Ireland RWC Forwards

Espbraids

1 Healey
2 Best
3 Ross
4 Toner
5 O'Connell
6 O'Mahony
7 O'Brien
8 Heaslip

Like the backs, surely picks itself?

JacquesSon

I really hope Healy doesn't miss this one through injury. He deserves a global platform for his talents. I've met SH'rs who've never heard of him, and that isn't right.

The pack picks itself, squad palyers being the hard pick. Hardest call being Henderson and Donnacha Ryan. Bring both? ..if it's one its Hendo.

The Lost Sheep

JacquesSon wrote: »

I really hope Healy doesn't miss this one through injury. He deserves a global platform for his talents. I've met SH'rs who've never heard of him, and that isn't right.

The pack picks itself, squad palyers being the hard pick. Hardest call being Henderson and Donnacha Ryan. Bring both? ..if it's one its Hendo.

Henderson vrs D Ryan isn't an issue. There will be at least 4 guys who can play 2nd row going and Ryan is fighting against Dan Tuohy..... as Henderson is definitely going
POC/Toner/Henderson/Ryan or Tuohy

bilston

The pack does pick itself. Henderson could in theory play himself somewhere during the course of the tournament but other than that provided there are no injuries it will be as the OP says.

Left wing is the only open position on the team at the moment.

Espbraids

I like Henderson too. Definitely something very special about him. He will tour for sure and good luck to him.

Espbraids

I like Henderson too. Definitely something very special about him. Only 23 though; he will tour for sure and good luck to him.

thebaz

yeah - pack sort of picks itself - Cronin must be pushing Best for starting position - very little in to for me - but Cronin is class coming of the bench , so I guess it is as it is

phog

thebaz wrote: »

yeah - pack sort of picks itself - Cronin must be pushing Best for starting position - very little in to for me - but Cronin is class coming of the bench , so I guess it is as it is

They're not even close. Best starts every important game once he's available. Best can give away a penalty or two but that's because we use him so much at the breakdown not to mind the leadership he brings to the field.

thebaz

phog wrote: »

They're not even close. Best starts every important game once he's available. Best can give away a penalty or two but that's because we use him so much at the breakdown not to mind the leadership he brings to the field.

well, we're are all entitled to an opion, and I did say Best should start - but I don't think Best is at the level he was a few years ago - hope he proves me wrong

Quint2010

Healy in trouble for World Cup according to Balls.ie

phog

Healy facing a fitness battle to be be available for the WC

.ak

That rumour has been going around since the surgery I think... however, it doesn't sound great. It's a tricky thing I'd imagine to rehab from, especially in his position. Hopefully it goes okay, I'd hate to see him robbed of a Lions tour and a World Cup, that would be cruel for what is possible one of the world's best looseheads.

But, in the worst case scenario, who's everyone's replacement? Presumably it'll be McGrath, but then who's on the bench?

vienne86

I hadn't been hearing about this problem - awful news is there is a problem. Bad for Ireland, but awful for the man himself.

.ak

.ak wrote: »

but then who's on the bench?

Kilcoyne?

LostArt

phog wrote: »

Healy facing a fitness battle to be be available for the WC

Such a sh*te article. Absolutely nothing new in it.

LostArt

LostArt wrote: »

Such a sh*te article. Absolutely nothing new in it.

True that, nothing new at all.

Also worth remembering that Healy can make his first appearance against Italy from the bench and then bench against France if needs be. Not ideal but it gives him a lot of extra time.

padser

[Deleted User] wrote: »

True that, nothing new at all.

Also worth remembering that Healy can make his first appearance against Italy from the bench and then bench against France if needs be. Not ideal but it gives him a lot of extra time.

In theory yeah, but Healy is a player who doesn't seem to get back to fitness quickly. It took him about 5/6 games for Leinster this season before he was even able to keep up with play (literally before that he was 10-20 yards behind the breakdown constantly, he got to about 1 in 3 I would say)

aimee1

padser wrote: »

In theory yeah, but Healy is a player who doesn't seem to get back to fitness quickly. It took him about 5/6 games for Leinster this season before he was even able to keep up with play (literally before that he was 10-20 yards behind the breakdown constantly, he got to about 1 in 3 I would say)

Was that after a leg injury which might have affected his aerobic fitness more then a neck injury would. Presumably he will be back running etc to get fitness levels up much sooner now

aimee1

.ak wrote: »

That rumour has been going around since the surgery I think... however, it doesn't sound great. It's a tricky thing I'd imagine to rehab from, especially in his position. Hopefully it goes okay, I'd hate to see him robbed of a Lions tour and a World Cup, that would be cruel for what is possible one of the world's best looseheads.

But, in the worst case scenario, who's everyone's replacement? Presumably it'll be McGrath, but then who's on the bench?

Kilcoyne buckley Bent next in line.

thomond2006

Healy would be a big loss but LH prop is probably Ireland's strongest in terms of backups. McGrath has already shown he can be a starter while Kilcoyne, Cronin, Bent and Buckley would hold their own.

phog

LostArt wrote: »

Such a sh*te article. Absolutely nothing new in it.

That's fine so, no need to panic. He'll be available, though, I wonder why the IRFU haven't rubbished all the media reports today on him being a doubt.

Anyone at IIP tomorrow might have a look and see how much he's involved in the on field stuff.

thomond2006

I suppose with any recovery there's always a degree of uncertainty. Even if they are 99% sure he's ok maybe it's better to remain prudent and say nothing. Plus there's the nature of the injury and I don't think the IRFU or the management want to give anyone ammunition to accuse of them of rushing Healy back etc.

.ak

phog wrote: »

That's fine so, no need to panic. He'll be available, though, I wonder why the IRFU haven't rubbished all the media reports today on him being a doubt.

Anyone at IIP tomorrow might have a look and see how much he's involved in the on field stuff.

There's a press conference on tuesday and they won't comment on any player before then, apparently.

phog

.ak wrote: »

There's a press conference on tuesday and they won't comment on any player before then, apparently.

So they haven't rubbised today's media reports on Healy's injury.

molloyjh

If Healy can't make it then Killer is absolutely next in line. Losing Healy is a bit of a blow but the drop off in quality we'll see as a result isn't that bad. Hopefully he'll be passed fit though because a player of his quality should be there.

The Pheasant2

Really, really hope he can make it - we'll need all our big game players if we're to go far in this RWC.

Thank god anyway McGrath has developed into such a fine player. After him I reckon it's: Kilcoyne, Cronin, Bent, Buckley, Warwick

smiley_face

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

Really, really hope he can make it - we'll need all our big game players if we're to go far in this RWC.

Thank god anyway McGrath has developed into such a fine player. After him I reckon it's: Kilcoyne, Cronin, Bent, Buckley, Warwick

Kilcoyne, then Buckley.
Bent as 5th prop either way I think.

phog

According to The42ie, Healy trained with the Irish team in IIP today.

molloyjh

phog wrote: »

According to The42ie, Healy trained with the Irish team in IIP today.

Pics here.

http://www.sportsfile.com/more-images/1507258/5000/

boredatwork82

With Healy out, this is potentially a huge oppourtinity for Buckley. He is definitely a guy who deserves a shot. And if he gets a shot, I would back him to take it.

total former

boredatwork82 wrote: »

With Healy out, this is potentially a huge oppourtinity for Buckley. He is definitely a guy who deserves a shot. And if he gets a shot, I would back him to take it.

Unless you know otherwise, Healy isn't out. He trained today.

The big winner would be Dave Kilcoyne anyway I'd say. Buckley (or J Cronin) would still need us to take 6 props to travel, whereas Joe could well be planning 5.

smiley_face

1 week to go to Wales match and then RWC squad selection,
Assuming 5 props at this stage, and Healy and Moore both below 100%:

My current selection prediction:
1. McGrath, 2. Best, 3. Ross,
4. Toner, 5. POC,
6. POM, 7. SOB, 8. Heaslip.

16. Cronin, 17. Kilcoyne, 18. White, 19. Henderson, 20. Murphy.

Squad cover:
Strauss, Bent, Ryan, Henry.

Suppose the forwards selections are more settled than the backs at this point.

Talking points are still:
Take Healy even if not 100%,
Strauss or Cronin for 16,
Ryan ahead of Tuohy,
Murphy or Henry on the bench.

bilston

smiley_face wrote: »

1 week to go to Wales match and then RWC squad selection,
Assuming 5 props at this stage, and Healy and Moore both below 100%:

My current selection prediction:
1. McGrath, 2. Best, 3. Ross,
4. Toner, 5. POC,
6. POM, 7. SOB, 8. Heaslip.

16. Cronin, 17. Kilcoyne, 18. White, 19. Henderson, 20. Murphy.

Squad cover:
Strauss, Bent, Ryan, Henry.

Suppose the forwards selections are more settled than the backs at this point.

Talking points are still:
Take Healy even if not 100%,
Strauss or Cronin for 16,
Ryan ahead of Tuohy,
Murphy or Henry on the bench.

Every opportunity will be given to Healy
Cronin is my preferred back up because of his impact as a ball carrier.
Ryan gets the nod over Tuohy
Henry gets the bench spot for me as he gives something different at O/S. Murphy gives versatility but so do POM and SOB so it isn't as important, plus you have Henderson who can cover 6 as well.