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2015 RBS Six Nations General Talk/Gossip/Rumours Thread

  • 06-01-2015 12:46pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,308 ✭✭✭✭.ak


    Well, with little over a month to go til the 2015 Six nations I'm getting excited already... The opening weekend really couldn't be more kinder to us.

    We play Italy, albeit away, but if we have plans of world domination then it shouldn't cause us any sleepless nights. Obviously it's always a banana skin and it'll be crucial to see what 10 takes Sexton's place, and more importantly on the day if Sexton gets the go ahead to feature the following week.

    Wales take on England in Cardiff the day before our game, a perfect window into where England sit. If they can turn over Wales in Cardiff on the first day we know they'll come to Dublin with the same mindset.

    France have the opportunity to stretch their legs a little against Scotland in Paris, but as always trying to predict a French game is as safe as Russian Roulette.

    For us I think we'll pick as strong a squad as possible. People always harp on about how we should rotate players during the 6n, especially against Scotland or Italy. But the days of them being walk-overs is long gone - and despite Italy taking a step backwards internationally speaking they still have the players to cause all sorts of issues. No, Schmidt will play his strongest squad for all 5 games. This is knock out rugby after all.

    For me, I think we'll see something along the lines of (for Italy):

    Backs: Rob Kearney, Tommy Bowe, Robbie Henshaw, Gordan D'arcy, Luke Fitzgerald, Paddy Jackson, Conor Murray

    Forwards: Jack McGrath, Rory Best, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Paul O'Connell, Peter O'Mahony, Tommy O'Donnell, Jamie Heaslip

    Subs: Richardt Struass, Dave Kilcoyne, Martin Moore, Mike McCarthy, Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Simon Zebo

    Most of the team picks itself, especially up front, and whilst there may be a few debatable calls there, especially around the half backs and midfield, the wider squad is more interesting - how many do we usually have in the 6N squad?

    Who will be the 2015 Winner? 322 votes

    Ireland
    0%
    England
    64%
    MaguinedPalefacedreginpuntosportingcpgucciefbBig Nellymoby2101Akrasiacruiserweightkeano_afcIcebergrrpcjones[Deleted User]SpudmonkeyRazzenDowntimeyermandan 209 votes
    France
    24%
    jimmadNeil3030TristramGordon Gekkojohnmolloy554Fuzzy_Dunlopadrian522shrapnel222dubrovThe CavemanAbusesToiletsBeanmachinerazorblunthollywoodhoppyDigifriendlyheebusjeebusomerinphilstarclevtrevadelcrowsmel 80 votes
    Wales
    5%
    blackdog2duckysaucezinzanbaker59John McClanegreendomtesttech05domino123deadybaiDonnielightokubDietsquirtkuang1Chief87[Deleted User]homecouldbheretommyteetoes 17 votes
    Scotland
    3%
    PhoneheadvangAll in allPTH2009SleazeMerchantQuint2010v6e5qzawyrc3jnpenybont exilehallo dareBob321.Baggy Trousers 11 votes
    Italy
    1%
    skybhoy121Sprog 4matthew the statueYeah_RightJakey Rolling 5 votes


«13456720

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭Quint2010


    Scotland
    Personally I think Fitzgerald is a shoo-in for the 13 jersey if he keeps his fitness. Would love to see a Henshaw-Fitzgerald midfield.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,308 ✭✭✭✭.ak


    Quint2010 wrote: »
    Personally I think Fitzgerald is a shoo-in for the 13 jersey if he keeps his fitness. Would love to see a Henshaw-Fitzgerald midfield.

    Yeah, it'll be interesting. I just think getting all our best players onto the pitch might involve Fitzy going back to the wing. Also, I think Darcy/Henshaw represents a 'safer' midfield. Both big tacklers and defensively sound... not that Fitzgerald isn't!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,784 ✭✭✭total former


    England
    I dunno about France v Scotland being an easy match; the Scots actually resembled a functioning rugby team in November for the first time in ages.

    I'd agree that we will see minimal chopping and changing in the Ireland team throughout the 6N. I'd like to see a couple of different centre partnerships tried out but I think D'Arcy - Henshaw will be given first bite at the cherry and if that goes well, Joe is not a man to change a winning team.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    England
    After his performance against Connacht I wouldn't be surprised if Zebo replaced Kearney as first choice Full Back.




    197c6irw7p7ibjpg.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,836 ✭✭✭✭Pudsy33


    England
    You might get a bite if Zebo had done anything in that game but he was anonymous. Kearney is safe for now.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,767 ✭✭✭✭molloyjh


    For me, and based solely on what we've seen so far this season plus the latest updates on the injury situation, I'm hoping we'll see this against Italy:

    Healy Best Ross
    Toner POC
    POM Heaslip TOD

    Murray Madigan
    Henshaw Fitzgerald
    Zebo R Kearney Bowe

    Strauss, McGrath, Moore, Tuohy, Murphy, Reddan, Jackson, McFadden

    It sounds like Healy will be back for at least 1 of the European games and I'd hope Jackson can find some form over the next few weeks meaning he could switch with Mads (but he needs to be taking the place kicks for Ulster too).

    I completely get the logic of moving Fitz back to the wing though. If we had a fully fit squad we might see more of the Henshaw/Payne partnership at centre which I was genuinely happy with against SA. But then if both Earls and Fitz stay fit and find form how do you select between them, Trimble and Bowe? Zebo and Ferg are well down the pecking order there for me, both being 3rd choice. I think long term we've a lot of options on the wings and we're still light on proven centres. Seeing as Henshaw and Fitz are both performing well there at the moment it might make more sense longer term to see how they go together in Italy. Maybe with a view to something like:

    Healy Best Ross
    Toner POC
    POM Heaslip SOB

    Murray Sexton
    Henshaw Fitzgerald
    Earls R Kearney Bowe

    Strauss, McGrath, Moore, Henderson, Ruddock, Marmion, Jackson, Payne

    With the likes of Trimble, Henry and Tuohy possibly displacing some of those based on form etc.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭Quint2010


    Scotland
    Do people really still think D'Arcy has it to be first choice 12? He was poor enough against Australia and his form for Leinster has been patchy at best. Don't me wrong he is still an option but no longer first choice.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,636 ✭✭✭✭Tox56


    Quint2010 wrote: »
    Do people really still think D'Arcy has it to be first choice 12? He was poor enough against Australia and his form for Leinster has been patchy at best. Don't me wrong he is still an option but no longer first choice.

    I agree I would rather not see him there unless his form is compelling in Leinster's two European games (assuming he plays in them). Henshaw-Fitzgerald is a very interesting combination and the two form centres this season, id rather see that as things stand


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,415 ✭✭✭Swiwi.


    Most of the Irish team picks itself these days. Only positions open for debate are loosehead prop, but injury to the Munster options probably means there will be no dramas for McGrath; openside flanker, but injuries once again means TOD should be safe; flyhalf; who pairs with Henshaw in midfield and whether Robbie is at 12 or 13 (I will be disappointed if it's Darcy/Fitzgerald), and left wing. If Fitzgerald keeps playing well and injury free, he should be 13, 11 or worse case 23.

    Leaving Ireland aside, I'm probably most interested to see how Scotland goes under Cotter. I would just love Scotland to surprise everyone and finish second behind Ireland!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,290 ✭✭✭aimee1


    Quint2010 wrote: »
    Do people really still think D'Arcy has it to be first choice 12? He was poor enough against Australia and his form for Leinster has been patchy at best. Don't me wrong he is still an option but no longer first choice.


    Defensively D'Arcy is sound but its in attack that is a problem IMO. The autumn was great but ireland won games based on great tactical awareness and some brilliant opportunism. Progress needs to be made attack wise and D'Arcy just doesnt bring what BOD managed to bring last year. In the last two games BOD was on the pitch for 7 tries, and had a major hand in 6 I think.

    Kearney, Bowe, Fitz, Henshaw, Zebo, Jackson, Murray
    McGrath, Best, Ross, Toner, POC, POM, Ruddock, Heaslip


    Bench - Healy, Strauss, AhYou/Moore, Foley, TOD, Reddan, Madigan, McFadden


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,636 ✭✭✭✭Tox56


    Swiwi. wrote: »
    Most of the Irish team picks itself these days. Only positions open for debate are loosehead prop, but injury to the Munster options probably means there will be no dramas for McGrath; openside flanker, but injuries once again means TOD should be safe; flyhalf; who pairs with Henshaw in midfield and whether Robbie is at 12 or 13 (I will be disappointed if it's Darcy/Fitzgerald), and left wing. If Fitzgerald keeps playing well and injury free, he should be 13, 11 or worse case 23.

    Leaving Ireland aside, I'm probably most interested to see how Scotland goes under Cotter. I would just love Scotland to surprise everyone and finish second behind Ireland!

    Tighthead prop could quickly become an area of interest if Ross starts poorly


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,415 ✭✭✭Swiwi.


    Tox56 wrote: »
    Tighthead prop could quickly become an area of interest if Ross starts poorly

    12 months ago I thought he'd be behind Moore and drifting further away. But he had a decent enough AIs. Unless he has a total loss of form I reckon he'll be Ireland's starting TH for the 2015 season. He's been a real asset to Ireland really, during a period when other options have been pretty thin on the ground.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 841 ✭✭✭Journeyman_1


    England
    In fairness, it was a terrible time for Moore to become injured. He very well may have pushed ahead by now if he had been playing regularly!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 530 ✭✭✭Stan27


    England
    People mention henshaw at 12 but he never plays 12 for connacht, and fitz at 13. Though Fitzgerald played 12 for Ireland before. So should it be 12 fitz and 13 henshaw.
    What are the chances fitz going to 12 in leinster full time? Maybe fitz and t'eo at 12/13 would suit?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,980 ✭✭✭✭phog


    After his performance against Connacht I wouldn't be surprised if Zebo replaced Kearney as first choice Full Back.




    197c6irw7p7ibjpg.jpg

    You really must try harder.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,077 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    England
    Stan27 wrote: »
    People mention henshaw at 12 but he never plays 12 for connacht, and fitz at 13. Though Fitzgerald played 12 for Ireland before. So should it be 12 fitz and 13 henshaw.
    What are the chances fitz going to 12 in leinster full time? Maybe fitz and t'eo at 12/13 would suit?

    Didn't we have Henshaw at 12 in the match v SA? I think whether or not D'Arcy is included will depend on how he goes in the European games. And likewise Fitz, but he has certainly put his hand up. My guess is D'Arcy/Henshaw will be the midfield, but I would love to see Henshaw/Fitz.

    Re 10, I dunno about Madigan. Again it depends on how he and Jackson go in the next couple of weeks.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,178 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    **** Christmas. 6N is the most wonderful time of the year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭Quint2010


    Scotland
    Swiwi. wrote: »
    12 months ago I thought he'd be behind Moore and drifting further away. But he had a decent enough AIs. Unless he has a total loss of form I reckon he'll be Ireland's starting TH for the 2015 season. He's been a real asset to Ireland really, during a period when other options have been pretty thin on the ground.

    Ross is still our best TH. Remember our scrum was a weapon last year against France until he went off and then it disintegrated when Moore/McGrath came on. The South Africa match he was under pressure but against Australia he was excellent and lasted the full 80.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,178 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    I think McGrath was carrying an injury though. Ross us still our best TH for now but I'd like to see Moore get plenty of time because that may not be true come September.

    On a similar vein I'll be disappointed to see D'arcy still there. Even if marginally better now (which I don't think he is) another 6 months and a preseason away I struggle to see him as such.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭Quint2010


    Scotland
    Podge_irl wrote: »
    I think McGrath was carrying an injury though. Ross us still our best TH for now but I'd like to see Moore get plenty of time because that may not be true come September.

    On a similar vein I'll be disappointed to see D'arcy still there. Even if marginally better now (which I don't think he is) another 6 months and a preseason away I struggle to see him as such.

    Can see 3 Tight Heads at the WC what with all the games against the minnows etc. Ross, Moore and ?? Furlong? Archer? Hagan? Ah You?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,241 ✭✭✭Sanjuro


    England
    When is the Irish squad decided upon and at what point do they leave the provinces for the camp?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,308 ✭✭✭✭.ak


    Sanjuro wrote: »
    When is the Irish squad decided upon and at what point do they leave the provinces for the camp?

    Usually the monday after the last round of european games isn't it?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,241 ✭✭✭Sanjuro


    England
    .ak wrote: »
    Usually the monday after the last round of european games isn't it?

    The 26th January then, I guess. Looking forward to that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,178 ✭✭✭Quint2010


    Scotland
    Is the squad not usually announced in the week between the two European games?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,632 ✭✭✭ssaye2


    What would happen if a country withdrew from the 6 Nations this year Rankings penalty, Cash penalty? Other?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,308 ✭✭✭✭.ak


    Quint2010 wrote: »
    Is the squad not usually announced in the week between the two European games?

    That sounds about right... Or is that the wolfhound squad?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,300 ✭✭✭freyners


    From a Connacht pov its loosehead im very interested in. With both Munster props and Healy making there way back id imagine Denis Buckley will be in the training squad. If Cronin Healy are available then they will probably get gametime at the WH game to increase sharpness, they are proven commodities and have the necessary experience. (although ability wise at this stage id rate Buckley as well as any prop in Ireland bar Healy). But id be excited to see how a few weeks in that enviroment affects him.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 28,178 Mod ✭✭✭✭Podge_irl


    ssaye2 wrote: »
    What would happen if a country withdrew from the 6 Nations this year Rankings penalty, Cash penalty? Other?

    Out of curiosity, why?

    They're contractually obliged to play in it and it would be financial suicide not to. What would actually happen I imagine no one really knows.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,967 ✭✭✭✭The Lost Sheep


    England
    ssaye2 wrote: »
    What would happen if a country withdrew from the 6 Nations this year Rankings penalty, Cash penalty? Other?
    Would never happen. Financial suicide. Too much money lost if they did. Nothing would happen to world rankings. The loss of match income etc all primarily fund these unions and every game is key to income etc and they are contractually obliged to play.
    freyners wrote: »
    From a Connacht pov its loosehead im very interested in. With both Munster props and Healy making there way back id imagine Denis Buckley will be in the training squad. If Cronin Healy are available then they will probably get gametime at the WH game to increase sharpness, they are proven commodities and have the necessary experience. (although ability wise at this stage id rate Buckley as well as any prop in Ireland bar Healy). But id be excited to see how a few weeks in that enviroment affects him.
    would be great to see him get game time in WH but that will not happen and simply being in the training squad would be great for Connacht.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,632 ✭✭✭ssaye2


    Podge_irl wrote: »
    Out of curiosity, why?

    They're contractually obliged to play in it and it would be financial suicide not to. What would actually happen I imagine no one really knows.


    Just curiosity of things that will probably never ever happen.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,054 ✭✭✭Cosmo Kramer


    England
    Quint2010 wrote: »
    Can see 3 Tight Heads at the WC what with all the games against the minnows etc. Ross, Moore and ?? Furlong? Archer? Hagan? Ah You?

    There will definitely be three Tight Heads in the world cup squad but I reckon the third one might actually be White rather then any of those.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,978 ✭✭✭✭irishbucsfan


    England
    Ben Morgan taken off in the Gloucester game with potential broken leg, if it's broken he'll miss the 6N


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Wales
    Ben Morgan taken off in the Gloucester game with potential broken leg, if it's broken he'll miss the 6N

    Confirmed


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,536 ✭✭✭case885


    England
    Ben Morgan taken off in the Gloucester game with potential broken leg, if it's broken he'll miss the 6N

    Big blow for England, Vunipola has been out of form for quite awhile now. Big game against Munster for him next weekend.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 841 ✭✭✭Journeyman_1


    England
    Lancaster must really want to bend the play at home rule!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,993 ✭✭✭Trippie


    Have a friend from Texas travelling over to Ireland/uk for his honeymoon. He is interested in getting tickets to the wales game. Any ideas how he could get tickets for him and his missus?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,077 ✭✭✭✭vienne86


    England
    Anyone received their tickets for the England/France games yet? I just hear that the tickets won in the Leinster lottery are ready to be picked up.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,784 ✭✭✭total former


    England
    Trippie wrote: »
    Have a friend from Texas travelling over to Ireland/uk for his honeymoon. He is interested in getting tickets to the wales game. Any ideas how he could get tickets for him and his missus?

    He's going to Cardiff on his honeymoon? Christ.

    But the match is sold out, so unless you know someone involved in a club, or he goes to a touting secondary ticketing site and pays over the odds, no dice.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,536 ✭✭✭case885


    England
    He's going to Cardiff on his honeymoon? Christ.

    But the match is sold out, so unless you know someone involved in a club, or he goes to a touting secondary ticketing site and pays over the odds, no dice.

    Cardiff wouldn't be the only city, place of interest in Ireland and the UK.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    Italy (A)
    France (H)
    --- break ---
    England (H)
    --- break ---
    Wales (A)
    Scotland (A)

    I think it's a very favourable order this year. The Italy match will dust off the cobwebs before France while the players will be fresh for England and Wales after a week off.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,784 ✭✭✭total former


    England
    I think it's a very favourable order this year. The Italy match will dust off the cobwebs We can beat Italy without Sexton before France while the players will be fresh for England and Wales after a week off.

    FYP.

    You would also hope that if we have to go to Edinburgh on the last day needing a result, then we can achieve it handy enough.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,920 ✭✭✭✭stephen_n


    England
    FYP.

    You would also hope that if we have to go to Edinburgh on the last day needing a result, then we can achieve it handy enough.

    History would say different. (yes I know that's no indicator)


    Where's the Poll AK???

    Couldn't really ask for a more favourable draw if we had SOB and Sexton, I'd be feeling very confident of a slam but there is no reason we shouldn't at least retain the championship, which would be good in a RWC year. Be interesting to see what way Joe goes in the centre but doubt there will be many areas of contention in the selections.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,308 ✭✭✭✭.ak


    stephen_n wrote: »
    History would say different. (yes I know that's no indicator)


    Where's the Poll AK???

    Couldn't really ask for a more favourable draw if we had SOB and Sexton, I'd be feeling very confident of a slam but there is no reason we shouldn't at least retain the championship, which would be good in a RWC year. Be interesting to see what way Joe goes in the centre but doubt there will be many areas of contention in the selections.

    Done.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,308 ✭✭✭✭.ak


    Yeah... It's an easier draw but Ireland never really looked good as favourites. Hopefully Schmidt will do what he did with Leinster and make sure they're comfortable with the favourites tag.

    Sexton will be key, as usual.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,308 ✭✭✭✭.ak


    Ruddock not due back to play until mid-feb so that pretty much rules him out of the 6N.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,308 ✭✭✭✭.ak


    Touhy also out.

    So Foley or McCarthy for the 19 jersey.

    ...Foley is fit, isn't he?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,784 ✭✭✭total former


    England
    .ak wrote: »
    Touhy also out.

    When did this happen?!

    Edit: sorry, see the Ulster thread now. Balls.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,536 ✭✭✭case885


    England
    .ak wrote: »
    Touhy also out.

    So Foley or McCarthy for the 19 jersey.

    ...Foley is fit, isn't he?

    Yep started against Zebre at the weekend, unless he has a poor european run i think he'll get the bench spot.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,920 ✭✭✭✭stephen_n


    England
    .ak wrote: »
    Yeah... It's an easier draw but Ireland never really looked good as favourites. Hopefully Schmidt will do what he did with Leinster and make sure they're comfortable with the favourites tag.

    Sexton will be key, as usual.

    Hopefully this group of players are well over that.


    I'm going for Ireland to win but think France would be favourites except the way the draw fell!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 45,433 ✭✭✭✭thomond2006


    Forwards:
    Eddy Ben Arous (Racing-Metro), Alexandre Menini (Toulon),
    Benjamin Kayser (Clermont), Guilhem Guirado (Toulon),
    Nicolas Mas (Montpellier), Uini Atonio (La Rochelle), Rabah Slimani (Stade français),
    Alexandre Flanquart (Stade français), Yoann Maestri (Toulouse), Pascal Papé (Stade français), Romain Taofifenua (Toulon),
    Damien Chouly (Clermont), Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse, capitaine), Bernard Le Roux (Racing-Métro), Yannick Nyanga (Toulouse), Charles Ollivon (Bayonne), Louis Picamoles (Toulouse).

    Backs:
    Rory Kockott (Castres), Sébastien Tillous-Borde (Toulon),
    Rémi Tales (Castres), Camille Lopez (Clermont),
    Mathieu Bastareaud (Toulon), Wesley Fofana (Clermont), Remi Lamerat (Castres), Alexandre Dumoulin (Racing-Métro),
    Teddy Thomas (Racing-Métro), Sofiane Guitoune (Bordeaux-Bègles), Yoann Huget (Toulouse), Noa Nakaitaci (Clermont),
    Brice Dulin (Racing-Métro), Scott Spedding (Bayonne).

    http://www.rugbyrama.fr/rugby/6-nations/2015/bleus-31-joueurs-convoques-pour-preparer-le-tournoi-dont-les-retours-de-slimani-et-picamoles_sto4547314/story.shtml


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