Jump_In_Jack wrote: » I know you are trying to be a sort of protector of young guys, and I'd agree with that in general, But in this case the fact is that we simply have never had a sprinter of his calibre in Ireland, and to have him decide to play rugby is hugely exciting. To be able to record 10.49 seconds for the 100 metre sprint at 18 years of age is unprecedented in this country. It could be a game changer if that type of speed was available on the wing. Of course there is more to rugby than just being fast, but it's something we've never had to that extent. Edit: I meant his 100m record at his age, of course Paul Hession holds the Irish 100m record at 10.18 seconds.
Dubinusa wrote: » Imo, Murray was not the best sh in Ireland last season. He seemed well off the pace and I thought he should have taken some time off after the 6nations. It seems he's still not close to being back to himself. If he doesn't recover form he should definitely be dropped. He's at a crossroads now! He's 30 and has a lot of miles on him. He may never return to form. That being said, Schmidt ran him into the ground imo. I think the replacement sh's have their own set of skills and styles which were not developed. The lack of game time hurt us. The same could be said for Sexton! He also has been poor. After the Jackson trial, it seems there was no back up plan. Carberry was rushed? He still does not impress me at 10! Carty made the team, but a little too late! RB was dumped after England absolutely hammered us, like it was his fault. All in all, I think it was a disaster waiting to happen. Going forward, the other 9's and 10's definitely need meaningful match time. I hope Farrell sees this. Reliance on a couple of lads is nuts. The 6nations can't get here soon enough.
threeball wrote: » Anyone looking for a clean out is only looking for another world cup tonking in 2023. You need to keep some of the senior players with new blood filling in around for the first 2yrs. In the meantime move out the lads who can't move the ball or have a low skill level. In 2021/2022 you need to have the team 70% new blood. High skill levels, low mileage, encouraging the provinces to play similarly. Then build towards the WC tweaking the gameplan in the 2023 six nations and refining in the warm ups. Bring in 15 new lads now and they'll get hammered for two years and be ready to put out to pasture in 4. Alot of the current squad will still serve a purpose.
Dubinusa wrote: » So the 6nations are right around the corner!! Any body think there will be a shock omission from the 23?
Dubinusa wrote: » So, who gets the hook? Will Farrell ruthlessly drop the "undroppables".
Former Former wrote: » Nobody is/was undroppable. There are players for whom there are legitimate replacements and there are players for whom there aren't.
whatawaster wrote: » Conor Murray has not been the best scrum half in Ireland for 12 months if we are being honest. And we had two viable replacements for him. Marmion has proved himself plenty with the squad and started probably our best ever win (all blacks). McGrath is the starting scrum half for one of the two best teams in Europe You cannot tell me he hasn’t been undroppable. He was barely sub-able in Joe’s eyes
bilston wrote: » Which players have been impressing at their provinces over the first four rounds of the Pro 14? I can only speak for Ulster, but I'd say Billy Burns has been the standout at Ulster so far. Who has stood out at the other provinces?
Niallof9 wrote: » Did i say the coach? I said the IRFU. Also the players of course care. Its definitely a factor. If people say it isn't , well thats is a denial of human society and how life works.
Plenty of nippy players - Lowry is one that springs to mind. We have pruposefully constructed a small professional net. We have 209 clubs in Ireland with multiple thousands of players, yet only 180 pro players or so fine. But lets not pretend we are this or that. There's big lads, nippy lads, hard lads. For one reason or another only the very few break through. I played with 3 AIL captains who would be pro in many other countries. One of them is now a coach with Leinster. I'm sure others have people in their clubs with the same story. Sport is a weird thing with a lot of luck lets not excuse ourselves with made up stuff. D'arcy also agrees with your theory.
Squidgy Black wrote: » Ronan Kelleher and Hugo Keenan have been the main two standouts for Leinster.
bilston wrote: » Kelleher is a hooker??
Shefwedfan wrote: » It's Pro 14 and to be honest most of the teams are playing B & C sides. So fairly irrelevant. Need to look at form after Europe and then see who is or who should be going to the Christmas camp and then into 6 nations. I would expect some of the WC squad will pick up niggles etc so a chance for some of the younger player to start in Europe
Dubinusa wrote: » A gradual change is most likely what we're going to get. Many stalwarts will still be in the mix, I reckon. Nordi, for one looks to be in a good position. His versatility is his strength and with POM constantly underwhelming, it's possible he could be seen as an addition. Also, Carty v Carberry should heat up over the coming months! Obviously, one of them is in poll position to succeed Sexton. I am unsure as to how RB has performed for Leinster. Burns apparently, is going well for Ulster. I also think a couple of good months would set J.O.D up to be in the mix. T.O.D is too old imo, and I doubt he'll be in the running. The likes of Doris, Boyle and Deegan will be capped over the next 12 months. My money would be on Boyle to make the leap. Cillian Gallagher is another lad who I thought would be a force, but he seems to be injured a lot. I hope Ronan Kelliher lives up to the hype. McBurney too! We could certainly use some quality new blood at hooker. I think we're going to have a good 6nations. I think we're going to win at least 3 matches.
