Ulster vs Munster, Fri 3 Jan, 7:35pm, Eir

Sinbad_NI

I'm more amazed about the way Joe didn't fancy McCloskey TBH.

I know there's other options at centre, but take Ali for example. A Joe player if ever there was one.
Don't see what he did that was light years ahead of McCloskey apparently.
Both similarly as good at the bash ball but I think Stu offers so much more with his offloading and soft hands.
Where is Aki so hugely better, or where do you think Joe thought he was so much better?
I'll admit I don't watch every Connaught game.

Bazzo

Sinbad_NI wrote: »

I'm more amazed about the way Joe didn't fancy McCloskey TBH.

I know there's other options at centre, but take Ali for example. A Joe player if ever there was one.
Don't see what he did that was light years ahead of McCloskey apparently.
Both similarly as good at the bash ball but I think Stu offers so much more with his offloading and soft hands.
Where is Aki so hugely better, or where do you think Joe thought he was so much better?
I'll admit I don't watch every Connaught game.

Aki is an absolute gamebreaking player for Connacht, probably equal to if not moreso than McCloskey is for Ulster, very good all round game but that is extremely difficult to translate to international. Joe probably liked him so much because he is an absolute defensive rock and massive breakdown threat. In defense it's like playing with an extra flanker.

Henry Ford III

Bit of a low ebb Munster wise. Hopefully it'll improve soon.

I think we've lost 4 of the last 6 games.

thebaz

jm08 wrote: »

For the Rugby World Cup selection at SH, the following issues would have had to be factored in by Schmidt.

1. The need to bring 3 OHs as both Sexton & Carbery were not fully fit. He then ended up with 2 SHs.
2. Luke McGrath played with Sexton at Provincial level and Conor Murray plays with Carbery (though not as much as needed due to injury). I don't think Cooney played with the other OHs.
3. Marmion's form has been a bit off his usual performance levels, so not surprised really that Luke McGrath got picked.

Why did Joe not factor in giving Cooney a decent run in the 6 Nations, for an out of sorts Murray, rather than 5 minute cameos ?? these excuses were trotted out as Ireland stuttered around the WC in Japan, with many including Joe believing these undroppables would play themselves back into form, needless to say it never happened

Sinbad_NI

Bazzo wrote: »

Aki is an absolute gamebreaking player for Connacht, probably equal to if not moreso than McCloskey is for Ulster, very good all round game but that is extremely difficult to translate to international. Joe probably liked him so much because he is an absolute defensive rock and massive breakdown threat. In defense it's like playing with an extra flanker.

What I'm trying to say is I found it strange that 2 similar players, both game changers and key men for their provincial teams can have such different international fortunes

1 almost guaranteed starter.
Other doesn't even get in an extended squad, after not much more than a quick look at him a few years ago.

Another very strange Joe call in my view.

McCloskey's another who may benefit from his team playing well and being well coached and generally raising their game while he's been at the same level of consistently for a few years now.