irishbucsfan wrote: » What do you mean “if”, England make use of players born overseas all the time?
glasso wrote: » yes but if it was one of Eng, Wales or Scotland it would be commented that they are taking the absolute piss.
Akrasia wrote: » JGP is a good player to tide us over until Craig Casey gets a few Heineken cup games under his belt and is ready to take his rightful spot as the Munster and Ireland starting Scrum Half
Paul Smeenus wrote: » To be clear, I don't want to see Hendo at six. But he's put in superb performances in the HEC at blindside, against the likes of Sarries. I know how you love to pooh-pooh, but don't get carried away with the pooh-pooh.
clsmooth wrote: » When was the last time he played at 6? Not sure he’d have the mobility to play it these days at international level but I wouldn’t be adverse to seeing it.
Dubinusa wrote: » I wonder if not playing Beirne at 6 is a missed opportunity. England would be a great opposition to try this out. Maybe go with 6. Beirne 7 VDF 8. Stander 20. Doris.
Interested Observer wrote: » This is all true but it's still just very unusual for Ireland to drop a player like Murray. I think it's the right call I'm just very surprised.
AbusesToilets wrote: » yes and no. Is he any less dynamic than POM or Stander? Perhaps a touch less explosive than CJ, but he's more capable with the ball. He's much better overall than POM, outside of the lineout. Obviously my opinion, but I've never managed to grasp just where he's so deficient relative to his peers.
aloooof wrote: » I'm a massive fan of Aki, but I think the biggest downside to having him against England is his lack of kicking game. Intelligent grubbers, crossfield kicks etc. are a brilliant way to turn England's line speed against them.
accensi0n wrote: » The plan? To play the best team available and try to win?
glasso wrote: » regardless of semantics this sort of situation was not really the plan was it?
jacothelad wrote: » The 10 is Irish, the hooker is Irish and the prop is Irish, at least according to their passports.
glasso wrote: » Actually if the subs go the wrong way - 10, hooker and prop and more than half the team on the field would be non-Irish :eek: England vs the Baba's?
swiwi_ wrote: » I thought JGP was really good last week. Not surprised he’s been retained. TBH I think it was a bit overdue. The game has moved and I don’t think Murray’s game has evolved. As an aside I really like the look of Keenan. Reckon he’s a keeper.
Interested Observer wrote: » Anyone else really surprised about Murray? He's actually been left out of a full strength team away to England. Never thought I'd see the day. It's very difficult for a player of his stature to find themselves out of the team. Fwiw I think it's the right call.
Faugheen wrote: » Anyone who says that is chatting absolute bollocks. O’Gara played with some of the best players Ireland has ever produced and all in their prime. O’Driscoll, O’Connell, D’Arcy etc. They were called the golden generation for god’s sake.
TRC10 wrote: » Who's better? The Springboks haven't played in over a year so you cant say its them. All Blacks have lost 2 on the bounce. The only other contender is france but I think England would have their number if they were the to play tomorrow.
Paul Weller wrote: » I don't think they are the best team in the world..if you say top 4 ..then maybe
Deleted User wrote: » Ross Byrne could have the game of his life but if the Irish pack don't gain some advantage in contact and hold parity at the set piece then it wont matter. Byrne will deliver a competent, professional but not game changing performance and that's fine - Ireland enjoyed plenty of success with O'Gara doing the same thing but we'll need to hammer them up front if we want to win in Twickenham.
swiwi_ wrote: » Think those are mutually exclusive. If Irish pack doesn’t gain some advantage I don’t see Byrne having the game of his life. He’s just not the sort of player to deliver a statement performance with a beaten pack.