bilston wrote: » The reaction to Burns's selection is probably more reflective of the southern media's complete lack of interest in Ulster rugby. If you're really honest a lot of you probably haven't seen him play consistently enough to form an opinion. If you had youd have known his game has moved to another level in the last 12 months.
Paul Smeenus wrote: » I completely agree. I'd not be confident that he's good enough to to start and pull the strings to win against anyone better than Italy. I'd say he's certainly not at the moment. But I think he has earned a crack at it. He's 26, has put in some very good performances in his last year and a half at Ulster, and has played in tough, make-or-break games. This categorically is not aimed at you at all, Molloy, but there's a definite undertow in the conversation around the Ireland team that opportunities belong to the right type - young Leinster lads, 20, 21, 22. There's been calls for Dan Sheehan to play in this tournament, and Harry Byrne. Felipe Contepomi recently declared himself delighted that Byrne had worked on his fitness to a point where he was able to go 80 minutes at Pro14 level. ( https://www.the42.ie/harry-byrne-leinster-out-half-5255359-Nov2020/ ) You'll have to excuse me if I wonder if he's really earned a call-up to the international side. If he can really do a job. We all suffer from our provincial biases, I certainly won't claim that I don't have them. But there's a weight of posters on here uninterested in having to - or unable to - assess soberly any player they haven't been following since Irish schools at St Michaels. I take it on a case-by-case basis. Do I want to see Kieran Treadwell or Alan O'Connor line out for Ireland instead of - or even before - Ryan Baird? No. Do Andrew or McBurney possess anywhere near the same talent or potential as Kelleher? Absolutely not. Lowry is a brilliant player, but I suspect he's simply too small for international level, and it would be sad but not unrealistic or unfair if a player of his talent, but also his stature, never earned a cap. Marty Moore is actually turning in excellent performances for Ulster, industrious and with a decent amount of skills, but I don't think he should get another call up. He's too old - he's not the future. It'd be a step backwards. Those are, I think, all realistic assessments and judgements. But equally, do I think Billy Burns has earned a call up ahead of Harry Byrne? Yes I do. Do I think Byrne would perform as well as Burns off an international bench tomorrow? Not a chance. Harry Byrne is not on the cusp of being good enough for international level. He may well be a future superstar, but let's worry about that when he's actually better than other players working their holes off, week in, week out, putting in better performances at a higher level, who are in their mid twenties. So, yeah, I say give Burns a shot.
UAEguy2020 wrote: » I don’t think he really has been shown up though, when ever he has played he has come now he ireland are well ahead or in a **** show.
Paul Smeenus wrote: » For me, Lowry is the heart-breaker. So much talent, but such a small package. Maybe he'll get a shot... but I'm not holding my breath. I'd hope Eric O'Sullivan gets a crack at the next Six Nations, or is at least in the squad. He was going great guns before McGrath arrived, and then Jack's experience and scrummaging saw him push EOS to the bench. O'Sullivan lost a bit of impetus then, understandably. But he's close to being first choice again. It's hard to tell, because we have this thing that's brand new to Ulster that's making it all very complicated. Rotation, I think it's called.
thomond2006 wrote: » At first look it suggests an eye on development but Earls on the bench doesn't fit that narrative. Stander has been in the form of his career since the return from lockdown, it would be odd to bench him.
lawrencesummers wrote: » I can agree he has moved to another level in the last while, I just don’t think that level is good enough for Heineken cup and certainly not for international. He might look good against a pants welsh team, but he’s not going to take the jersey from sexton anytime soon, and that’s what is needed. As regards POM being included, our lineout was a shambles against France. POM is our best lineout jumper.
shootermacg wrote: » Surely Cronin is due a shot at loosehead? He's easily better than the shadow that is Healy at this stage.
Downlinz wrote: » I think you need to take a breather outside the blue bubble if you genuinely think a guy with 12 career appearances is going to displace Henderson any time soon. It's nice to be excited about the potential of young players but a few good performances against Dragons isn't going to see him move ahead of a lion, provincial captain and member of the international leadership group.
kingofthekong wrote: » I think you need to get that chip off your shoulder, I reckon Baird starts with Ryan barring injury in the next year with Henderson coming off the bench
thomond2006 wrote: » Cronin has been immense for Munster this season. He turns 30 in a few weeks so is still a potential option for 2023. I wouldn't rule him out of breaking into the Six Nations squad, particularly with Kilcoyne sidelined until the New Year.
Paul Smeenus wrote: » Who is going to take the jersey from Sexton soon? Who's closer to doing it?
lawrencesummers wrote: » Two questions that I would love to see Us closer to answering before the end of next years nations, but if someone doesn’t get a decent chance this Autumn they certainly won’t in the new year. I would have thought that Byrne who finished the French game would be the first to get a start and make a claim.
The Lost Sheep wrote: » You are over egging The Michaels guys a fair bit. Bit much to be going on about chip on shoulder... Only year and half younger than one of our two new caps this weekend. And as you say is potential option for 2023 especially as he's a prop where starting later/continuing on into 30s isnt near much of an issue compared to other positions
lawrencesummers wrote: » Cronin scrum is a problem at the highest levels.
kingofthekong wrote: » I'm over-egging Michaels?? they are by far producing the best talent in the country and its not even remotely close, L.Mcgrath, Penny, James Ryan, Ryan Baird, Kelleher, R.Moloney, Josh murphy, J. Dunne, Ross Byrne, Harry Byrne, Dan Leavy Max Deegan Rory O'loughlin
shootermacg wrote: » Kelleher's throwing is dodgy...and that's to Toner. Adding him to a lineout that's already creaking is not a good idea IMO. Marshall and O'Byrne are currently throwing darts, no idea why they aren't involved.
kingofthekong wrote: » I think Farrel is prepared to take some pain with missed lineouts in the short term and hope he grows into it with experience, Bringing in Kevin O'byrne to replace Kelleher would be absolutely ridiculous
shootermacg wrote: » I don't get this growing into stuff by playing international games. By all means grow into it in the club games. There should be a minimum standard at international level, one of those should be doing your basics. Leinster need to look seriously at their lineout coaching. Cronin, Kelleher and Tracy...It surely isn't a coincidence at this stage.
shootermacg wrote: » Tell me how did Healy/Porter manage the scrum vs Sarries? Cronin's scrum work is fine.
shootermacg wrote: » From what I've read, I think its only a Leinster opinion really.
irishbucsfan wrote: » What’s the story with this match on Friday. Does anyone know if Amazon Prime have it internationally?
Fixtures and TV channel Autumn Nations Cup fixtures and TV channel Round 1 Ireland vs Wales, 7pm on 13 November – Channel 4 Italy vs Scotland, 12.45pm on 14 November – Amazon England vs Georgia, 3pm on 14 November – Amazon France vs Fiji, 3pm on 15 November – Amazon Round 2 Italy vs Fiji, 12.45pm on 21 November – Amazon England vs Ireland, 3pm on 21 November – Channel 4 and Amazon Wales vs Georgia, 5.15pm on 21 November – Amazon Scotland vs France, 3pm on 22 November – Amazon Round 3 Scotland vs Fiji, 1.45pm on 28 November – Amazon Wales vs England, 4pm on 28 November – Amazon France vs Italy, 8pm on 28 November – Amazon Ireland vs Georgia, 2pm on 29 November – Channel 4 Finals Weekend Georgia vs TBD, 12pm on 5 December – Amazon Ireland vs TBD, 2.15pm on 5 December – Amazon Wales vs TBD, 4.45pm on 5 December – Amazon England vs TBD, 2pm on 6 December – Amazon
[Deleted User] wrote: » According to this: https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/autumn-nations-cup-watch-amazon-prime-b1719719.html I'm wondering do I just sign up to amazon prime and will it be obvious how to watch the games from there? I scrolled down a bit on amazon prime and there was a live events section hidden away. Threw on some tennis. The quality was not as good as I expected.
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