He has really looked good these last few weeks.
A run deep in the URC playoffs where he looks that good could make a real case for him getting the 5th back three spot in the RWC squad.
McKibbin and Konno: from war to peace
Brilliant article in today’s Irish times by Jonathan Drennan. For some reason I can’t find link online.
it’s about when Presidents of the IRFU and JRFU met at an IRB meeting in 1975.
The story has the makings of a film.
The game can be more important than the result.
Michael Milne and Calvin Nash should be going to the world cup
Would you leave out Healy at this late stage ? Milne looks the real deal for sure. Nash looks great too but with no time in camp who would he be replacing ?
Nash for earls, but there is no guarantee that earls would be traveling in the first place. The summer tests will tell a huge amount
Milne is one of 3 that could get the 3rd lh prop spot imo.
That said there's a chance with older players that the have a massive drop in form after a break.
Nash was in the camp during the ais. I don't think there is a nailed on 5th back three player so he could maybe snap at that spot. I suspect warmup cap and missing the squad.
Would you leave out Healy at this late stage ?
No but I'd leave out Loughman and Kilcoyne.
Nash looks great too but with no time in camp who would he be replacing ?
Nash does have time in camp. He went on the EI tour. He was also in camp in November and started the 'A' game. I'd have him ahead of Earls, Conway, Stockdale, Baloucoune and Larmour.
Healys ability to play both sides (and hooker apparently) makes him very handy squad player
That would be great, but getting accommodation will be tricky at this point. Flights will be pricey too.
Porter, Healy, Milne seems an easy choice. Milne is better than any of the Munster LHs, not sure on the Ulster options at the moment.
Loughman is only back from injury and suits Ireland’s style really well. Also covers TH at a push.
As it stands, he’s ahead of Milne. “Easy choice” is way overstating things.
There's also the fact that Milne has yet to start or bench a run of meaningful games for Leinster. I think he'll make the wider training squad though, from there who knows.
Season too soon i think, but who knows. Still a while to go.
What’s meaningful? He benched in the champions cup this season.
I'd argue that Loughman is worth a shot. He's been good.
If Kelleher isn't fixed soon, we could be relying on young Stewart. He's definitely earned the look.
Kelleher is a lad that just can't stay healthy.
Im not sure if Ireland are planning any more warm ups but part of me think's if the ones scheduled are the final ones (along with the Samoa game rumoured in Bordeaux) the lack of games probably indicates that Farrell has seen enough on the field and its unlikely someone from the outside is going to force their way into the squad.
I edited before you replied as I had remembered the champions cup. Point still stands though, he's hardy played against top opposition, although I've liked what I've seen on the SA tour
I think Loughman is well ahead of Milne as things stand for the RWC. Though I think In another years time, especially if Healy stands down. That Milne will be in contention for Ireland as there aren’t a lot of LH’s coming through.
We will need plenty of back up players on standby for potential injuries. Guys like Milne and Stewart are vital
probably, but also that the early pool games are 'easy' (debatable) and will be used as more warm up games due to a week off during the pool stage
i know its leinster so its different, but doesnt really sit right with me about a third-choice player being in an international squad. theres only so far down the pecking order you should go imo
With that mindset you are really limiting you're potential playing pool.
not really. as small a playing pool as ireland has with having only 4 professional teams, i dont think its crazy to expect to have at least one of the other teams to have a first (or second) choice player that is as good or better than the leinster third choice option. having said that, the majority of farrell's choices have been good so it thats the way he goes then fair enough
for clarity, i mean to say international rwc squad rather than just in general. id still have some reservations for most squads but i could understand brining in players for international exposure etc,.
I suppose the question is, where would he be in the depth chart if he was with another province. I still think Loughman is ahead of him and will travel as third choice ahead of Kilcoyne.
I agree. I'd have Loughman ahead and Milne more or less on a level with Kilcoyne.
I think Kilcoyne is better than Milne but I think Milne fits Ireland's style better so it would be a toss for me.
Kilcoyne was better than Milne, but I think Kilcoyne has regressed a fair bit this season. His scrummaging has been abject this season. He still is a good carrier in attack, but Milne has that option as well, whereas both Loughman and Milne are better ball handlers than Kilcoyne.
I'd be extremely surprised if Kilcoyne made the RWC.
A better ball-handler than Kilcoyne could still be absolutely terrible in this regard.
Could be. But neither are.
Far from it in Loughman’s case, at least.
Yeah, I agree.
Although, come to think of it, maybe saying Kilcoyne's ball-handling is poor could be putting the wrong emphasis on it; he's capable of catching and passing. It's more that he doesn't really have any vision, or understanding of how to make the ball do the work.
![Photo of [Deleted User]](https://wd.vanillicon.com/v2/ddb508ca3281bbcc5001177dc26332a1.svg)
