shootermacg wrote: » Sorry Syd, quoted the wrong post
Faugheen wrote: » Jack O’Donoghue ahead of VDF? What have people got against VDF on this forum? Also, Ruddock is 28. Hardly past it.
Squidgy Black wrote: » People keep making up a narrative about him being light and not powerful despite the many examples of him absolutely drilling people in the tackle and driving players back quite often. If you think VDF is light, you certainly can't be calling for Penny to be in the team considering he's shorter and lighter again.
P.Walnuts wrote: » I don't think anyone has an agenda against VDF, personally I think he's a good player and brings a lot to the table but at international player he's a little limited. If we aspire to be a top international team we need more than tackling from a 7, just look at England's two flankers and what they bring. I think the only player we have that comes close to them is a fit Leavy. Trying not to be knee jerk in my reactions but Underhill and Curry have been just phenomenal in the past 12 months. FWIW I think the bigger problem in the back row is POM, going forward i think some combination of Conan,Stander (at 6) Leavy an VDF should be our best combination.
Shefwedfan wrote: » We can’t base our whole game on what XYZ are doing....we need to play to our strengthsI don’t see Aus etc trying to copy what England etc are doing, just play the best team they have and see how it goes As fans we spend too much time looking at this player and that player. We have some exceptional players in Ireland....we just need to freshen up the game plan and get them rocking again
P.Walnuts wrote: » And how did that go for them? There's nothing wrong with looking at what other countries do well and trying to duplicate it. Doesn't mean we can't add our own variations
Shefwedfan wrote: » It’s sad if all we are hoping to be is a poor mans England
P.Walnuts wrote: » I'd be of the opinion it's sadder to get embarrassed on a global stage every four years
Neil3030 wrote: » Schmidt had 42 wins from 59 (74.5%) matches as Irish HC at the end of the autumnal tests in 2018. Since announcing his departure he then went 9 wins from 14, down to 64.2%. Not exact falling off a cliff, but I do recall a gut feeling at the time of his announcement that the mentality in the team may shift, knowing the coach would soon be gone.
Tea Shock wrote: » I just remember thinking, while I was delighted to beat the all-blacks 11 months ago. it was a terrible time to do so given what they have a habit of doing to teams the next time they play them after being beaten by them! Also, Steven Hansen and Warren Gatland announced they were stepping away from NZ and Wales at around the same time as Schmidt's announcement. Wales then went and won the grand slam and reached a 3rd RWC semi final. New Zealand, while they had a disappointing year with 2 terrible performances against Australia and England, didn't fall anywhere near as far as Ireland and were already showing signs of slipping in last November's series, before Hansen's announcement. It shouldn't have had an effect - especially with Schmidt's successor already in the Ireland camp!
Neil3030 wrote: » I'll defer to any Kiwis on this, but I suspect one win in the Rugby Championship and departing the RWC at the semi-final stage is a fairly disastrous year for them. Can't disagree with you on Gatland though, Wales have been superb this year.
Shefwedfan wrote: » Talking to Saracens fan and he said Marmion will be with them next year, word on street over their it will happen....
blinding wrote: » Good Player , never given a fair crack of the whip by Ireland especially as Murray had gone down hill at an alarming rate . I wonder did Joe and the IRFU know this was a possibility / probability before the world cup = could explain his omission .
aloooof wrote: » It's just speculation, I wouldn't read too much into it until anything is officially announced (much like the Aussie fans who told you that Larkham definitely wouldn't sign for Munster). Highly doubtful it explains his omission. SOB was moving to London Irish after the WC, and he would've been available but for injury. There's no reason to think a player leaving next year would have been excluded.
Henry Ford III wrote: » Marmion's late father Mick (R.I.P.) had connections with Sarries through Campion Old Boys.
aloooof wrote: » It's just speculation, I wouldn't read too much into it until anything is officially announced (much like the Aussie fans who told you that Larkham definitely wouldn't sign for Munster).
aloooof wrote: » Highly doubtful it explains his omission. SOB was moving to London Irish after the WC, and he would've been available but for injury. There's no reason to think a player leaving next year would have been excluded.
blinding wrote: » It could get very embarrassing for the IRFU if Marmion plays very well / astoundingly well for Saracens !
ClanofLams wrote: » Marmion extremely likely to get another chance with Ireland
[Deleted User] wrote: » Yeah I think so too. He'll be in the shake up anyway. Jameson Gibson Park imo is going to be up there also. He has a different style of play to our other 9s and I'd be interested to see if his ability to find time on the ball translates to international level.
Shefwedfan wrote: » Not really, players form go up and down all the time....if he goes I think everyone will wish him well and hope it goes well for him....I can’t see anyone hoping he doesn’t play well because it might embarrass the irfu He will be standing behind one of the best packs in Europe, armchair ride
blinding wrote: » They want him to drive the armchair . They must think he is a good Driver .
ClanofLams wrote: » Maybe. I find it hard to see any no.2 provincial 9 being included. Blade is playing well at Connacht but he faces a similar challenge, needs to be first choice to be in contention for Ireland. Murray, McGrath, Marmion (I think but he’s under pressure from Blade) and Cooney are all likely to be playing champions cup in the coming months. Very difficult for a guy getting 10-20 mins off the bench to leapfrog those.
shootermacg wrote: » Marmion is one of thew top scrum halves around. Absolute travesty that they left him behind for Luke McGrath who isn't anywhere near his level. You can't really blame him for deciding to take care of himself.