Can't be arsed checking but wasn't he picked as a backrow for the six nations squad?
You do realise international coaches make their selection decisions based on more than just ONE match right?
For people with better knowledge of back row play than me - is there any reason Beirne wouldn't be a very good openside? I get that 7s are usually shorter but I'm not sure that would matter hugely in his case.
That's when they're not complaining about his 'histrionics' and 'milking penalties'. This, more than the WPOTY award, shows how far he's come.
Speed and accelaration, presumably? You want them off the line quicker.
I assume he's there for opposition training. I can't see him going to the world cup. But then again, with the squad selection who is going to travel?
It's really, really not tho, TRC. You might find this post from the other day interesting:
With regards Europe:
He played 80 mins in each of the 4 European games, and over them he's averaging:
14.8 carries per game
51.3 metres
17 tackles
1.3 turnovers
And a try a game
With regards Leinster:
So you’re getting rid of the only other out and out 6 in the squad behind POM.
The flip side of this is that, we arguably have more cover at 6 than at 7. So he's getting rid of an out-and-out 6 to introduce an out-and-out 7, VDF being the only other one in the squad, for more balance.
I'd wager all of Doris, POM, Beirne and Baird have had a lot more game time at 6 than VDF, POM and Doris have at 7.
So there is some logic to it.
Checked there and Baird was listed as a back row in the Instagram post for the squad announcement. He had two run outs in the 19 jersey and one I’m the 4 jersey though. And can’t think of him ever getting game time at 6 for Ireland off the top of my head.
Yeah look in fairness you’re probably right there. Just can’t see a world where an uncapped player who hasn’t been in a camp will be getting game time at the World Cup over Pom or Doris at 7 tbh
Ah ya, no disagreement there, it’s probably too late in the day.
Tbh you’ve convinced me now that Coombes over penny was a scandalous decision haha
Whatever Loughman is not doing to impress Faz, I hope he fixes it. Post world cup, I see Loughman as a regular in the team.
I think someone mentioned earlier that he had twenty tackles against Leinster in the semi. He also has come up with turnovers and big plays in these games as well.
So, he does more than carrying…
He had 25 tackles vs Northampton in the group stages, the most of any player in the CC I think.
That’s without mentioning his offloading and jackalling
Some people see what the want to see.
I was at the match and seeing it live I can confirm that Prendergast was top quality.
I think he will be a top top player.
In the context of this leading to the final 33-man RWC squad, my reading of the 42-man training squad is as follows:
Starting Team:
1. Porter, 2. Sheehan, 3. Furlong,
4. Beirne, 5. Ryan,
6. O'Mahony, 8. Doris, 7. Van der Flier.
9. Gibson-Park, 10. Sexton,
11. Lowe, 12. Henshaw, 13. Ringrose, 14.Hansen,
15. Keenan.
Replacements:
16. Kelleher, 17. Healy, 18. Bealham, 19. Henderson, 20. Conan, 21. Murray, 22. Crowley, 23. Aki.
Backup:
HK. Herring, LHP. Kilcoyne, THP. O'Toole, LK. McCarthy, LK/BR. Baird, SH. Casey, OH. Byrne, C. McCloskey.
Wider Squad:
HK. Stewart, LK. Treadwell, LK/BR. Prendergast, LK/BR. Coombes, SH. Blade, OH/C/FB. Frawley, W/FB. Stockdale, C/W/FB. Osborne, C/W/FB. Earls, C/W/FB. O'Brien, W. Nash.
Based on the above, I'd imagine that 23, plus 8 backups, is 31, so 2 more, probably Prendergast and O’Brien, both cover many positions to a high level and O’Brien in particular as a fullback.
It strikes me as odd that we don't have another LHP, THP, OF, or FB in the squad at this early stage.
If there were an injury to the starters in any of those positions a replacement would need to be called up.
The only way it makes sense to me is if there is a concerted effort to put an expectation of dealing with adversity into the squad's minds from the outset.
It also has the side benefit that the players outside the squad will all be on their toes, nobody knows who could be called up, so perhaps guys will be training away in hope of a call up.
For example,
LHP: Loughman, Milne (I'd add Josh Wycherley too).
THP: Archer, Salanoa, (John Ryan will be back soon after Super Rugby finishes 24th June),
OF: Hodnett, Penny, Connors, Timoney (I'd personally add Oliver to that list too, he had a great season in his own right).
FB: Haley, Larmour, Lowry.
I'm a bit concerned that the 33 man squad won't be that good, and that the other teams will have better squads, and will have time to pick apart our playing style. Hopefully the Irish coaches have a few tricks up their sleeves.
I know he was playing 8 in that game but he gives me real POM vibes. Potentially a better carrying game though. He’s an absolute menace at line out time defensively, gets through dirty work and loves being the at the centre of handbags
I think that post was tongue-in-cheek, tbh
Hansen?
O'Brien as reserve fullback then?
you ditching hansen and henderson for sh!ts n giggles ?
Bit late on the Baird chat, but I think blind side flanker is absolutely his best position. He's still tasked with doing the dog work of a lock, but gets the chance to carry in wider areas where he makes full use of his athleticism. But he made some crucial contributions for Ireland in the Six Nations, playing in the second row. Which is why he's also selected at lock at times. He can do both.
He's an athletic freak and we should be using him as much as we can. Cian Treacy of the Indo had it right when he says he has best in the world potential. We just need to harness it.
The rugby championship teams will be already tested. On that front it's not ideal.
Which is presumably why they still prefer Baird. Or has Prendergast leap-frogged him?
I would also add Mike Haley to the list. Just as insurance in case something happens to Keenan before the RWC
To be honest you are right. Have not seen much of him this season and probably unfairly judging.
That's why I thought Haley should at least be getting into camp, he's the 2nd best FB in Ireland. He's behind Keenan and the two of them will never make a match day squad together but should Keenan be out for any reason Haley should be next up.
Is that not exactly the situation where you'd bring in a replacement player during the tournament? Haley has never played in another position so I'm not sure that anyone would bring a second full back without any versatility given that JOB is a very solid option.
No.
Let's say Keenan doesn't make the tournament wouldn't it be great if Haley had the benefit of being in camp and know all the plays.
Let's say Keenan misses out on all or some of a 6Ns tournament wouldn't it be great if Haley had been in previous camps and know the systems.
I don't think there's enough of a difference in ability between Haley and JOB, Frawley and Osbourne at FB to warrant him being there.
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