South Africa V Ireland, Third Test Build-up Thread

Adbrowne · 21-06-2016 8:44am #1

Just a guess at squad for the third test

McGrath, Best, Ross, Toner, Henderson, Stander, Ruddock, Heaslip
Murray, Jackson, Earls, Marshall, Payne, Trimble, TOH

Bealham, Cronin, Furlong, Dillane, Jordi, Marmion, Madigan, Gilroy

kuang1 · 21-06-2016 8:47am

Adbrowne wrote: »

Just a guess at squad for the third test

McGrath, Best, Ross, Toner, Henderson, Stander, Ruddock, Heaslip
Murray, Jackson, Earls, Marshall, Payne, Trimble, TOH

Bealham, Cronin, Furlong, Dillane, Jordi, Marmion, Madigan, Gilroy

That's a decent guess and I'd be happy enough with it.

But I suspect he might start Dillane and keep Henderson for a last 25 minute impact role.

I also think he might start Murphy and have Ruddock on the bench.
But I'm solely basing that on who were rested last Saturday.

.ak · 21-06-2016 8:50am

Adbrowne wrote: »

Just a guess at squad for the third test

McGrath, Best, Ross, Toner, Henderson, Stander, Ruddock, Heaslip
Murray, Jackson, Earls, Marshall, Payne, Trimble, TOH

Bealham, Cronin, Furlong, Dillane, Jordi, Marmion, Madigan, Gilroy

Swap TOH for Olding and that'd be my choice.

wp_rathead · 21-06-2016 8:54am

.ak wrote: »

Swap TOH for Olding and that'd be my choice.

Love Olding but not at FB

willit · 21-06-2016 9:01am

Adbrowne wrote: »

Just a guess at squad for the third test

McGrath, Best, Ross, Toner, Henderson, Stander, Ruddock, Heaslip
Murray, Jackson, Earls, Marshall, Payne, Trimble, TOH

Bealham, Cronin, Furlong, Dillane, Jordi, Marmion, Madigan, Gilroy

I'd say that's pretty close to spot on. I will be very disappointed though if (when) Payne is moved inside to 13. He's been excellent at 15, as we all expected, and putting him at 13 sets us up to be more defensive than the last 2 weeks. Of course, he is the best option for 13 with Henshaw out, but personally I'd start Marshall and Olding.

Also, I think Furlong should start, he's been very impressive and is the future.

Clegg · 21-06-2016 9:02am

Vermuelen and De Jager are out. Just need Wheatley to cry off and we have half a chance.

bilston · 21-06-2016 9:04am

I think Dillane will start with probably Henderson going to the bench.

Not sure about the backs. I don't think Olding at 15 is an option though. Marshall will come back in and then it comes to Payne at 13 or 15 and whether you go with Olding or TOH.

mareegoo · 21-06-2016 9:08am

willit wrote: »

I'd say that's pretty close to spot on. I will be very disappointed though if (when) Payne is moved inside to 13. He's been excellent at 15, as we all expected, and putting him at 13 sets us up to be more defensive than the last 2 weeks. Of course, he is the best option for 13 with Henshaw out, but personally I'd start Marshall and Olding.

Also, I think Furlong should start, he's been very impressive and is the future.

as much as i want furlong to start think this game will be won re body count

id go with:

mcgrath best ross (furlong to come on at half time ; bealham to take over if anything sudden & unforseen happens i.e. injury to bealham

toner dillane (bit of an element of surprise about dillane)

stander heaslip murphy (henderson on bench he must be wrecked)

murray jackson

earls marshall payne trimble

t o halloran (excellent counter attacker ; solid defensively (those posters who said otherwise have not been watching him and his improvements) also unknown to boks so element of surprise here also.

Adbrowne · 21-06-2016 9:29am

willit wrote: »

I'd say that's pretty close to spot on. I will be very disappointed though if (when) Payne is moved inside to 13. He's been excellent at 15, as we all expected, and putting him at 13 sets us up to be more defensive than the last 2 weeks. Of course, he is the best option for 13 with Henshaw out, but personally I'd start Marshall and Olding.

Also, I think Furlong should start, he's been very impressive and is the future.

I think there is some defensive logic to Payne moving in when we have an option like TOH for the 15 jersey. Payne is 29 [?] and RK isnt much older so we have to give TOH a go in a game like this at some stage. He has been in camp the guts of a month so there is no reason why he shouldnt be upto speed.

I dont expect my thread opener post to be the team that plays though. Think there may be a curveball or two. I just hope Marmion is not left out altogether. Reddan is 3rd choice now for me.

former total · 21-06-2016 9:36am

I think Matt Healy and Reddan are the only players not to have been involved yet?

But that shouldn't matter. We should put out the strongest team possible and really go for the win. Basically revert to the 23 for the first test, maybe give Ruddock another go at 7, and bring Olding into midfield alongside Marshall.

wp_rathead · 21-06-2016 9:45am

former total wrote: »

I think Matt Healy and Reddan are the only players not to have been involved yet?

But that shouldn't matter. We should put out the strongest team possible and really go for the win. Basically revert to the 23 for the first test, maybe give Ruddock another go at 7, and bring Olding into midfield alongside Marshall.

Start Dillane, Stander and Murphy
Let Dillane and Stander go ape for 55/60 mins
Bring on Henderson for Dillane and Ruddock for Stander for final 20/25 mins

McGrath, Best, Ross, Toner, Dillane, Stander, Murphy, Heaslip
Murray, Jackson, Earls, Marshall, Payne, Trimble, TOH

Cronin, Bealham, Furlong, Henderson, Ruddock, Marmion, Madigan, Healy

Mr Tickle · 21-06-2016 9:55am

wp_rathead wrote: »

Start Dillane, Stander and Murphy
Let Dillane and Stander go ape for 55/60 mins
Bring on Henderson for Dillane and Ruddock for Stander for final 20/25 mins

McGrath, Best, Ross, Toner, Dillane, Stander, Murphy, Heaslip
Murray, Jackson, Earls, Marshall, Payne, Trimble, TOH

Cronin, Bealham, Furlong, Henderson, Ruddock, Marmion, Madigan, Healy

Yeah this is more or less my thoughts too. Gilroy will probably beat Healy for the bench spot.
Maybe take the front row from last week.I thought furlong did brilliantly.

wp_rathead · 21-06-2016 10:13am

Jesus I forgot about Gilroy ha, I was between Healy and Olding for 23- ya Gilry 23
I went with Ross starting as he not a great bench player- he either starts or he is not in the matchday squad
If Ross starts Furlong is 19
If Furlong starts, Bealham is 19 meaning Kilcoyne is 18
And I just don't trust Kilcoyne at international level (he is a fine Pro12 player don't get me wrong)

Mr Tickle · 21-06-2016 10:27am

I see the logic.
Ross was in trouble in the scrum in the first test though and if he's not holding parity there it's hard to justify his place. Now maybe Roux made the difference (i don't know enough about the scrum to make that call) but Furlong is that bit more mobile and useful. Belham is a very handy player and can hold his own in the scrum.
On balance i think Kilcoyne is more useful than a Ross who's outmatched in the scrum.

RoundBox11 · 21-06-2016 11:45am

I'll eat my hat if it's not Olding and Marshall in the centre and Payne at fullback. TOH was only given 4 minutes in the series so far so I can't see Schmidt starting him in the most important match.

I know Schmidt name-checked TOH at 15 or Earls at 13 in his interview but id say thats as much so as not to make it a straight forward prediction for Coetzee

andymx11 · 21-06-2016 11:47am

Not that it means anything but TOH doing the press interviews with Toner this morning.

Shefwedfan · 21-06-2016 11:55am

Where is Paddy Wallace on holiday? I think we should fly him in and get him straight into the team :-)

Jump_In_Jack · 21-06-2016 12:00pm

Adbrowne wrote: »

Just a guess at squad for the third test

McGrath, Best, Ross, Toner, Henderson, Stander, Ruddock, Heaslip
Murray, Jackson, Earls, Marshall, Payne, Trimble, TOH

Bealham, Cronin, Furlong, Dillane, Jordi, Marmion, Madigan, Gilroy

That's more or less what I would guess too.
I would start Murphy and have Ruddock on the bench.
It would depend on Henderson's fitness if he could start, if not I'd have Dillane start.
Gilroy at 23 gives us the option to move Payne to fullback, Earls to centre, Gilroy to wing if O'Halloran came off.
Olding could possibly go 23, or otherwise could try starting with Olding 12, Marshall 13, Payne 15, with O'Halloran 23.
It would be a pity for Healy not getting a run, but GIlroy must have shaded it in the selection.
Personally I would have selected a back three of Healy, Gilroy and O'Halloran for the 2nd test with Marshall on the bench, and rested Trimble and Payne for the final match.
Could have brought Marshall on for Henshaw around 55 minutes and tried out olding/Marshall combo in the centres.

former total · 21-06-2016 12:04pm

Mr Tickle wrote: »

I see the logic.
Ross was in trouble in the scrum in the first test though and if he's not holding parity there it's hard to justify his place. Now maybe Roux made the difference (i don't know enough about the scrum to make that call) but Furlong is that bit more mobile and useful. Belham is a very handy player and can hold his own in the scrum.
On balance i think Kilcoyne is more useful than a Ross who's outmatched in the scrum.

Was he? I don't remember this tbh.

I think Kilcoyne is the prop most likely to miss out, Ross and McGrath to start.

mareegoo · 21-06-2016 12:17pm

wp_rathead wrote: »

Start Dillane, Stander and Murphy
Let Dillane and Stander go ape for 55/60 mins
Bring on Henderson for Dillane and Ruddock for Stander for final 20/25 mins

McGrath, Best, Ross, Toner, Dillane, Stander, Murphy, Heaslip
Murray, Jackson, Earls, Marshall, Payne, Trimble, TOH

Cronin, Bealham, Furlong, Henderson, Ruddock, Marmion, Madigan, Healy

Yes exactly team i had in mind

Lovely bench as welll wraphead

will you coach ireland in 2017 after joe leaves ?

mareegoo · 21-06-2016 12:20pm

Mr Tickle wrote: »

Yeah this is more or less my thoughts too. Gilroy will probably beat Healy for the bench spot.
Maybe take the front row from last week.I thought furlong did brilliantly.

I hope healy makes bench spot
it would be completely disingenious of joe if he put gilroy ahead of him.

logically healy would find those gaps in 55/60 mins when boks are wilting a bit there is nothing defensively between gilroy and healy

if reddan makes bench it is to close out the series his experience in these circumstances would be invaluable.

RoundBox11 · 21-06-2016 12:28pm

There's been a lot of mention of moving Payne back to 13 to shore up the defence in midfield but i think our midfield has been pretty watertight for both tests so i don't see why that's necessary. Marshall is a great defender and is used to defending the 13 channel and Olding did a good job at 12 on Saturday.

wp_rathead · 21-06-2016 12:30pm

mareegoo wrote: »

Yes exactly team i had in mind

Lovely bench as welll wraphead

will you coach ireland in 2017 after joe leaves ?

I'd be the rugby version of Paul Ince

Mr Tickle · 21-06-2016 12:37pm

former total wrote: »

Was he? I don't remember this tbh.

Well our scrum was a bit of an issue a few times. It seemed a lot more stable this week and Furlong was the change.

mareegoo wrote: »

I hope healy makes bench spot
it would be completely disingenious of joe if he put gilroy ahead of him.

logically healy would find those gaps in 55/60 mins when boks are wilting a bit there is nothing defensively between gilroy and healy

if reddan makes bench it is to close out the series his experience in these circumstances would be invaluable.

Gilroy has been picked over healy already so i'm assuming Joe prefers the look of him in training. I'm not sure which I'd have myself. Healy is terrific but I don't know how much of an opportunity he'd get to show it.

mareegoo · 21-06-2016 12:43pm

RoundBox11 wrote: »

There's been a lot of mention of moving Payne back to 13 to shore up the defence in midfield but i think our midfield has been pretty watertight for both tests so i don't see why that's necessary. Marshall is a great defender and is used to defending the 13 channel and Olding did a good job at 12 on Saturday.

im hoping it was the altitude but olding faded and faded fast in the second half

id be more comfortable with a payne / marshall axis defensively

i think joe needs sthg new whether its toh at full back or healy coming off bench or even reddan changing tactics mid way through second half to keep them guessing

dub_skav · 21-06-2016 12:51pm

I haven't seen much of Olding in the past, so had no real opinion on him either way. However, he did very little on Saturday to excite me in any way.
So, I would not be surprised to see Payne moved or even (god help us all) Earls.

Given Henshaw's injury, Olding may get another shot, but I don't think he earned it with his display on Saturday.

Mr Tickle · 21-06-2016 12:56pm

dub_skav wrote: »

I haven't seen much of Olding in the past, so had no real opinion on him either way. However, he did very little on Saturday to excite me in any way.
So, I would not be surprised to see Payne moved or even (god help us all) Earls.

Given Henshaw's injury, Olding may get another shot, but I don't think he earned it with his display on Saturday.

I'm inclined to agree with you. He fell off a couple of tackles. I'm imagine if we had another real centre there they'd get a shot. McCloskey for example.

awec · 21-06-2016 12:59pm

McCloskey would have been perfect for Saturday.

molloyjh · 21-06-2016 1:02pm

wp_rathead wrote: »

Start Dillane, Stander and Murphy
Let Dillane and Stander go ape for 55/60 mins
Bring on Henderson for Dillane and Ruddock for Stander for final 20/25 mins

McGrath, Best, Ross, Toner, Dillane, Stander, Murphy, Heaslip
Murray, Jackson, Earls, Marshall, Payne, Trimble, TOH

Cronin, Bealham, Furlong, Henderson, Ruddock, Marmion, Madigan, Healy

This.

Cronin, Furlong, Hendo and Ruddock all bring impact which we'll need. I don't think Gilroy did anything to deserve a second cap ahead of Healy getting his first, but it's fairly irrelevant anyway as neither would be getting much.

part time punk · 21-06-2016 1:08pm

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Where is Paddy Wallace on holiday? I think we should fly him in and get him straight into the team :-)

Dunno about Wallace but another Ulster 12, McCloskey, was in France at the Euros with his missus.

pickarooney · 21-06-2016 1:11pm

mareegoo wrote: »

I hope healy makes bench spot
it would be completely disingenious of joe if he put gilroy ahead of him.

logically healy would find those gaps in 55/60 mins when boks are wilting a bit there is nothing defensively between gilroy and healy

if reddan makes bench it is to close out the series his experience in these circumstances would be invaluable.

On what basis are the Boks going to wilt? So far it's being Ireland running out of steam so we'd need players to hold the fort more than anything.

Jump_In_Jack · 21-06-2016 1:13pm

awec wrote: »

McCloskey would have been perfect for Saturday.

Yes, for the 3rd test he could have been a straight swap for Henshaw at 13.
I'd have been excited to see Marshall at 12, and McCloskey at 13, Payne at 15.
With that much physicality down the centre, you could have tried Gilroy and Healy on the wings for added pace.
McCloskey and Healy could be very exciting if they got the ball out wide.
Both have great lines and offloading ability.

21-06-2016 1:14pm

Payne cannot be moved from 15

RoundBox11 · 21-06-2016 1:30pm

Olding has been considered the most talented upcoming back in Ireland with oodles of skill but now after one mediocre performance people have lost interest?

He needs more than one start in the centre in a full test side before we go writing him off. What has TOH shown past pro12 level that warrants replacing Olding?

Zzippy · 21-06-2016 1:50pm

RoundBox11 wrote: »

Olding has been considered the most talented upcoming back in Ireland with oodles of skill but now after one mediocre performance people have lost interest?

He needs more than one start in the centre in a full test side before we go writing him off. What has TOH shown past pro12 level that warrants replacing Olding?

Are you comparing apples and oranges there? TOH at fullback to Olding at centre, neither of whom are best suited to the other position. TOH has produced some consistently great fullback play for the past two seasons. If Payne is moved to centre TOH deserves a shot at the 15 jersey. Olding has produced some very good rugby since he's come back from the knee injury, has had a shot at centre, and if Payne isn't moved to centre, probably deserves another shot there. The debate isn't TOH v Olding, it's Payne at 13 v Payne at 15, and who gets the 13 or 15 shirt depending on that. If Payne stays at 15, Olding should start in the centre. If he moves to 13, TOH should start at 15.

I don't think anyone is calling for TOH to start ahead of Olding in the centre. Yes, Olding is a very talented upcoming back, but his future is definitely seen in the centre. TOH is a fullback with far more experience and form in that position. Why are you framing the debate as Olding v TOH?

Mr Tickle · 21-06-2016 1:57pm

RoundBox11 wrote: »

Olding has been considered the most talented upcoming back in Ireland with oodles of skill but now after one mediocre performance people have lost interest?

He needs more than one start in the centre in a full test side before we go writing him off. What has TOH shown past pro12 level that warrants replacing Olding?

He does deserve another look. It would be better if it was beside Henshaw or maybe against a different opposition.

Moving Payne to 13 gives us good solidity. He's looked excellent from full back but in this case i think we'd benefit from a steady hand in the centre.

TOH is a lively full back who can pick nice running lines too.

RoundBox11 · 21-06-2016 2:01pm

Zzippy wrote: »

Are you comparing apples and oranges there? TOH at fullback to Olding at centre, neither of whom are best suited to the other position. TOH has produced some consistently great fullback play for the past two seasons. If Payne is moved to centre TOH deserves a shot at the 15 jersey. Olding has produced some very good rugby since he's come back from the knee injury, has had a shot at centre, and if Payne isn't moved to centre, probably deserves another shot there. The debate isn't TOH v Olding, it's Payne at 13 v Payne at 15, and who gets the 13 or 15 shirt depending on that. If Payne stays at 15, Olding should start in the centre. If he moves to 13, TOH should start at 15.

I don't think anyone is calling for TOH to start ahead of Olding in the centre. Yes, Olding is a very talented upcoming back, but his future is definitely seen in the centre. TOH is a fullback with far more experience and form in that position. Why are you framing the debate as Olding v TOH?

Yes I'm aware of that, I was just making the case with Olding as a 12 vs TOH as a 15. I think Olding is less of a step down from Payne in the centre when compared to TOH vs Payne at fullback. A massive chunk of our attacking threat in the past two tests has come from Payne at 15.

former total · 21-06-2016 2:05pm

I think Olding at centre and Payne at FB is the way to get our best 15 players onto the pitch, but it must be tempting to move Payne into the centre for defensive solidity.

I suppose it depends on how TOH is performing in training

Jump_In_Jack · 21-06-2016 2:12pm

Potentially Marshall at 13 could be a good move.
Henshaw and Marshall could both be in contention for 13 after this tour.
For me, it's Payne at 15 from here on, with O'Halloran and Zebo hot on the heels of the out of form Kearney for the 23 shirt.

Mr Tickle · 21-06-2016 2:21pm

Jump_In_Jack wrote: »

Potentially Marshall at 13 could be a good move.
Henshaw and Marshall could both be in contention for 13 after this tour.
For me, it's Payne at 15 from here on, with O'Halloran and Zebo hot on the heels of the out of form Kearney for the 23 shirt.

And the fact that they can both play in both positions means they can be nice and flexible.
I don't know if Kearney would get the 23 shirt really. I think you want someone with a bit more flair on the bench. It may be the case that if payne got injured then Kearney is dropped straight into the 15.

jm08 · 21-06-2016 2:51pm

Mr Tickle wrote: »

And the fact that they can both play in both positions means they can be nice and flexible.
I don't know if Kearney would get the 23 shirt really. I think you want someone with a bit more flair on the bench. It may be the case that if payne got injured then Kearney is dropped straight into the 15.

O'Halloran hasn't even played an international game yet!

I can't see Zebo being dumped just yet considering the effort Schmidt has put into his re-education at fullback. I think people forget that Zebo was carrying a knee injury since February and which he has just had surgery for.

Mr Tickle · 21-06-2016 3:00pm

jm08 wrote: »

O'Halloran hasn't even played an international game yet!

I can't see Zebo being dumped just yet considering the effort Schmidt has put into his re-education at fullback. I think people forget that Zebo was carrying a knee injury since February and which he has just had surgery for.

i think he technically got game time last week actually. But i wouldn't count it either.

And i never said he'd be dumped. That said i think Payne is ahead of him for the starting shirt. Zebo is either fighting for the 23 shirt or a slot on one of the wings.

I don't think that the effort that Joe has put in should be a factor. They should be judged on their performances.

Zzippy · 21-06-2016 3:08pm

jm08 wrote: »

O'Halloran hasn't even played an international game yet!

I can't see Zebo being dumped just yet considering the effort Schmidt has put into his re-education at fullback. I think people forget that Zebo was carrying a knee injury since February and which he has just had surgery for.

Notwithstanding the injury, Zebo is a winger, end of. He's not a fullback, at least not an international standard one. TOH may not have played a test yet, it doesn't mean he's not up there with Zebo in that position challenging Kearney, which is all the other poster said. He never said anything about dumping Zebo.

Jump_In_Jack · 21-06-2016 3:37pm

Zzippy wrote: »

jm08 wrote: »

O'Halloran hasn't even played an international game yet!

I can't see Zebo being dumped just yet considering the effort Schmidt has put into his re-education at fullback. I think people forget that Zebo was carrying a knee injury since February and which he has just had surgery for.

Notwithstanding the injury, Zebo is a winger, end of. He's not a fullback, at least not an international standard one. TOH may not have played a test yet, it doesn't mean he's not up there with Zebo in that position challenging Kearney, which is all the other poster said. He never said anything about dumping Zebo.

I thought Zebo played very well at fullback for Ireland a few times.
He was particularly good in the air, and has great clearances with his kicks.
Plus he has great acceleration, if he finds a gap in the middle or out wide he's dangerous, so he can run great lines from fullback.
He needs to work on his positioning, and he tends to tackle to bring down the runner in very unconventional ways, but he does usually bring the attacker down.
If he plays the whole of next season for Munster at fullback then we may see the tackling and positioning go up another level, hopefully.
The things that Joe particularly didn't like about him was that he didn't attack rucks aggressively enough, and he tended to try to attempt risky passes while being tackled.
I think he has improved on both those aspects in the past season.

Mahatma Geansai · 21-06-2016 4:08pm

Zzippy wrote: »

Notwithstanding the injury, Zebo is a winger, end of. He's not a fullback, at least not an international standard one. TOH may not have played a test yet, it doesn't mean he's not up there with Zebo in that position challenging Kearney, which is all the other poster said. He never said anything about dumping Zebo.

Anything to back up this assertion?

ClanofLams · 21-06-2016 4:18pm

Mahatma Geansai wrote: »

Anything to back up this assertion?

He hasn't enough experience in the position. What has he, maybe at the most 20 professional starts at 15? I would think 20 is a generous estimation. He was caught badly out of position in the Wales game this year for their try. He was good going forward in that game to be fair and if Munster play him there consistently he could well become an international level 15 but he's not at the moment which is unsurprising given his very limited gametime in the position.

Zzippy · 21-06-2016 4:26pm

Mahatma Geansai wrote: »

Anything to back up this assertion?

Personal observation and opinion, same as 99.9% of the posts on this forum. Watch him play fullback and watch him play wing, his skillset is far better suited to the wing. His defence is suspect at fullback, he's been caught out of position a few times where a fullback would have been covering across. He's a better straight line runner than picking lines through gaps as a fullback needs to, his distribution and passing isn't good enough, he's better at being in the right place to receive a scoring pass than he is at making space and giving one. His kicking is about the only aspect of his game suited to 15. He's good enough to be a regular starter for Ireland on the wing, playing him at fullback is just exposing weaknesses in his game and not doing him any favours.

Jump_In_Jack · 21-06-2016 4:32pm

Zzippy wrote: »

Mahatma Geansai wrote: »

Anything to back up this assertion?

Personal observation and opinion, same as 99.9% of the posts on this forum. Watch him play fullback and watch him play wing, his skillset is far better suited to the wing. His defence is suspect at fullback, he's been caught out of position a few times where a fullback would have been covering across. He's a better straight line runner than picking lines through gaps as a fullback needs to, his distribution and passing isn't good enough, he's better at being in the right place to receive a scoring pass than he is at making space and giving one. His kicking is about the only aspect of his game suited to 15. He's good enough to be a regular starter for Ireland on the wing, playing him at fullback is just exposing weaknesses in his game and not doing him any favours.

Sorry, that part of your argument about passing is ridiculous.
He has made some unbelievable passes when playing for Ireland at fullback.
I don't have time to go searching through Youtube highlights but I definitely remember him throwing a few massive passes after making a linebreak, and thinking that Kearney had never passed like that, and it could open a new dimension to our Irish backline.
Zebo's passing and distribution may not be perfect all the time, but he certainly has the skills.

Also, not being able to go through gaps!
That's about his best attribute. I don't think that's a fair criticism.

Jump_In_Jack · 21-06-2016 4:39pm

Zebo pass to Earls against Romania in the RWC 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccDgqeRjsZ0

Zzippy · 21-06-2016 4:44pm

Jump_In_Jack wrote: »

Sorry, that part of your argument about passing is ridiculous.
He has made some unbelievable passes when playing for Ireland at fullback.
I don't have time to go searching through Youtube highlights but I definitely remember him throwing a few massive passes after making a linebreak, and thinking that Kearney had never passed like that, and it could open a new dimension to our Irish backline.
Zebo's passing and distribution may not be perfect all the time, but he certainly has the skills.

Also, not being able to go through gaps!
That's about his best attribute. I don't think that's a fair criticism.

I've also watched him throw simple passes into touch, and many times retain possession when a pass would have put a teammate into a much better position. Distribution isn't exactly a strength of Kearney either, so being better than him at that, while debatable, isn't exactly praiseworthy.
I just think he's better at being the final receiver and using his pace on the outside to beat defenders than taking up possession and picking a line through a defence. IMO Payne and TOH are far better at that, at distribution, and especially, defence.

Play your best players in their best position - we have better fullbacks than Zebo and not many wingers better than him.

irishbucsfan · 21-06-2016 4:46pm

Zebo's position could well be fullback for me. Very excited to see him play more there and wouldn't be at all surprised if he turns out to be the longer term answer

South Africa V Ireland, Third Test Build-up Thread

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