, capt), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Chris Henry (Ulster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster). Replacements: Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Marty Moore, Dan Tuohy, Tommy O’Donnell, Isaac Boss, Paddy Jackson, Fergus McFadden.

I'd be a little disappointed not to see Henshaw on the bench but that looks like a good team.

Rightwing

Forecast looking like it's going to be wet and windy, this will suit the Irish, bully them around.

ssaye2

Rightwing wrote: »

Forecast looking like it's going to be wet and windy, this will suit the Irish, bully them around.

Eh No, the exact opposite for a Schmidt team.

former legend

ScissorPaperRock wrote: »

Trimble, Henry and Marshall to be the only changes to the starting 15 for the NZ match, according to GT's 'sources'. Tuohy ahead of Henderson on the bench, along with Jackson ahead of Madigan.

POSSIBLE IRELAND XV (to face Scotland); Rob Kearney (Leinster); Andrew Trimble (Ulster), Brian O’Driscoll (Leinster), Luke Marshall (Ulster), Dave Kearney (Leinster); Johnny Sexton (Racing Metro) , Conor Murray (Munster); Cian Healy (Leinster) , Rory Best (Ulster), Mike Ross (Leinster), Devin Toner (Leinster), Paul O’Connell (Munster, capt), Peter O’Mahony (Munster), Chris Henry (Ulster), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster). Replacements: Jack McGrath, Sean Cronin, Marty Moore, Dan Tuohy, Tommy O’Donnell, Isaac Boss, Paddy Jackson, Fergus McFadden.

TBH, once Fitzgerald and McCarthy were ruled out, the only choices left were which of D'Arcy or Marshall and McFadden or Trimble would start.

Rightwing

ssaye2 wrote: »

Eh No, the exact opposite for a Schmidt team.

You also have to look at it from the Scots pov, it'll suit them less so.

bobwilliams

not a big rugby fan but my Dad wants to go to a game,has never been.
Would there be many tickets available outside the ground for the Scotland match going on past experience?

ssaye2

bobwilliams wrote: »

not a big rugby fan but my Dad wants to go to a game,has never been.
Would there be many tickets available outside the ground for the Scotland match going on past experience?

toutless.com has a few - cost price

you may be lucky around the ground but I hate buying there

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

Rightwing wrote: »

You also have to look at it from the Scots pov, it'll suit them less so.

Really?

It will suit the Scots down to the ground. Their game is built on frustrating the opposition and slowing down ball

What is it about Ireland's game do you think is suited to bad weather?

Rightwing

bobwilliams wrote: »

not a big rugby fan but my Dad wants to go to a game,has never been.
Would there be many tickets available outside the ground for the Scotland match going on past experience?

I'd say so, very few rate the Scots, and the weather will be poor, that in itself will keep some punters away.

Podge_irl

Rightwing wrote: »

I'd say so, very few rate the Scots, and the weather will be poor, that in itself will keep some punters away.

Well if people with tickets stay home its not much use to anyone.


The last thing I want to see if a wet weather slogfest. It doesn't suit Ireland in the slightest.

Synode

Forecast is ok for Sunday. Supposedly no rain so fingers crossed

Foggy.nelson

Every year I say never again am I going to a 6 nations match but then every February the excitement kicks in and I cant wait. C'mon Ireland

who_me

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

Really?

It will suit the Scots down to the ground. Their game is built on frustrating the opposition and slowing down ball

What is it about Ireland's game do you think is suited to bad weather?

Yeah, I'd agree. The Scot are masters at making a mess of the breakdown and slowing it all down. Anything that hinders handling / footing is going to play into that gameplan. Obviously, it also helps if there's a compliant / lenient ref.

WeleaseWoderick

bobwilliams wrote: »

not a big rugby fan but my Dad wants to go to a game,has never been.
Would there be many tickets available outside the ground for the Scotland match going on past experience?

As of this exact minute there are some tickets (17 in total!!) available on ticketmaster

19543261

jacothelad wrote: »

What (Bracket?

)

GOT YOUR BACK,
FIREBALL.

ssaye2

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/30619.php

Team announced at 12:30

arthritic disco dancer

ssaye2 wrote: »

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/30619.php

Team announced at 12:30

Got to be the worst kept secret in recent times. I don't know why they bother.

hello folks btw.

awec

arthritic disco dancer wrote: »

Got to be the worst kept secret in recent times. I don't know why they bother.

hello folks btw.

The leaked teams aren't always right.

pickarooney

Alas or at last?

arthritic disco dancer

awec wrote: »

The leaked teams aren't always right.

true-sometimes there are late injuries/changes due to tactics and other considerations but I was seeing Thornley's prediction in the times today-yesterday morning so I'd be surprised if it was different.

awec

I'd have no complaints over that team if it's true though.

ssaye2

http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/match_centre.php?section=lineups&fixid=27867

First game against Scotland ever

arthritic disco dancer

ssaye2 wrote: »

http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/match_centre.php?section=lineups&fixid=27867

First game against Scotland ever

not many Irish sounding names in that line up- clearly the selectors had an anti-southern bias in those days.

when did it all go wrong?

thomond2006

Needs to be said.




No tannoy music.

former legend

awec wrote: »

I'd have no complaints over that team if it's true though.

Of the 34-man squad announced, a certain number were never in the running to play this weekend (e.g. Murphy, Copeland, Jones, Cave).

Then Reddan, Fitzgerald and McCarthy were ruled out, so really the only decisions left were Tuohy vs Henderson and Ruddock v O'Donnell for the bench, and D'Arcy v Marshall and Trimble v McFadden to start.

I think everyone will be happy enough with whatever team is named simply because the decisions above don't leave any room for outrage. Is anyone really going to go bananas if McFadden does get the nod over Trimble?

former legend

ssaye2 wrote: »

http://www.irishrugby.ie/rugby/match_centre.php?section=lineups&fixid=27867

First game against Scotland ever

"Bulldog Irvine"? Was that his actual name??

ssaye2

former legend wrote: »

"Bulldog Irvine"? Was that his actual name??

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulldog_Irvine

A real 6's name haha

arthritic disco dancer

former legend wrote: »

"Bulldog Irvine"? Was that his actual name??

he must have been one ugly baby for his mum to call him that.

smurfjed

Any recommendations for an Irish Bar in Paris to watch this game?

thomond2006

Team announcement at 12:30pm: http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/live_streaming.php

ssaye2

smurfjed wrote: »

Any recommendations for an Irish Bar in Paris to watch this game?

http://www.kittyosheas.com/kitty_paris.asp

first up on google - never been though

http://www.brombeer.net/rugby/pubs/europe.html

Paris
Chez l'Ami Jean
Rue Mallard
Comments (Michel): A real classic. Good Basque cuisine, but above all a super atmosphere for 6 Nations matches or when Aviron Bayonnais comes to Paris. It is also the place, where all Belgians who like Rugby meet. There's few of them, but they're super!

Paris
Eden Park
10, Rue Princesse

Paris
The Black Bear
161, Rue Montmartre
Comments (U.N. Known): Owned by former great Jean-Pierre Rives

Paris (1er)
Café Oz
18, Rue Saint Denis
(01) 40 39 00 18
http://www.cafe-oz.com

Paris (1er)
Murphy's House Palais Royal
166, Rue Saint Honoré
(01) 42 60 20 14

Paris (4ème)
The Auld Alliance
80 Rue François Miron

Paris (6ème)
Coolin' Irish Pub
15, Rue Clément

Paris (8ème)
Le Rugby
2, Rue Roquépine
(01) 42 65 38 45

Paris (15ème)
Au Métro
18, Boulevard Pasteur
(01) 47 34 21 24
http://www.aumetro.com
Comments (Cyril): Un bar des amoureux du rugby ou les fans peuvent cotoyer les joueurs de l'équipe du stade français voir de l'équipe de france dans une ambiance conviviale !

Paris (16ème)
Le Jean Bouin
26, Avenue du Général Sarrail
(01) 40 71 61 00
Comments (U.N. Known): Just across the Parc des Princes and the Stade Français stadium.

Paris (18ème)
Le Corcoran's
110 Boulevard de Clichy
Comments (Nicolas): Large Irish pub with big screen and billiard.

former legend

smurfjed wrote: »

Any recommendations for an Irish Bar in Paris to watch this game?

Kitty O'Shea's (link above) is probably the most central and best-known of the Irish pubs. The layout is not great for watching matches but it will probably be packed.

There's another place called the Cuilin, think 'Odeon' is the metro stop IIRC, better screen set-up but more likely to be populated by French people who don't give a sh*t about the game.

My favourite Irish pub is Connolly's Corner but I've never watched a game there, it's pretty small so may not be ideal.

smurfjed

Thanks, we stay right beside the James Joyce, but that has gone seriously downhill over the last few years.

caew

I'd love to see some surprises in the team today and for the coaching staff to show they are thinking ahead to the World Cup.

Drop the old faithfuls who won't be there in 2015, yes they have done a great job, great servants, best players ever blah blah blah but it isn't going to do anything for us in two years time.

Blood the young players, maybe it means disappointing results this six nations but they will be competitive by the next six nations and ready for the World Cup.

We are running out out of competitve games between now and 2015 and it is unfair to not blood them in now.

However I fear the sentimentality will remain.

CatFromHue

I don't care about the RWC I want to win the 6N

ssaye2

caew wrote: »

I'd love to see some surprises in the team today and for the coaching staff to show they are thinking ahead to the World Cup.

Drop the old faithfuls who won't be there in 2015, yes they have done a great job, great servants, best players ever blah blah blah but it isn't going to do anything for us in two years time.

Blood the young players, maybe it means disappointing results this six nations but they will be competitive by the next six nations and ready for the World Cup.

We are running out out of competitve games between now and 2015 and it is unfair to not blood them in now.

However I fear the sentimentality will remain.

when posts have blah blah blah in them it really takes away from your point

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

caew wrote: »

I'd love to see some surprises in the team today and for the coaching staff to show they are thinking ahead to the World Cup.

Drop the old faithfuls who won't be there in 2015, yes they have done a great job, great servants, best players ever blah blah blah but it isn't going to do anything for us in two years time.

Blood the young players, maybe it means disappointing results this six nations but they will be competitive by the next six nations and ready for the World Cup.

We are running out out of competitve games between now and 2015 and it is unfair to not blood them in now.

However I fear the sentimentality will remain.

Who would you drop and who would their replacements be?

Grimebox

Minuscule irrelevant complaint leonard7, you're better off not changing the text colour. Not all of us use default skin. I prefer to read white on black whenever possible, easier on the eyes

CatFromHue

After this 6N there's
a 2 test tour to Argentina
3 tests in Nov 2014
5 games in 6N 2015
2 or 3 RWC2015 warm up games

So that's at least 12 games.

Winning both this and next 6N and doing well against SH opposition in June and November will be far far far better than experimenting with players now!

DGRulz

Team announcement stream here : http://www.irishrugby.ie/ireland/live_streaming.php

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

sound missing for anyone else on stream?