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Possible 6 Nations Team?

  • 10-11-2015 11:43pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6 macanbhaird


    I know it's a bit early and the focus is more on the European Rugby Champions Cup (or whatever the f*@? it's called) and the Pro 12....
    ... and we're literally just over the RWC...
    ... but...

    ...what about??...


    15: Zebo
    14: Trimble
    13: Henshaw
    12: McCloskey
    11: Luke Fitzgerald
    10: Sexton
    9: Murray

    1: Jack McGrath
    2: Strauss
    3: Marty Moore
    4: Henderson
    5: Donncha Ryan
    6: CJ Stander/ Ruddock
    7: Sean O' Brien
    8: Heaslip


    16: Cian Healy
    17: Sean Cronin
    18: Mike Ross
    19: Devin Toner
    20: Chris Henry
    21: Eoin Reddan
    22: Ian Madigan
    23: Stuart Olding


    I like Best when he's on form and he really leads from the front but in fairness I'd like to see Strauss start. Good enough poaching ability and offers better running and offloading game.

    Jack and Moore doing their thing.

    Donncha Ryan hopefully filling a Paulie shaped hole. (attempting anyway)

    I think Stander and Hendo would be great at breaking tackles, drawing players and threatening the gain line and could potentially open up the game a little more for Seanie.

    Murray and Sexton obviously.

    McCluskey's a big imposing 12 - draws caution and numbers as well.
    And I think it's about time that Henshaw started rocking the 13. Defensively Henshaw'd be all over it and I think he would ultimately bring a decent level of intelligence to the position as well.

    I really like Rob Kearney but Zebo is better. Not as natural a catcher but creatively outshines him. And he's no slouch either. I think he wins out.
    Luke Fitz looks dangerous lately - hard not to include him
    And balance all that up with Trimble on the other wing, I think you have a very potent back line.

    Bring on Healy, Cronin and Toner early in the 2nd Half as dynamic impact subs.

    Reddan and Olding to fire things up a bit. Olding's got something special as well as having that crucial ability to cover a number of positions.

    Madigan over Jackson and Keatley.

    Mike Ross to shore up the scrum at the end.

    Chris Henry has got some moves. Good ground game. Good offload game. Good tackle count. Good work-rate. All round good game.

    Probably like to see Matt Healy from Connacht get a run out at some stage just to blood him with the big boys a bit. See if he can step up to the next level.


«13

Comments

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


    Given the seedings issue for next rwc I dont think there will be too many unforced changes or much change of style for the 6n


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 531 ✭✭✭Stan27


    Really like that team, especially the centre partnership


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


    We'll almost certainly see:

    McGrath Best Ross
    Toner Henderson
    Ruddock Heaslip SOB

    Murray Sexton
    Henshaw Payne
    Fitzgerald Kearney Trimble

    Strauss, Healy, Moore, Ryan, Henry, Reddan, Madigan, Earls

    Healy might start if he can refind his form.

    If Payne doesn't get back or doesn't find form when he does we might see Luke move to 13 with Earls coming in to the left wing and Zebo to 23.

    Cronin could displace Strauss and PJ might displace Mads (unlikely).

    Can't see (m)any change other than that. We need to do well to ensure our best seeding possible for the RWC 2019.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,143 ✭✭✭locum-motion


    Oh, FFS!

    It's early November!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,934 ✭✭✭✭bilston


    molloyjh wrote: »
    We'll almost certainly see:

    McGrath Best Ross
    Toner Henderson
    Ruddock Heaslip SOB

    Murray Sexton
    Henshaw Payne
    Fitzgerald Kearney Trimble

    Strauss, Healy, Moore, Ryan, Henry, Reddan, Madigan, Earls

    Healy might start if he can refind his form.

    If Payne doesn't get back or doesn't find form when he does we might see Luke move to 13 with Earls coming in to the left wing and Zebo to 23.

    Cronin could displace Strauss and PJ might displace Mads (unlikely).

    Can't see (m)any change other than that. We need to do well to ensure our best seeding possible for the RWC 2019.

    I'd say this is much closer to reality. Stander may come into the reckoning though and I'll keep saying it until I'm blue in the face, if Payne isn't fit Cave should be 13, but alas that seems unlikely.

    But yes I think Molloy has the most likely selection.

    Oh and as we speak McCloskey isn't ready. He is clearly very effective but he makes little errors for Ulster that he just wouldn't get away with at test level. That's not to say he won't be ready in 3 months time but it would be unlike Joe to bring someone straight in without having them in camp first.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,934 ✭✭✭✭bilston


    Oh, FFS!

    It's early November!

    Yep, less than 7 weeks til Christmas!


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    McGrath Best Moore
    Toner Henderson
    Stander SOB Healip
    Murray Sexton
    Luke Fitz, Henshaw, Payne, Dave K
    Rob K


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


    I will weep if if our THs are still Ross/White when we have good young guys ready to step up. At least one of Moore/Furlong need to get that gametime imo, and it would be a real nod to the future tp stick both in.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    I will weep if if our THs are still Ross/White when we have good young guys ready to step up. At least one of Moore/Furlong need to get that gametime imo, and it would be a real nod to the future tp stick both in.

    Moore will be no.1 this 6n but imo Furlong is going to be an Irish Legend. His genetics and attitude are spot on for the future of international TH play.


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


    McGrath
    Best
    Ross
    Toner
    Henderson
    Stander/Ruddock
    O Brien
    Heaslip
    Murray
    Sexton
    Earls
    Henshaw
    Payne
    Trimble
    Kearney

    Not a whole lot of change I'd imagine.


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  • Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,919 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Seedings decided four years in advance? What the hell is that about? Will we never get a chance to experiment?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    Seedings decided four years in advance? What the hell is that about? Will we never get a chance to experiment?

    The seedings were based on rankings from just under 3 years out from the 2015 RWC.

    I think too much importance is put on the seedings though. The All Blacks were ranked number 1 in the world for the seedings, and they had to play seed 4 (France), seed 2 (SA) and seed 3 (Aus) in the knockouts.

    On the flip side, Australia got seed 12 (Scotland) and seed 8 (Argentina) before the final. It's still extremely hit and miss.

    I'd be all for Ireland experimenting now, but I reckon the main thing that will stop them won't be seedings for RWC, it will be that a third consecutive 6N title is on the line, so I'd expect a conservative approach.


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


    I will weep if if our THs are still Ross/White when we have good young guys ready to step up. At least one of Moore/Furlong need to get that gametime imo, and it would be a real nod to the future tp stick both in.

    But White was only there due to Moore being injured?


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


    Also I don't ever want to see Stander line out for Ireland. It's one thing coming over here to play for a province and becoming IQ in the process. It's another to come over with the express purpose of playing for Ireland. He's not Irish, he had no links to Ireland and had no reason to want to play for Ireland other than the fact that he couldn't get the call-up at home and wanted to play international rugby for anyone who would take him. If he was given the chance to play for SA today I'm sure he'd be gone in a heartbeat and any other country that offered him the opportunity would have gotten his services. I don't want someone like that in an Irish jersey.

    That he also plays in an area of the park where we have a good few home grown options doesn't help. POM, SOB, Heaslip, Ruddock and TOD should all get priority over him without any doubt. Developing guys like Murphy and Conan should also be far more important than giving a journeyman time. At least with Payne he's playing in a position of relative weakness for us. Even Strauss is playing in a position where the depth of home grown talent isn't great. Project players should be used to supplement the squad where there are gaps. There are no gaps in the back row.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6 macanbhaird


    Yeah i forgot about Moore..
    He'd definitely get in there ahead of Nathan White and might just nudge Ross out of the starting berth if he can.


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


    Yeah i forgot about Moore..
    He'd definitely get in there ahead of Nathan White and might just nudge Ross out of the starting berth if he can.

    He's still coming back from injury himself so needs to start finding some form himself. Although he was starting to get back to his best at times against Scarlets.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6 macanbhaird


    molloyjh wrote: »
    Also I don't ever want to see Stander line out for Ireland. It's one thing coming over here to play for a province and becoming IQ in the process. It's another to come over with the express purpose of playing for Ireland. He's not Irish, he had no links to Ireland and had no reason to want to play for Ireland other than the fact that he couldn't get the call-up at home and wanted to play international rugby for anyone who would take him. If he was given the chance to play for SA today I'm sure he'd be gone in a heartbeat and any other country that offered him the opportunity would have gotten his services. I don't want someone like that in an Irish jersey.

    That he also plays in an area of the park where we have a good few home grown options doesn't help. POM, SOB, Heaslip, Ruddock and TOD should all get priority over him without any doubt. Developing guys like Murphy and Conan should also be far more important than giving a journeyman time. At least with Payne he's playing in a position of relative weakness for us. Even Strauss is playing in a position where the depth of home grown talent isn't great. Project players should be used to supplement the squad where there are gaps. There are no gaps in the back row.

    There is a part of me that wholeheartedly agrees with you... and then I look at the likes of England/ France and look at the foreign influence there and it makes me think.
    SOB and Heaslip are in my lineup. POM and TOD are out injured. Murphy hasn't impressed on the big stage and Conan needs more consistent game time. I'll amend my lineup to account for a Ruddock/ Stander face off but I think Stander may win that matchup based on his consistency at game time.
    I've pulled Payne from the centre in favour of Henshaw so feel I'm swapping one foreign influence for another


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6 macanbhaird


    bilston wrote: »
    Oh and as we speak McCloskey isn't ready. He is clearly very effective but he makes little errors for Ulster that he just wouldn't get away with at test level. That's not to say he won't be ready in 3 months time but it would be unlike Joe to bring someone straight in without having them in camp first.

    I'd imagine him getting a run out prior to 6N.
    And I'd agree that he isn't quite ready - but look how much players have come on under the influence of Joe Schmidt.
    Look at Trimble or Dave Kearney or Ruddock.
    McCloskey could become a powerful weapon for Joe at 12


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


    molloyjh wrote:
    Also I don't ever want to see Stander line out for Ireland. It's one thing coming over here to play for a province and becoming IQ in the process. It's another to come over with the express purpose of playing for Ireland. He's not Irish, he had no links to Ireland and had no reason to want to play for Ireland other than the fact that he couldn't get the call-up at home and wanted to play international rugby for anyone who would take him. If he was given the chance to play for SA today I'm sure he'd be gone in a heartbeat and any other country that offered him the opportunity would have gotten his services. I don't want someone like that in an Irish jersey.

    molloyjh wrote:
    That he also plays in an area of the park where we have a good few home grown options doesn't help. POM, SOB, Heaslip, Ruddock and TOD should all get priority over him without any doubt. Developing guys like Murphy and Conan should also be far more important than giving a journeyman time. At least with Payne he's playing in a position of relative weakness for us. Even Strauss is playing in a position where the depth of home grown talent isn't great. Project players should be used to supplement the squad where there are gaps. There are no gaps in the back row.

    If Murphy and Conan are good enough there will be no worries of stander playing ahead of them, if not well then they'll have to up their game.
    Stander is exactly what you want in a project player, he gives everything when he lines out for Munster and its great to see him as captain with POM away.
    Anyway I guess Joe will be deciding if its morally wrong or not when he picks the next Ireland squad.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 990 ✭✭✭Scythica


    McGrath Best Moore
    Hendo Toner
    SOB Heaslip Henry

    Murray
    Sexton
    Gilroy McCloskey Henshaw Trimble/Earls

    Payne

    Healy
    Cronin
    Furlong
    Ryan
    Stander
    Marmion / Hart / Wee P / Tomasso / Anyone younger than Reddan/Boss
    Jackson / Madigan (depending on game plan)
    Fitz / Zebo / Olding

    Mixture between a bit of youth and more experienced. Cracking bench options I think, I'm sure people may disagree but heyoooo.

    EDIT: Spend ages making it look like a rugby team lineout and it didnt save :(


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


    molloyjh wrote: »
    But White was only there due to Moore being injured?

    Yep, I was just commenting on OP who would still have Ross/White for 6N.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,536 ✭✭✭former total


    These threads always get blurred between what people want to see and what we can realistically expect to see.

    I think the reality is that the team will be strikingly similar to the one that lined out at the world cup, allowing for injuries. Most likely we'll see Luke replacing Bowe with Earls and Dave K fighting it out for the other wing spot, Ruddock or Stander replacing POM and Moore replacing White.

    I'd be very surprised to see wholesale changes.


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


    Basil3 wrote: »
    The seedings were based on rankings from just under 3 years out from the 2015 RWC.

    I think too much importance is put on the seedings though. The All Blacks were ranked number 1 in the world for the seedings, and they had to play seed 4 (France), seed 2 (SA) and seed 3 (Aus) in the knockouts.

    On the flip side, Australia got seed 12 (Scotland) and seed 8 (Argentina) before the final. It's still extremely hit and miss.

    I'd be all for Ireland experimenting now, but I reckon the main thing that will stop them won't be seedings for RWC, it will be that a third consecutive 6N title is on the line, so I'd expect a conservative approach.

    The seedings determine the group draw which is important for ireland.


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


    Basil3 wrote: »
    The seedings were based on rankings from just under 3 years out from the 2015 RWC.

    I think too much importance is put on the seedings though. The All Blacks were ranked number 1 in the world for the seedings, and they had to play seed 4 (France), seed 2 (SA) and seed 3 (Aus) in the knockouts.

    On the flip side, Australia got seed 12 (Scotland) and seed 8 (Argentina) before the final. It's still extremely hit and miss.

    I'd be all for Ireland experimenting now, but I reckon the main thing that will stop them won't be seedings for RWC, it will be that a third consecutive 6N title is on the line, so I'd expect a conservative approach.

    The seedings determine the group draw which is important for ireland.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    aimee1 wrote: »
    The seedings determine the group draw which is important for ireland.

    Maybe so, but if you can't make it out of your group, then you'll never be a contender. The reality is that rankings change so much between the draw being done and the event, so it really doesn't matter where you are in the top 8.

    As we know, the group draw is the least of Ireland's worries, it's the knockout phase that is the weak point.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,758 ✭✭✭RedemptionZ


    aimee1 wrote: »
    The seedings determine the group draw which is important for ireland.

    That's still fairly hit and miss when you have seed 3 in the group of death and seed 2 in the easiest group.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,536 ✭✭✭former total


    No matter what way you look at it, world ranking points in the next 12 months are absolutely critical.

    Winning the 6N and a decent showing in South Africa could push us back into top 4, that would be massive and Joe will absolutely be targetting that.

    We won't be seeing massive experimentation in the 6N, people should probably just make their peace with that now. You won't be seeing Olding, McCloskey and Gilroy without further injuries. Eoin Reddan will still be wearing the 21 jersey.

    CJ Stander will be involved at some level, if his form keeps up; Joe won't really give a f**k about his motivations for being here.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,454 ✭✭✭Clearlier


    Scythica wrote: »
    McGrath Best Moore
    Hendo Toner
    SOB Heaslip Henry

    Murray
    Sexton
    Gilroy McCloskey Henshaw Trimble/Earls

    Payne

    Healy
    Cronin
    Furlong
    Ryan
    Stander
    Marmion / Hart / Wee P / Tomasso / Anyone younger than Reddan/Boss
    Jackson / Madigan (depending on game plan)
    Fitz / Zebo / Olding

    Mixture between a bit of youth and more experienced. Cracking bench options I think, I'm sure people may disagree but heyoooo.

    EDIT: Spend ages making it look like a rugby team lineout and it didnt save :(

    Is Gilroy even first choice at Ulster yet? Also, I really like Olding but he hasn't returned to play yet after a 2nd ACL operation in two years and despite reports that there would be an update at the end of October I'm not aware of any actual update being made. It's a bit premature to think that he will be involved in the 6 nations squad.


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


    Basil3 wrote: »
    Maybe so, but if you can't make it out of your group, then you'll never be a contender. The reality is that rankings change so much between the draw being done and the event, so it really doesn't matter where you are in the top 8.

    As we know, the group draw is the least of Ireland's worries, it's the knockout phase that is the weak point.

    No, making the top 4 is a huge advantage over being 5th-8th. It's going to our secondary goal next season outside of the annual grand slam attempt.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,468 ✭✭✭kuang1


    Basil3 wrote: »
    Maybe so, but if you can't make it out of your group, then you'll never be a contender. The reality is that rankings change so much between the draw being done and the event, so it really doesn't matter where you are in the top 8.

    As we know, the group draw is the least of Ireland's worries, it's the knockout phase that is the weak point.

    Well look at those who qualified for the QFs this WC as runners up in their group...

    France
    Argentina
    Scotland
    Wales

    Even though for 2 world cups in a row we've won our group from the 2nd seed position and failed to beat a runner-up from another group in the QF, this is still the preferred route to a semi.

    So it's daft to totally dismiss the relevance of world rankings when it comes to making the draw for WC groups.

    If we could somehow rank ourselves in the top 4 at that moment in time it would only be a good thing. (Note: I said IF)

    When will that be done for Japan '19 btw? Or is it yet to be decided.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    No, making the top 4 is a huge advantage over being 5th-8th. It's going to our secondary goal next season outside of the annual grand slam attempt.
    kuang1 wrote: »
    Well look at those who qualified for the QFs this WC as runners up in their group...

    France
    Argentina
    Scotland
    Wales

    Even though for 2 world cups in a row we've won our group from the 2nd seed position and failed to beat a runner-up from another group in the QF, this is still the preferred route to a semi.

    So it's daft to totally dismiss the relevance of world rankings when it comes to making the draw for WC groups.

    If we could somehow rank ourselves in the top 4 at that moment in time it would only be a good thing. (Note: I said IF)

    When will that be done for Japan '19 btw? Or is it yet to be decided.

    I think they're going to try to get it closer to the event this time.

    The point I was making is that going for the 3rd straight 6N is far and away the greater motivator than IRB rankings. Ireland got a dream draw for the last RWC (with lowest ranked team from Pot 1).

    If Ireland do well in the 6N, the rankings will take care of themselves.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,536 ✭✭✭former total


    kuang1 wrote: »

    When will that be done for Japan '19 btw? Or is it yet to be decided.

    It was suggested that it would be done closer to the event, but this has not been confirmed.


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


    It was suggested that it would be done closer to the event, but this has not been confirmed.

    it will be done in 12 months time. The japanese requested it for ticket sales purposes because they have the olympics a year after the RWC.


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


    That's still fairly hit and miss when you have seed 3 in the group of death and seed 2 in the easiest group.

    A strong 2016 for ireland and we are say 4th next December, scotland have a good year but argentina have a disaster.

    Group B - Ireland, Scotland, Fiji/Tonga, Canada, Uruguay/Hong Kong

    It is unlikely but the stronger our year, the more favourable the draw COULD be


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,171 ✭✭✭blackdog1


    Personally can't see many changes for the 6 nations there is a 2 million pot up for grabs for that. He'll experiment on SA your definitely. Can see Mcloskey getting some game time on that as well as henshaw at fullback for a game. I'd also like to see olding make the tour if fit. Furlong will get game time because I think they see him as Ross's long term successor unless Marty can stay fit. We also badly need a younger sh to develop


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  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    aimee1 wrote: »
    A strong 2016 for ireland and we are say 4th next December, scotland have a good year but argentina have a disaster.

    Group B - Ireland, Scotland, Fiji/Tonga, Canada, Uruguay/Hong Kong

    It is unlikely but the stronger our year, the more favourable the draw COULD be

    This is still only marginally better than what Ireland had this year. Let's say Argentina have a stinker next year, then come into form for the RWC, climb up to 5th in the world rankings, and Ireland lose form and drop to 8th in the world. Then Argentina and Ireland meet in the quarters again?

    The reality is that if you top the group, you then have to play England/France/Wales/Argentina. If you don't, then you have to play NZ/Aus/SA. The group you get really doesn't mean too much, unless you're only aiming to make a semi.

    Regardless, there's too much on the line for Schmidt to make wholesale changes and experiment, which is a shame.


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


    Basil3 wrote: »
    This is still only marginally better than what Ireland had this year. Let's say Argentina have a stinker next year, then come into form for the RWC, climb up to 5th in the world rankings, and Ireland lose form and drop to 8th in the world. Then Argentina and Ireland meet in the quarters again?

    The reality is that if you top the group, you then have to play England/France/Wales/Argentina. If you don't, then you have to play NZ/Aus/SA. The group you get really doesn't mean too much, unless you're only aiming to make a semi.

    Regardless, there's too much on the line for Schmidt to make wholesale changes and experiment, which is a shame.

    Yeah but wasting ourselves in the process of topping the group killed irelands qf chances

    Wales lost 6-7 players in their group games and it cost them v the boks in the qf


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    aimee1 wrote: »
    Yeah but wasting ourselves in the process of topping the group killed irelands qf chances

    Wales lost 6-7 players in their group games and it cost them v the boks in the qf

    That's pure luck, just like the draw.

    NZ and Australia both made it to the final with virtually no injuries. NZ had to play the same French side that Ireland did, without losing 5 players to suspension/injury. Aussie had to play the same sides as Wales, without suffering the same fate.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,776 ✭✭✭Noopti


    If Stander continues his form (and I don't see any reason why that wouldn't happen) then he cannot be ignored. He is the form backrow in Ireland, if not player.

    Yeah there are all the arguments about the IQ issue, but living in the real world, competing in a tough (and commercial, let's not forget) sport then you pick anyone the rules say you can, if they are the form player. Simple.


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


    Noopti wrote: »
    Yeah there are all the arguments about the IQ issue, but living in the real world, competing in a tough (and commercial, let's not forget) sport then you pick anyone the rules say you can, if they are the form player. Simple.
    That's why it's up to World Rugby to change the rules. Five years minimum or parentage.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 972 ✭✭✭WarZ


    Just thinking about the potential team and there's a real meh vibe to it. There's no real exciting young players to come in. Our backline is crying out for a fast elusive player and we just don't have it. Our backline is so mediocre past 9-10 it's not even funny.


  • Subscribers Posts: 42,578 ✭✭✭✭sydthebeat


    WarZ wrote: »
    Just thinking about the potential team and there's a real meh vibe to it. There's no real exciting young players to come in. Our backline is crying out for a fast elusive player and we just don't have it. Our backline is so mediocre past 9-10 it's not even funny.

    you could say the same about the other 5 6N teams though.

    i think this will be henshaws tournament.. hes now a firm fixed senior player at this stage in his career, so i hope to see him flourish. he certainly has the attributes to be the next great centre... a mix of gerber and jauzion


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 972 ✭✭✭WarZ


    sydthebeat wrote: »
    you could say the same about the other 5 6N teams though.

    i think this will be henshaws tournament.. hes now a firm fixed senior player at this stage in his career, so i hope to see him flourish. he certainly has the attributes to be the next great centre... a mix of gerber and jauzion

    Yeah I suppose you could say it's a bit of a meh tournament in general. Second tier compared to the 4 nations and the quality is well behind

    I think it's a bit OTT to claim Henshaw is a mix between Gerber and Yauzion! At the moment he's closer to Roberts than either of those 2 and I can't see him improving beyond that.


  • Subscribers Posts: 42,578 ✭✭✭✭sydthebeat


    WarZ wrote: »
    1. Yeah I suppose you could say it's a bit of a meh tournament in general. Second tier compared to the 4 nations and the quality is well behind

    2. I think it's a bit OTT to claim Henshaw is a mix between Gerber and Yauzion! At the moment he's closer to Roberts than either of those 2 and I can't see him improving beyond that.

    1. you might, i certainly wouldnt say that

    2. Roberts.. the crash merchant?? ah come on.... Henshaw has a much more rounded game, as well as having Roberts power


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,468 ✭✭✭kuang1


    WarZ wrote: »
    I think it's a bit OTT to claim Henshaw is a mix between Gerber and Yauzion! At the moment he's closer to Roberts than either of those 2 and I can't see him improving beyond that.

    Why can't you see him improving beyond that?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,776 ✭✭✭Noopti


    That's why it's up to World Rugby to change the rules. Five years minimum or parentage.

    Yup. And up to Schmidt to pick the best players available to him.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 972 ✭✭✭WarZ


    kuang1 wrote: »
    Why can't you see him improving beyond that?

    I just don't think he's that type of player. He can run good lines and is a strong runner but he doesn't strike me as an elusive centre or particularly skilful.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,301 ✭✭✭✭jm08


    molloyjh wrote: »
    Also I don't ever want to see Stander line out for Ireland. It's one thing coming over here to play for a province and becoming IQ in the process. It's another to come over with the express purpose of playing for Ireland. He's not Irish, he had no links to Ireland and had no reason to want to play for Ireland other than the fact that he couldn't get the call-up at home and wanted to play international rugby for anyone who would take him. If he was given the chance to play for SA today I'm sure he'd be gone in a heartbeat and any other country that offered him the opportunity would have gotten his services. I don't want someone like that in an Irish jersey.

    For the record, Stander was called up to SA squad and he turned them down. Issue he had was that they wanted him to change his position to hooker as they thought he wasn't big enough to play backrow and he didn't want to do that.

    That he also plays in an area of the park where we have a good few home grown options doesn't help. POM, SOB, Heaslip, Ruddock and TOD should all get priority over him without any doubt. Developing guys like Murphy and Conan should also be far more important than giving a journeyman time. At least with Payne he's playing in a position of relative weakness for us. Even Strauss is playing in a position where the depth of home grown talent isn't great. Project players should be used to supplement the squad where there are gaps. There are no gaps in the back row.

    Remind me again what happened to Ireland v. Argentina when SOB & POM were missing from the backrow. We really don't have great depth there, particuarly players who provide leadership. Murphy is a journeyman and was out of his depth v. Argentina. Ruddock is always getting injured.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,468 ✭✭✭kuang1


    WarZ wrote: »
    I just don't think he's that type of player. He can run good lines and is a strong runner but he doesn't strike me as an elusive centre or particularly skilful.

    Wouldn't like to be looking at the world wearing whatever type of glasses you do.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 972 ✭✭✭WarZ


    kuang1 wrote: »
    Wouldn't like to be looking at the world wearing whatever type of glasses you do.

    It's called reality. I've no doubt Henshaw won't go on to become a Jauzion.

    I've high hopes for Ringrose though


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