Richie_Rich89 wrote: » It's a cliché but also a truism that the Irish team's biggest strength (as well as its greatest weakness) is that they play at the level of the opposition. Of course, this is a problem in quarter finals because if you're waiting to see what the level of the opposition is, they could be over the horizon before you can get going. It all comes from the fact that as a people the Irish have massive egos, but very low self esteem. They're always worried and insecure what other countries might think of them. So, to avert the danger of being trendsetters that might come with starting fast (which would open you up to being seen as different by other nations you feel inferior to) from the mental side of things it's far safer to let the other team potentially do that and then react. I think Ireland's best chance of being mentally right for a RWC QF might be if they were facing Australia or England. The former because historically there were a lot of Irish in Australia, which means they'd be seen as similar, and the latter because Ireland have no problem getting up for a game against England.
Burkie1203 wrote: » NPHET want level 5 If govt agree, we are going to lose at least one province from pro rugby this season
Deleted User wrote: » Any sign of an Ireland squad yet?
Deleted User wrote: » We've potentially a big problem with the front row. First and second choice tightheads injured, Healy's form isn't great and hooker is up in the air. Glad we have Italy first.
arsebiscuits1 wrote: » Not ideal is it? O'Toole is out for a couple of weeks too. To be fair. Bealham has been performing really strongly recently and has always been a decent scrummager. John Ryan more than capable too. Moore still an unknown. He's been nearly 6 years out of test rugby and hasn't looked near the level since he left. Hopefully Killer comes back soon. And Jack McGrath still well capable of high level minutes. Heffernan and Kelleher in pole for the 2 shirt. Heff in particular has impressed me. Very decent 80 minute shift at the weekend. Fundamentals are excellent. Kelleher still a good option. Lineout woes have been very much overstated. He's got to shoulder a part of the blame. But Leinsters pack have been poor since the season restarted with their lineout organisation
bilston wrote: » Surely Herring is in pole position for the No.2 jersey. Kelleher has done nothing to deserve to take the jersey from him, other than be 5 or 6 years younger. Haven't seen enough of Heffernen this season in fairness
ionadnapokot wrote: » v Italy, France & England - 2. Herring 16. Kelleher I dont believe Kelleher has been that bad. Throwing hasnt been great - "not down to just him" is fair. He has great potential. To drop him for Cronin (of all people!) for Saracens was an idiotic selection by Cullen. Heffernan been excellent. Looks steady enough at lineout. Tidy around the pitch and puts in a good few tip-on passes. Played the full 80 v Cardiff. v Wales and Georgia - 2. Kelleher 16. Heffernan Scrum will be demolished v France and England
arsebiscuits1 wrote: » The obvious caveat is his throwing has been put under scrutiny recently. But this point has been over stated. There was a game recently where Leinster lost 5 lineouts in the first half which Murray Kinsella dove into. They were largely down to system failures. Against Dragons only one lineout went astray which was entirely down to it going through VDFs hands.
bilston wrote: » Fair point Although I have to smile, because I can think of a recently retired Irish captain who must wish that there was that level of analysis done on Irish lineout malfunctions in the last 10 years.
Clegg wrote: » So Conway and Stockdale on either wing with Larmour at 15. Not ideal as that's a back three with two out of form players in it. Wouldn't be averse to seeing Farrell throw in someone like Keenan for a first cap. But that's highly unlikely.
UAEguy2020 wrote: » Would definitely look at throwing Keenan in at 15, he is just what we are crying out for at 15 as he attacks the line very well but also has excellent positional sense which we have been so badly exposed at by England and if anything I think the backfield defense has been far more concerning against England than us getting outmuscled imo. 15 Keenan 14 Conway/Larmour 11 Stockdale For the Italy game imo.
phily2002 wrote: » Looks like Cooney is not making the squad going by the42. Pretty crazy call if true
Clegg wrote: » Cooney hasn't been in good form since rugby returned. Seems a bit unfair as he was the form scrum half for 18 months prior to that yet still couldn't get a start. Based on recent form you can't really complain though.
Buer wrote: » Not really. He has been poor by his standards since rugby restarted and was dropped by Ulster for the Pro14 final. There's limited space for scrum halves. Marmion and JGP have been the best. Murray has been solid if unspectacular and is a vastly experienced test player; his showings have certainly been comfortably better than Cooney's. McGrath and Cooney don't deserve spots on current form.
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