Ireland Team Talk/Gossip/Rumour Thread VIII - ** MOD NOTE POST #4781 **

irishbucsfan wrote: »

Adam Byrne's defense has actually been improved this season up to the Monty game. People are letting one single game colour their opinions of him, whereas the Irish coaching staff won't do that. The same was true of Dave Kearney who was constantly referred to as a bad defender because of one game, despite the opposite being true.

Does the Munster game not count for some reason?

irishbucsfan wrote: »

It absolutely counts

Well his defence was exposed there too, so I'm not sure what you are basing the one game thing on. He has had ongoing well highlighted issues with his defending. There have been issues this season in most games he has played in.The Monty game is the only one there has been an issue with his tackle technique but that's not the main issue with his defence.

stephen_n wrote: »

Well his defence was exposed there too, so I'm not sure what you are basing the one game thing on. He has had ongoing well highlighted issues with his defending. There have been issues this season in most games he has played in.The Monty game is the only one there has been an issue with his tackle technique but that's not the main issue with his defence.

You should really just go ahead and read what I said above about that game, no point in me repeating it.

connachta wrote: »

You can all find "good reasons" or "live with it" but McCartney ahead of Herring and TOH ahead of Keaney(s)/Byrne is common sense. Considereing Farrell (Chris) as limited is, too

Noboby will change his mind, and that's ok, enough said, we agree to disagree

I can see the argument for McCartney; he's a big man, solid scrummager, and athletic player. He was phenomenal two seasons ago when Connacht were on fire. He was very dynamic in attack in that magical season and picked up the accolade for best hooker in the league at the time.

However, since then, two years has passed and that form simply hasn't been replicated.
McCartney is now 32, and has never been in the Irish squad.

Herring is 27, and has past experience being in the Irish squad under Joe Schmidt.
He played in the Champions Cup recently and did well.

If you want to advocate for a Connacht player to be blooded into the Irish squad I would be suggesting that Dave Heffernan (or even Shane Delahunt) have a better case than McCartney.

Whatever about O'Halloran, he can put in great performances, but he is probably a bit unlucky with injury and he hasn't had a run of matches lately.
There is also the possibility that Darragh Leader is actually a better option too.
It remains to be seen which of the two will be the full-back for the rest of the season. They are both good prospects.
I wouldn't be too disappointed either, there is definitely potential there, but perhaps a bit of luck between now and February and he could be back in the Irish Squad for the 6N.

connachta wrote: »

Agree as I said ealier 20 international games and around 35 provincial games, still time to change

Best, Scannell, Tracy, Herring, Cronin

Joe has nailed his colours to the mast at hooker. He isnt going to waste precious time (as you said yourself - 20 games) integrating a 32 year old who isnt part of his long term plans when he has 5 guys from which 3 will go the RWC.

Jump_In_Jack wrote: »

I can see the argument for McCartney; he's a big man, solid scrummager, and athletic player. He was phenomenal two seasons ago when Connacht were on fire. He was very dynamic in attack in that magical season and picked up the accolade for best hooker in the league at the time.

However, since then, two years has passed and that form simply hasn't been replicated.
McCartney is now 32, and has never been in the Irish squad.

Herring is 27, and has past experience being in the Irish squad under Joe Schmidt.
He played in the Champions Cup recently and did well.

If you want to advocate for a Connacht player to be blooded into the Irish squad I would be suggesting that Dave Heffernan (or even Shane Delahunt) have a better case than McCartney.

Whatever about O'Halloran, he can put in great performances, but he is probably a bit unlucky with injury and he hasn't had a run of matches lately.
There is also the possibility that Darragh Leader is actually a better option too.
It remains to be seen which of the two will be the full-back for the rest of the season. They are both good prospects.
I wouldn't be too disappointed either, there is definitely potential there, but perhaps a bit of luck between now and February and he could be back in the Irish Squad for the 6N.

Would agree with a lot if this, if there had to be a hooker from Connacht it should be heffernan but he doesn't start enough to warrant a place in the squad. And leaders stule and attributes suit joe way more then toh, toh is just a lot better at the minute

As my dad always says three things in life are inevitable: death, taxes, and TOH not being selected.

Best just to move on Connacht fans.

thomond2006 wrote: »

Cork Con and Ireland winger extraordinaire!

He's played more often on the wing for Ireland than Byrne or Tiernan