2020 Six Nations Build up.

Burkie1203

Now that the xmas nonsense is over with


Copied this from another thread as it's more relevant

thebaz wrote: »

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

The big problem is everyone in the squad knew Murray's form was awful and he was still walking into the team and playing 70+ minutes, so in some way im convinced complacency set in.

For the Scotland game I would like to see AF make some big calls. Even if it's only for one or two games, it sends a message. If Murray's form is still off, send him back to Munster for a few games in the pro14


Healy Herring Furlong Ryan Henderson Ruddock VDF Deegan
Cooney Byrne Stockdale McCloskey Ringrose Conway Larmour

Bench - Kilcoyne Kelleher Porter Toner Stander McGrath Carbery Addison

One or two players will have to be picked based on injuries elsewhere

If Kelleher is not fit then Cronin or Scannell slot in
Half backs options are limited


I really dont wanted to see a tried and trusted, credit in the bank selection. Yes they can grind out a win over Scotland in Dublin but they are not they only ones. I also hope we see a far more open style of play. Nothing overly risky but a move away from a dependency on box kicks and one out runners standing still.


Think the tournament is wide open between Ireland Wales France and England. Away wins will determine the championship. France with an organised defence under Edwards will be interesting.

Squidgy Black

I don't think there'll be as many big selection changes as people want/expect.

Farrell's been in the setup for the last 3 years, it's not a completely clean slate where the players don't have a previous reputation with the coach etc. He'll have seen the work players have put in during international camps and the way they train. There's a good chance he just sticks with the status quo and drip feeds players in. Personally hope he doesn't but just looking at it from a logical point of view.

I will say one thing though, it'll probably be the most exciting squad announcement and then team selection we've had in quite some time, regardless of the direction he goes in.

Burkie1203

Squidgy Black wrote: »

I don't think there'll be as many big selection changes as people want/expect.

Farrell's been in the setup for the last 3 years, it's not a completely clean slate where the players don't have a previous reputation with the coach etc. He'll have seen the work players have put in during international camps and the way they train. There's a good chance he just sticks with the status quo and drip feeds players in. Personally hope he doesn't but just looking at it from a logical point of view.

I will say one thing though, it'll probably be the most exciting squad announcement and then team selection we've had in quite some time, regardless of the direction he goes in.

I don't think we need wholesale changes, just make 3 or 4 form choices especially in backrow and at half back. Im hoping we will at the very least look to be a bit more expansive, let the players play with a bit more freedom.

JJJackal

Burkie1203 wrote: »

I don't think we need wholesale changes, just make 3 or 4 form choices especially in backrow and at half back. Im hoping we will at the very least look to be a bit more expansive, let the players play with a bit more freedom.

The biggest calls are 9/10.

The rest of the team will have some changes but unlikely anyone will be too shocked eg new hooker, new 15, some combination of back rows (that have played for the senior team before) depending on whos fit..

Squidgy Black

Leo Cullen has said he hopes Sexton will be back for Leinster for the Treviso game, we could still be in for a surprise.

AbusesToilets

Looking forward to watching France this year, hoping this is the season they finally start putting it together. They have some fantastic players coming through, their backline with Dupont, Ntamack , Fickou, Huget and Peneud is glorious.

scott1974

Things people say at the start of every 6 nations....it usually lasts about 46 minutes...

AbusesToilets wrote: »

Looking forward to watching France this year, hoping this is the season they finally start putting it together. They have some fantastic players coming through, their backline with Dupont, Ntamack , Fickou, Huget and Peneud is glorious.

AbusesToilets

scott1974 wrote: »

Things people say at the start of every 6 nations....it usually lasts about 46 minutes...

Dunno, I think this season could mark a genuine turning point.

PMC83

Squidgy Black wrote: »

Leo Cullen has said he hopes Sexton will be back for Leinster for the Treviso game, we could still be in for a surprise.

Good news but I must admit I wouldn't be heartbroken to see Sexton sit this years 6N. Curious to see what the Ireland team would be like without him at this stage, we'll have to at sooner or later, and better now then 2 years into a the cycle.

scott1974

AbusesToilets wrote: »

Dunno, I think this season could mark a genuine turning point.

Maybe but it's the hope that kills you!

England are huge favourites this year unsurprisingly. They have us and the Welsh at home. The rest away. Am unlikely banana skin against France in Paris. If they can a muster 75% of their world cup form, they'll walk a grand slam.

Fixtures with my anticipated results:

Week 1
Wales v Italy (Wales)
Ireland v Scotland (Ireland)
France v England (England)

Week 2
Ireland v Wales (Ireland)
Scotland v England (England)
France v Italy (France)

Week 3
Italy v Scotland (Italy)
Wales v France (Wales)
England v Ireland (England) This is the grand slam decider for England, Ireland odds for Championship if we win

Week 4
Ireland v Italy (Ireland)
England v Wales (England)
Scotland v France (France)

Week 5
Wales v Scotland (Wales)
Italy v England (England)
France v Ireland (Ireland)

England haven't always been consistent under Jones but I expect they'll do the grand slam this year. France opening weekend could rattle them though, France have been worse than they are and won that game so who knows. I recall a late Ficou try handing this exact opening round fixture to France a few seasons ago.

If we beat England then we're in good shape for the championship I reckon but France away the final weekend will be a battle - a grand slam the reward.

Scotland will get the wooden spoon having been obliterated the opening two weekends and Italy will do to them what they did to us in 2013.

Wales will struggle under Pivac, the regions are dire this year and I just don't think they have the players anymore.

Squidgy Black

England will be desperate for a win after losing the WC, the only thing against them is the question of whether their squad will be fully recovered after the prolonged campaign.

Dubinusa

Should be interesting. I would expect England to win! For us, a run of good play with 3 wins would be ideal. I'm actually hoping that Sexton misses out on a couple of matches, so someone else gets a run! With the world cup disaster in the rearview mirror, a fresh approach would be welcome.