It could also be a case of naming a mix and match side for Italy & Samoa at least and maybe the the other youngsters get a look in versus Samoa. Its better this way as McCarthy for instance will learn so much more playing with Henderson than he would have if he played with Treadwell.
As things stand Conan is going to be on the bench though (or potentially POM I guess)
POM’s been first choice since the NZ tour. Given how well he’s been playing, and his relatively importance to Ireland’s ruck (attacking ruck in particular), I don’t see that changing over the RWC.
Me neither really.
But the top 4 slots are entirely and completely locked up so its not really about what the 5th backrow brings but what they cover as replacement value.
Given those 4 are so locked in, I think the 5th spot may be one of those few spots in the 33 that could still be open and come down to form over the next while.
Absolutely, but I think Coombes is at a disadvantage given the type of players already guaranteed to travel.
You've been banging this drum making big claims about him from the off. I hope for Ireland's sake you're right!
How is Conan even in the squad?
Was there any leak about the players not involved this weekend being minded for niggles?
I'm thinking Kelleher in particular, but also Osborne, and maybe Treadwell and Coombes?
but the point about coombes is hes not that 'type of player' and his point of difference may be enough to get him on the plane.
i think its a straight shoot out between coombes and prendergast, and the fact coombes isnt playing tomorrow may point to him starting at 8 against england ... and if that happens, and if he grabs that opportunity and shines, that might be enough to get him on ahead of Cian.
Because he's one of the best backrows in the country 🤡
No he's bang average.
What's his point of difference from Conan and Doris? Cause hard, go-forward carrying is not it.
Wasn't Prendergast the travelling member of the squad during the 6N?
An average B&I Lion??
Doris can do it all but Coombes is a significantly better hard, go-forward heavy carrier than Conan.
I don’t think it’s even all that close.
you seems to be consistently arguing conan / doris against coombes, when ive already said that i think the shoot out is between coombes and prendergast. i absolutely do not expect coombes to be selected before conan or doris, but i think he can match up against prendergast quite well.
both prendergast and coombes suffer from having better players in the positions they cover (5,6 and 8) so the question is not which can get ahead of doris or conan, but which can provide better cover for the squad should an injury or rest be required.
Thanks, needed a good laugh this morning. If Conan is average, it's a pretty damning indictment of Coombes that he hasn't pushed past him
you may get on to Andy Farrell for selecting a "bang average" player to play in every round of the grand slam winning six nations this year.
seems certains reds suffer the same syndrome about Jack Conan that Rob Kearney caused outbreaks of.
The RTÉ Rugby Podcast is back, with analysis of Ireland v Italy and looking ahead to the RWC.
Right, exactly why I’d love to see him do the business on the wing and forget about 15. That experiment didn’t work, maybe he’d be a solid fb but I’d first like to see his mojo back on the wing.
I think Stockdale is lucky to be in the running for the 33. Has he been in a run of form since 2018? He’s a proven finisher as his try record shows but also has one brain fart/mistake per game. That’s the winning/losing of a game at international level. It’s a pity Baloucoune didn’t put his hand up in the 2022 AIs but at the same time he’s a more solid player for my money and has top end speed which we lack. We never really got him into space in the Autumn.
Kick-started a match thread
I was surprised that Stockdale got the nod alright. Balacoune has a lot more potential for me, think he suffers due to the role Ulster have him playing. Thought he did fine vs SA myself.
Lovely
I think it’ll be Coombes, Prendergast and McCarthy fighting it out for a spot. With McCarthy ultimately winning out in the end.
Prendergast is a better rugby player than Coombes, apart from 5m out (where Coombes is world class) and potentially discipline.
He probably is lucky, but given his proven ability if there is a chance of getting him back to that after a prolonged period in a higher level environment than Ulster then it's worth a shot.
I'm not sure I'm reading you post right.
I like the team you suggested, but if Henderson is fit, he'll play. Ne t week off. England are our only challenge pre world cup.
I like Coombes. Excellent player, but may enjoy the holiday in France.
Aki is not second choice 13. Where on earth did you get that from? Henshaw is. They can interchange during the phases, put not second choice 13.
Stockdale is better under high ball and a better kicker.
Farrell seems to hate wingers that can't do their share in those roles.
Joe Schmidt once said that all wingers should be able to play fullback. Farrell seems to agree in that he rates core fullback skills that are usually secondary winger skills higher than speed and illusive running.
Be nice if they thought to take the tag off the jersey
Damn but Frawley is a big man!
