connachta wrote: » Aside Aki/Zebo trolls, let's calm down we're nearly 2 years before RWC Those who are hard done by Schmidt now have smth like 20 international games to push for their inclusion, and can be noticed in big games starting interpros this week-end 1) any hooker better than Herring 2) TOH 3) Scannell 4) Cooney 5) Beirne
RichieRich89 wrote: » The real problem, as I see it, is the lack of a passing option at 15 (unless Carbery plays there, obviously). The attack was very predictable with Conway at fullback against the Japs. Earls, Sweetnam and Farrell are good passers, and McCloskey's not bad either. Farrell's excellent passing game was on show in the Leinster-Munster match a few weeks back
TheCitizen wrote: » I think the Sexton decision is hypocritical and the rugby 'experts' here seem likely to stonewall on that siting he had it in his contract to be available for Ireland camps etc. I can see why the IRFU have made the decision they've made but Sexton should've been left out as well when he was in France. I still think the IRFU policy is draconian. Zebo shouldn't be dropped while he's still playing for Munster and I think maybe a 2 year timeframe could be looked at.
errlloyd wrote: » Would it be fair to say that other than Sexy, Keatley and Carbery none of those backs are particularly good at passing the ball. I really hope Carbs gets a run at 15, otherwise we're here for Warren Ball.
CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: » The other element is of course it's not one deal for Zebo and one for everyone else. Sexton made the effort of reducing his potential racing salary by circa 100k per annum so that he could attend 30+ international training days outside of the international window. Zebo hasn't done that.
Marina Old-fashioned Locket wrote: » 2. World player of the year cannot be used to validate anything - driscoll never winning devalues the whole competition. Sexton is a great player and is crucial to Ireland. He has and never will be a world class 10. Examples of World class would be wilkinson, carter, lynam, and barrett now.
irishbucsfan wrote: » I mean maybe you're more of an expert than me, but it looks like that's exactly what they have.
Marina Old-fashioned Locket wrote: » Poor old Zebo, born 4 years too late. 2 crucial points 1. If furlong said he was leaving tomorrow I wonder what Uncle Joes policy would be then.
Marina Old-fashioned Locket wrote: » 2. World player of the year cannot be used to validate anything - driscoll never winning devalues the whole competition. Sexton is a great player and is crucial to Ireland. He has and never will be a world class 10. Examples of World class would be wilkinson, carter, lynam, and barrett now. Lets keep things real on here.
Burkie1203 wrote: » If players leave en masse, and i mean 6-7-8 top players from each province, that makes it harder for the provinces to remain competitive (in Europe especially). The knock on is loss of revenue which hurts the provinces even more. Then the provinces have to recruit from outside which means added expense for players who have little value at national level. If they cant recruit top level guys Then guys coming into academies are playing in squads with a lower all round ability. So they arent training or playing at the same standard as now. The influence of overseas coaches at provinces has been huge. Attracting coaches of that standard then becomes tougher. At national team level the prep time if players overseas are selected is reduced drastically because you will have guys rocking up with injuries/knocks. Or in need of recovery rest time. Currently the national side gets together 2 weeks before AI or 6n. They have proper lead in with releases to provinces managed on a gametime required basis. For the provinces to remain competitive and the IRFU to remain strong financially (they fund the provinces substantially) we need a strong national side. Otherwise we end up like the lovechild of Wales and Scotland. IRFU have one trump card. There is also a pile of players out of contract next may. If they have international ambitions then they now know where they have to be to realise them.
TheCitizen wrote: » That's a strange decision. You can't force players to remain in Ireland long term, it will unravel. And despite what the 'experts' on here might say, you can't have one rule for Sexton and another for everyone else. The IRFU need to come up with some sort of middle ground, maybe a player can sign up to a 2 year contract in England or France and still be available to be picked for Ireland, but after that they will be told they'll be replaced. It's way too draconian as it is now. The IRFU will be changing that policy sooner or later, that's for certain. The question is are they going to manage it with a bit of creativity or will they just react and firefight desperately.
TheCitizen wrote: » And despite what the 'experts' on here might say, you can't have one rule for Sexton and another for everyone else.
prawnsambo wrote: » It's only funny if the 'some' are the same as the 'many'.
Erik Shin wrote: » Funny how Aki is now the poster boy for some, when previously many in here hoped he'd never be given the opportunity to wear an Ireland shirt
jacothelad wrote: » Tyson Fury wrote: » Gas how Bundee Aki can just fly in and be representing Ireland yet Zebo who is born and bread in this country gets the chop. Poor form from Joe schmith and the RFU. Aki didn't "just fly in and be representing Ireland." He uprooted himself from 12,000 miles away and trailed across the planet to a foreign culture. He has been here for over three years during which time he has put himself on the line endlessly in a brutal sport for his team. Also he could probably have doubled his salary in France but he chose not to do and he remained loyal to his team, team mates and fans. Zebo has decided to follow the money in order to helpensure financial certainty into the future at the expense of playing for Ireland. He knew what he was likely to happen to his Ireland career so he bartered his 350,000 a year in Ireland for double that in France. Good for him.....and good for Aki for showing loyalty in the face of much criticism from many in the press and public and repaying the faith Connacht had in him.
Tyson Fury wrote: » Gas how Bundee Aki can just fly in and be representing Ireland yet Zebo who is born and bread in this country gets the chop. Poor form from Joe schmith and the RFU.
