Thought the same, Osbournes versatility helps the 6/2 split according to Easterby
The only logic I can see is that they will actually keep Osborne at FB for his Left foot.
And thus also providing cover/enabling a 6-2.
Keenan at 14 will have the aerial and defensive skills and pace to try and match up with Billie-Barry and exploit him in the air.
If Osborne does starts at 14 Its a huge risk.
Once they went 6-2, I think Osbourne was always going to be involved.
Wouldn't have started Joe over Ryan. The latter has been the much better player over the last 12 months imo. However, we are clearly using our bench differently this year so not the biggest issue.
6-2 split means Nash was ruled out. only plays 1 position.
we should see if he can prop next season
Why would you have a starter and his potential replacement both with injury concerns?
Fact of the matter is that VDF isn't coming off unless injured. You've got Conan for 6 or 8, that's O'Mahoney or Doris covered. If you need to replace a second one you just move Beirne to the back row and bring on Ryan.
Beirne means you only need one for the back row on the bench.
Joe McCarthy played against Wales and played a couple of Champions cup games. There is no fitness concerns there. He just missed a couple of weeks because of concussion protocol.
Reasonably happy with that selection.
I'd have started Ryan though, he's criminally underrated. I'd rather Joe McC come on fresh around the same time Meafou comes in fresh.
With Ringrose and Hansen both out we sort of had to play the 6-2. Only other option would have been to start Nash and put Osborne at 23, which IMO is what we should have done. Not sure having Baird on the bench adds anything. Nash seriously unlucky to miss out.
Biggest worry is our starting props are going to have to play 70+ mins. An injury there early in the game could be crucial.
Edit: The Baird inclusion acknowledges that Doris won't last the 80. POM won't be asked to play 80 again and Doris may not be able to. That forced the 6-2.
I think it's a measured call given that we're going 6/2
Because they're worth gambling on. If Doris' knee gives out after 20 minutes, picking him will still have been the right call.
There's also the fact that our opponents have gone 7-1 and have a pretty enormous pack.
And then Conan goes out after 40. That makes no sense.
Seriously worry about our lack of pace out wide. If the French get to the fringes Lowe and Osbourne will be in trouble against Belle-Biarrey and Penaud. Keenan will have to cover a lot of the back field, the French love a chip and chase
The path to victory is obvious to me. Give Ntamack some very hard treatment and get him off the pitch early. That moves Dupont to 10 where he is a lot more neutered and leaves the backline with no cover for the rest of the game.
Then you have Baird to replace him
Or maybe Doris plays the full 80 and we have Conan and Baird to come on against a tiring French pack.
Sounds reasonable to me.
There’s no 23 that we could have named that you would have been happy with, we can agree on that, but it’s not like we’re leaving out some world-beating outside back so what’s the problem.
Not sure what would affect France more: an injury to Dupont or an injury to any other player in the backline meaning Dupont has to shift. Both are bad scenarios. If Ramos goes off, do they have an alternative kicker? Can’t remember much of Ntamack off the tee.
If Ireland lose any of their centres they are in as big a trouble
Its either Crowley to 12 or 15
We could have had Nash on the wing and Osbourne to cover multiple positions.
Teams are in, research has been finalised, time for a prediction. For those up to date with my research, Dupont's bedroom has been moderately active and his system has not shown many nerves. The weather is not perfect, neither are the starting teams and benches. Unfortunately, I've sensed some tension within the Irish camp. A mixture of Grand Slam on the line and a few players finishing up and not wanting to let them down. That could go either way of course but I think we'll play the game with a higher than expected number of errors. France will be dominant for the most part, we'll come back latish to get within touching distance but not enough.
Ireland 19 France 26.
France conceded 26 to England and 24 to Italy so I think you are way off on what Ireland will score.
I'd assume Crowley to 15, Keenan to wing and Osborne to centre.
absolutely nothing wrong with Crowley to 15??
we retain a very comprehensive center partnership, with a strong footballing 15.
If Nash is actually fit, then this is a **** ridiculous decision.
I like Osbourne and think he's a great player.
He's clearly either a center or full back. Putting him on the wing ahead of Nash is taking Leinster bias to even new levels.
Makes me even more sure of my point re Clarkson starting against Wales being a way to get him ahead of Bealham.
If Clarkson had say a great game that day, he'd be starting today.
Match thread here:
Mod - all further discussion specific to this game should move over there.
Ah yes. Grand slam on the line and the coaching team choose due to Leinster bias. Of course.
so assuming it is Sunday and we had our big win, do we rotate our side for the Italy game?
I would presume not.
I'm not sure we'd take any chances in a grand slam decider.
why would we?
No not a hope.
for what purpose?
theres a match thread
we know, look 9 posts up ^
