Clegg wrote: » Ringrose does have some faults and the occasional bout of blinkers on does happen. But he's our best centre by a mile. He's also generally a good passer as seen with Leinster. The problem with our wings not receiving the ball enough surfaced this year, but I think a lot of that was down to tactics. In 2018 we didn't seem to have a problem getting the ball into wide areas. After the failure in developing Aki as a distributing 12 we didn't go looking for another passer, but rather opted to not pass from the centres at all. We only did it against the minnows. As for Tom Farrell. He's a decent player, but until a few weeks ago he wasn't starting for Connacht. And Ringrose is just better.
Niallof9 wrote: » Dave Kearney back in the mix eh... He’s bang average and if that’s the height of our new dawn we’re in serious trouble
Faugheen wrote: » When was the last time he let Leinster or Ireland down? I’m not saying he should be parachuted into the starting line-up, not at all. What I was saying was it would be a great story for the likes of him and Marshall with their injury troubles over the last couple of years. If they’re the form players at the time, why not? Most people seem to want to reward form when it suits them.
Niallof9 wrote: » Dave Kearney has had his shot. He’s not good enough
Niallof9 wrote: » Advocating players like Kearney but saying Kelleher is too young and has to prove himself is the delusional Irish fan at best
Niallof9 wrote: » Might have been the mare in 2015 when it was clear he was a very average player. If his name wasn’t what it was I’d doubt he’d have broken through. Cause I think he’s had his chance and he’s been pretty average for ireland. He’s had a decent pro 14 opening, but so what. Kelleher s a different story as the guy is clearly quality and we have **** all hookers. Who does Kearney get in the squad for?
Niallof9 wrote: » Suits you just as well. Copelands had a fine game here. So? We start from scratch completely then
Faugheen wrote: » He has, and fair play to him. It would be a nice story for him too. So would you be in favour of the good story around the hard-done-by Copeland but not Kearney?
Niallof9 wrote: » Nah I’m realistic. He’s never lived up to it, his mental games not there, I think you are right tho, Kearney will come back in. You r right there. I just don’t rate him myself. But that’s just me. I would happy for a full squad reboot, then it’s not as bad in a way. That’s more it then d Kearney coming back in I suppose. It’s more if it’s wc squad plus d Kearney and one or two others is what has me worried. I’ll be honest I’ll be in despair if that’s what we see. Particularly if guys like Cooney continue like yesterday. Wc has to be year zero for me. Take joe out of it , then the players have to take responsibility and for me all bets r off. If it’s any lad regardless of history or “star “ status and then that includes Kearney then no worries, yeAh. He can be a great defender in fairness. He’s a nuggety pro. I think his mistake was not sticking to fullback What about blade , is he good enough?
Clegg wrote: » Good opening day for the Irish sides in Europe. Munster and Ulster with away wins and Leinster with a hard run out against Benneton but a comfortable victory in the end. From an Ireland point of view it was good to see Ringrose to play so well. His hattrick shows trying scoring excellence, but he also kick passed and offloaded on a number of occasions. Really developing well as an auxiliary playmaker. Ronan Kelleher and Max Deegan were the pick of the youngsters. With a void to be filled at hooker I think Kelleher is best positioned to take over from Best. He's a hard worker in defence and has an excellent attacking game. Can offload and play the link man extremely well. Deegan was very good as an early substitute. Carried extremely well in tight and makes a lot of metres for a guy who doesn't have a huge build. Also played very well at the ruck. He's someone Farrell should have a look at come January. VdF was also exceptional. When he's given the chance to play at bit wider he has a great turn of speed and carries extremely well.
Clegg wrote: » 4 from 4 after today! Thought Blade and Aki were exceptional. Blade is a constant menace at the fringes. He's a very similar player to Luke McGrath in that regard. Aki was awesome in defence and looked very dangerous playing in the 13 channel. Has a bit more space to carry in. The problem, if you want to call it that, is that we've a glut of very good centres who are all more comfortable at 13. Ringrose is the undisputed first choice there so we're looking at shoehorning Aki, Henshaw or Farrell at 12.
Shefwedfan wrote: » Whats the crack with Marmion? I guess he is not carrying an injury and Blade has carried on since last season with good form? I would hope Blade is in the squad if he continues with this form.
its_phil wrote: » He’s injured. I’m not getting the narrative coming out the last couple weeks about Marmion. James Downey and Cian Tracey were on the radio today saying Kieran is out of form. He’s been playing really well but Blade is the form nine and more than capable of challenging for the Ireland 23 right now. Kieran has been good in all his appearances this year despite the rumours, Connacht are just fortunate with strength in depth. Also worth remembering, Connacht wouldn’t be in Champions Cup without Kieran’s tackle against the Blues in final game of regular season. He was also picked ahead of Blade for the playoff game, but Tracey kept saying he had lost his place.
Bazzo wrote: » I see there's an extended u20 squad in training at the moment on Irish rugby's Instagram. Have we got any idea who's in it? Can't remember if there's a specific thread for u20s, had a quick look and couldn't see one so sorry if this is in the wrong place.
tryagain wrote: » Blade was outstanding today
tryagain wrote: » Do we currently have any world class scrumhalfs based on 2019 performances debatable but he is as good as any of or current batch based on today showing .
tryagain wrote: » Quick SH needed for rush defence get that ball out a split second quicker .Larmour fullback. But outhalf a worry Carvery seems injury prone what do ye think of Burns
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