Who will replace BOD?

Kayless

I know this has probably been done to death in other threads but Brian O’Driscoll has been Irelands best player for the last decade.

So who do you think should/will replace BOD short term/ long term? Is there a partnership you would like to see going forward? and if so why?

The contenders:

Robbie Henshaw



Age - 20
Height - 6 ft 3 1⁄2
Weight - 15 st 8 lb
Positions - Fullback, Centre

Darren Cave



Age 26
Height - 6 ft
Weight - 15 st 3 lb
Positions - Centre

Jared Payne



Age - 28
Height - 6 ft 1 in
Weight - 14 st 13 lb
Positions - Fullback, Centre, Wing

Luke Fitzgerald



Age - 26
Hight - 6 ft 1 in
Weight - 14. 5 lb
Positions - Wing, Centre, Fullback

Tommy Bowe



Age 30
Height - 6 ft 3 in
Weight - 16 st 1 lb
Positions - Wing, Centre

Outside bets

Stuart Olding



Age - 21
Height - 5 ft 11 in
Weight - 13. 9 lb
Positions - Centre, Fullback

Danie Poolman (IQ before the 2015 World Cup)



Age - 25
Height - 6 ft 2 1⁄2 in
Weight - 14 st 7 lb
Positions - Wing, Centre

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

Earls ? More likely than Bowe or Poolman

awec

Tommy Bowe is definitely just an outside bet. Unlikely we will move our best winger to a different position.

.ak

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

Earls ? More likely than Bowe or Poolman

Personally I'd love if it wasn't in consideration, even though yes, he's more of a centre than Bowe for example.

I just think like Fitzgerald, he's far too good on the wing to take off it. Although you could probably say the same about Payne and Henshaw at FB.

JonKelleher

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

Earls ? More likely than Bowe or Poolman

Earls is useless. He won't even start for Munster next season.

phog

Depends on who's playing at OC for their provinces and despite Boards talk I'm not sure we'll see Payne play there for Ulster.

If you're listing outside bets then you must list Earls there.

.ak

phog wrote: »

Depends on who's playing at OC for their provinces and despite Boards talk I'm not sure we'll see Payne play there for Ulster.

If you're listing outside bets then you must list Earls there.

Payne will be be playing 13 for his province....

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

JonKelleher wrote: »

Earls is useless. He won't even start for Munster next season.

fantastic analysis :rolleyes:

In reality Earls has a lot more experience as an international 13 than any of the above. He had a good 2012 six nations there in a bad team. It's not his best position and I'd have Cave/Olding/Payne ahead of him myself but he's certainly in with a chance of playing there

jacothelad

JonKelleher wrote: »

Earls is useless. He won't even start for Munster next season.

Good God.............................................................................

Kayless

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

Earls ? More likely than Bowe or Poolman

Think he has already committed himself to the wing, however Schmidt has been quoted as saying he's been very imprested with Earls.

.ak

JonKelleher wrote: »

Earls is useless. He won't even start for Munster next season.

Please read the charter before dropping in with this sort of crap.

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

Kayless wrote: »

Think he has already committed himself to the wing, however Schmidt has been quoted as saying he's been very imprested with Earls.

where? He's undoubtedly a better winger but he has much more of a chance of starting for ireland at 13 than Poolman or Bowe. As does McFadden actually!

In fact I could easily see McFadden or Earls starting a test in the summer at 13

Tox56

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/northern-ireland/22482921

Payne wants to play 13, GIVE THE MAN WHAT HE WANTS

Kayless

I think in terms of a partnership if we could get Olding playing 12 and Payne playing 13 for a least one whole season we'd been in a great position going forward but the problem is Marshall and now Cave seem to be ahead of Olding and Ulster don't have many good fullbacks to replace Payne if he does move to 13.

stephen_n

I would imagine it will be one of the Centre's who are playing there for their provinces in the short term anyway. Possibly Payne in the long term, moving Bowe or trying again to convert Earls is a no go IMO, they are out and out wingers and at that probably our best options for starting wingers if fit and on form. Luke could really be a possibility if he stayed fit and got a good bit of game time with Leinster, that's a big if though.

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

My own personal opinion is that Payne is going to be our next thirteen bar a massive progression in Olding or Henshaw's game

Tox56

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

where? He's undoubtedly a better winger but he has much more of a chance of starting for ireland at 13 than Poolman or Bowe. As does McFadden actually!

In fact I could easily see McFadden or Earls starting a test in the summer at 13

Jaysus I hope not, we've only got 2 tests and I'd much much rather see Henshaw and Cave share the jersey

rrpc

First thing is we can't replace BOD

We can get somebody to play at 13 though and I suspect for Leinster it's a toss up between Reid, Macken, McFadden or possibly Luke Fitz (I'm leaving Payne out of this ).

For Ireland it'll be then a choice of one of the above plus Payne, Henshaw, Olding, Cave or perhaps Earls though I think Earls is too good as a winger to be moved.

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

Tox56 wrote: »

Jaysus I hope not, we've only got 2 tests and I'd much much rather see Henshaw and Cave share the jersey

as would I but if we've an inexperienced ten starting alongside Marshall I wouldn't be entirely surprised to see it

awec

Don't forget Ferris, he can move himself well enough to be a back!

Larbre34

I'm glad to see McFadden back centre tonight, I think he is certainly more a centre than a wing and I hope he is eased back infield at all levels this year.

Future 13 for Ireland? I think Cave has it in him, he justs needs a run, cos he can be mesmerising when hes on form. Im giving him my vote, but all of Fitzy, McFadden, Earls and Payne will be needed to build the squad and enable mixing and matching. The future is bright.

EmmeF

Payne is the most likely candidate

phog

EmmeF wrote: »

Payne is the most likely candidate

How come?

He plays FB for his province and I dont see that changing without some sort of request/instruction from the IRFU and I really dont see that happening either.

Imho, the centre that plays for Ireland will be playing centre for their respective province. Munster might go with Earls, Leinster might go with McFadden or Fitz, Ulster might go with Payne.

Also, I think the poll is flawed without having Earls

awec

Arguments about Earls as a centre in 5....4....3....

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

phog wrote: »

How come?

He plays FB for his province and I dont see that changing without some sort of request/instruction from the IRFU and I really dont see that happening either.

Imho, the centre that plays for Ireland will be playing centre for their respective province. Munster might go with Earls, Leinster might go with McFadden or Fitz, Ulster might go with Payne.

Also, I think the poll is flawed without having Earls

Far too much being made about Payne not playing 13 consistently for Ulster when the fact is he's the best 13 in the country regardless. Makes no sense keeping him or Kearney out of the side, two of the best backs in the country

He's going to play 13 for Ireland. Of that I'm 90% sure

.ak

phog wrote: »

How come?

He plays FB for his province and I dont see that changing without some sort of request/instruction from the IRFU and I really dont see that happening either.

Imho, the centre that plays for Ireland will be playing centre for their respective province. Munster might go with Earls, Leinster might go with McFadden or Fitz, Ulster might go with Payne.

Also, I think the poll is flawed without having Earls

He's most likely candidate because he's the most skilled. He might be a better FB but I think he's a better OC than Ferg, Henshaw, Earls etc.,

prospect

I voted Payne, but only because Sean Cronin isn't on the list.

Zeebs

phog wrote: »

How come?

He plays FB for his province and I dont see that changing without some sort of request/instruction from the IRFU and I really dont see that happening either.

Imho, the centre that plays for Ireland will be playing centre for their respective province. Munster might go with Earls, Leinster might go with McFadden or Fitz, Ulster might go with Payne.

Also, I think the poll is flawed without having Earls

The Keith Earls experiment at 13 has been tried and it just doesn't work. Earls has poor distribution, tunnel vision and is liable to being caught out of position in the centre.

Its why hes a winger. There have been a number of occassions when Earls has butchered overlaps and its not an occasional habit that you'd want to see in your 13.

Payne is streets ahead of the competition in terms of the attributes for 13. Although it will be interesting to see how Olding progresses. I would love to see 11.Fitzgerald 12.Olding 13.Payne 14.Bowe 15.Kearney one day

stephen_n

awec wrote: »

Arguments for Earls as a centre in 5....4....3....

There aren't any!

Podge_irl

I would say that Earls is not the kind of player that Schmidt would like at centre but then he played Ferg there a good bit ahead of O'Malley (:( ) and he would share a lot of similar problems with Earls.

Think the chances of Earls getting it are pretty remote though - he's never even been in the discussion when Schmidt's been talking about it.

decisions

Fanning anyone? Big, carries well ect...

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

Zeebs wrote: »

The Keith Earls experiment at 13 has been tried and it just doesn't work. Earls has poor distribution, tunnel vision and is liable to being caught out of position in the centre.

Its why hes a winger. There have been a number of occassions when Earls has butchered overlaps and its not an occasional habit that you'd want to see in your 13.

Payne is streets ahead of the competition in terms of the attributes for 13. Although it will be interesting to see how Olding progresses. I would love to see 11.Fitzgerald 12.Olding 13.Payne 14.Bowe 15.Kearney one day

Ah, knew it wouldn't be long before the hyperbolic Earls slating got going. He's a decent 13, better winger but some people just see what they want

Zeebs

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

Ah, knew it wouldn't be long before the hyperbolic Earls slating got going. He's a decent 13, better winger but some people just see what they want

What do you disagree with?

His Poor distribution?
His tunnel vision?
His poor positioning at 13?

All 3 of the above?

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience

Zeebs wrote: »

What do you disagree with?

His Poor distribution?
His tunnel vision?
His poor positioning at 13?

All 3 of the above?

I'd rather go to Bogota Columbia than get into it tbh

I am pie

It'll be Payne, which I imagine will make Darren Cave's head explode as he has been very good for Ulster this year at 13, in fact he is probably the 2nd best 13 in the country consistently playing at 13. That said, Payne is a better player and will be in. Cave has already had a little twitter rant and you have to wonder about the impact on the Ulster dressing room.

Olding is one to watch but when back from injury.

Earls had a chance and he proved that he is definetly a winger and not an OC, mcfadden would be ahead of him. He probably should be in the poll ahead of the likes of Danie for example but still, it aint gonna happen. Fairly certain the next man in will be Leinster or Ulster based. In truth I can't see Henshaw or Danie getting near the shirt unless they changed provinces. Need those high profile matches and a winning habit to get your shot i feel unless they were significantly better than the rest which they arent, especially with so many other challengers in the field.

Zeebs

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

I'd rather go to Bogota Columbia than get into it tbh

It's spelt Colombia.

I am pie

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

I'd rather go to Bogota Columbia than get into it tbh

Not a bad spot. Watch out for the altitude tho, it'll get you after a few beers.

phog

Ugo Monye spacecraft experience wrote: »

Far too much being made about Payne not playing 13 consistently for Ulster when the fact is he's the best 13 in the country regardless. Makes no sense keeping him or Kearney out of the side, two of the best backs in the country

He's going to play 13 for Ireland. Of that I'm 90% sure

.ak wrote: »

He's most likely candidate because he's the most skilled. He might be a better FB but I think he's a better OC than Ferg, Henshaw, Earls etc.,

Perhaps he's the most likely and pewrhaps it makes no sense not to have Kearney at FB and Payne at 13 but if Ulster continue to play him at 15 will Joe play him at 13?

To me it will make no sense playing him there unless he plays there for Ulster.

The argument about Earls is obviously just that an argument, all I'm saying about him not being in the poll is that he is in a stronger postion to play 13 for Ireland than some of the outside chances listed.

George Hook

I think Cave will get it for the next while, given the way Schmidt has been operating and what he's been saying.
He rewards people for working hard, which Cave has been doing in spades this season. The other guys from Ulster; Henry and Trimble have done a good job for him. He also mentioned Cave and Henshaw in an interview but had to be reminded of Payne.

Henshaw will be there or there abouts, I think he might be a little young yet but I think he will play 13 after Cave, depending on how well Cave does at test level.

Payne will be involved in the squad, whilst he could start he would be fantastic to have on the bench since he covers so many back positions and can create a lot of things especially when the other team gets tired out.

molloyjh

Payne is the obvious choice for who should play at 13. At least in my eyes anyway.

I think Joe will be looking at both Cave and Henshaw in Argentina though so a lot hangs on how they go. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I would love to see Cave in a Schmidt side. I really think the guy could be top class if given a run at it.

Yeah_Right

Got to agree that Earls isn't a centre. The comments about his tunnel vision and poor distribution are so true. Much better as a winger. i think it will be Payne with Henshaw as a development project. Have to admit that I haven't seen enough of Cave to really comment. But what I have seen hasn't exactly smoked my tyres. He got MOTM the other week and I remember thinking WTF?!?! Don't know how they chose him. I'm not saying he is a bad player, just that I haven't seen anything from him to convince me he is the answer.

Then again I didn't think much of Toner for the first couple of years I watched him :eek: whoops!!

I think McFadden could be a good option if he got a lot of game time there with Leinster. Seems to have all the basic skills, is aggressive and has a good turn of pace. Experience there will help his instincts and positioning, especially outside Ol' Man Darcy.

brinty

Lads seem to be forgetting that Cave hasn't played under Joe yet, Payne is ineligible until 6n next year and Olding is behind Cave, Payne and Marshall at Ulster. Whomever gets more games at 13 for Ulster is in position to get games for Ireland.

I'm leaving out Luke Fitz as unfortunately he just can't seem to stay fit. I think he'd be the best immediately available option but it depends on who plays 13 for Leinster next season same as in Ulster

The obvious choices are McFadden and Henshaw.

For me McFadden is a back up at best, solid but unspectacular (Awaits deluge of abuse from Leinster fans) and lacks an x factor.

This leaves Henshaw, who Joe threw in against Australia in the autumn and held up his end. He's been in camp all season doing sessions with BOD, learning from the Master (so has Cave since his dummy throwing) running the patterns and will know Joe's system. He's playing a lot of `13 this season. if he's good enough he's old enough..Bod was 19 when he debuted, Fickou started last week at 19, age should not be a barrier..


So for me its
Henshaw
McFadden
Cave
Payne
Olding

.ak

phog wrote: »

Perhaps he's the most likely and pewrhaps it makes no sense not to have Kearney at FB and Payne at 13 but if Ulster continue to play him at 15 will Joe play him at 13?

To me it will make no sense playing him there unless he plays there for Ulster.

The argument about Earls is obviously just that an argument, all I'm saying about him not being in the poll is that he is in a stronger postion to play 13 for Ireland than some of the outside chances listed.

Really the question should be will MOC play him at 15 or 13?

Yeah_Right

brinty wrote: »

Lads seem to be forgetting that Cave hasn't played under Joe yet, Payne is ineligible until 6n next year and Olding is behind Cave, Payne and Marshall at Ulster. Whomever gets more games at 13 for Ulster is in position to get games for Ireland.

I'm leaving out Luke Fitz as unfortunately he just can't seem to stay fit. I think he'd be the best immediately available option but it depends on who plays 13 for Leinster next season same as in Ulster

The obvious choices are McFadden and Henshaw.

For me McFadden is a back up at best, solid but unspectacular (Awaits deluge of abuse from Leinster fans) and lacks an x factor.

This leaves Henshaw, who Joe threw in against Australia in the autumn and held up his end. He's been in camp all season doing sessions with BOD, learning from the Master (so has Cave since his dummy throwing) running the patterns and will know Joe's system. He's playing a lot of `13 this season. if he's good enough he's old enough..Bod was 19 when he debuted, Fickou started last week at 19, age should not be a barrier..


So for me its
Henshaw
McFadden
Cave
Payne
Olding

I thought was IQ in time for the AIs.

Swiwi.

Is this not about the 5th thread on Ireland's next centre?? It's like the zebo threads.

JS name checked cave henshaw and Payne so I imagine it will be one of those three.

But I'm happy to just wait and see.

Crimsonforce

i wouldn't rule out poolman

Tox56

phog wrote: »

Perhaps he's the most likely and pewrhaps it makes no sense not to have Kearney at FB and Payne at 13 but if Ulster continue to play him at 15 will Joe play him at 13?

Certainly a possibility

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/rugby-union/26634497

brinty

Yeah_Right wrote: »

I thought was IQ in time for the AIs.

ye could be right there i'm not sure myself

thomond2006

Clint Newland ftw.

captbarnacles

awec wrote: »

Don't forget Ferris, he can move himself well enough to be a back!

Ok this is slightly crazy but leaving aside the fact no province will start him there would it work? good hands, quick, great carry and tackle, can offload well.

On a more sensible note would love to see Earls play centre after some Joe Schimdt coaching.

And back to the poll, I'd go with Fitzgerald. Does all the basics well and has really quick feet.

pickarooney

If he was French he'd be playing 13.