You could definitely do Spain and Portugal in one week anyway, they are both fairly poor at the moment (as, indeed, are Romania). But I think it is fairly unlikely.
they already did it with O Gara in 2017 for the game against the USA. agree overall though that its highly unlikely
It's spot on
O'Connell could do with being a better lineout coach and is certainly not ready for further advancement, as for not seeing a problem, if our last 3 6N games didn't show you we have a problem I'm not sure what will. The first XV need a refresh and are many are in decline. This completely devalues the development opportunity of the summer Ireland tour for players which should be the priority not coaches
I'm hoping that Farrell will be using the Lions as a compressed experiment in evolving a variant in Ireland's game plan. If a huge contingent of Ireland starters are in camp then there could be a benefit. IMHO Farrell being away means we may not be able to "fix" our phase attack problems without him as it's a rugby league derived attack only he truly understands himself. Unless it's Sexton's moment to step up...
The Summer tour around the Lions year always feels more like an A selection, but I still think we're missing some value having so many coaches away. There should be a huge chance for players to break through given the aging profile of some squad members and the inevitable post-Lions player fatigue. This could cost some of them a shot.
He could be a great head coach and not a good lineout coach. We've seen this many times working both ways.
this tour isn't worth a hoot to the players, as the MO returns to normal for the november tests, in prep for the world cup seeding in 2026.
The tour will be of benefit to POC, so at least there is that positive output.
Watched the Irish Independent rugby podcast on YouTube yesterday.
Cian Tracey said he was talking to Robbie Henshaw while attending the media jamboree for Andy Farrell announcing his Lions coaches. Henshaw told him (37:10) that the Leinster players had real issues this 6N switching between Neinaber's Leinster defensive system and the Ireland defensive system. He talked about not being on the same page as Bundee Aki, and it being his fault. Apparently it'll be in an Independent article.
Also, a suspicion that Easterby is a replacement for Felix Jones, who was the plan before he went back to SA. That's informed conjecture though.
anything containing RoC, is a hard pass from me. the guy is stealing a living.
100%. I feel he’s constantly trying to drive a narrative rather than reporting on what’s actually going on like a journalist should do.
He's not the guy reporting it, and he won't be the journalist whose name will be on the article when it comes out.
Still, you're right to ignore it. I'm sure there's absolutely nothing to be gleaned from Henshaw explaining the defensive issues the Irish team experienced to a journalist appearing on a podcast with another contributor you don't like.
there’s a lot of sh1t talked about all these journalists all the time, I’d take it with a pinch of salt. None are as good or bad as is made out. If the hosts facilitate any kind of space where there are interesting insights then it’s a win. Much of their blather reflects on the institutions they work for and the emphasis of editors/senior producers and the ad dept.
To be fair, that’s the case with 90% of rugby journalism today.
Baloucoune is officially the greatest Irish winger of all time
I don't bother listening to anything unless you have a respected current or former head coach. You'll get great insight and get an education listening to them.
Former players know what it's like to be in an international setup but that doesn't mean they have a clue about what it takes today and what your job is for any position they didn't play.
Crowley showed to day what he can do - brilliant in all aspects of the game v Connacht - ok, it was only Connacht.
nobody says "it was only connacht", anymore.
New to rugby?
Crowley was top in decision making & execution, varied the game beautifully. Also shows the importance of Casey who was outstanding, a strong 9 makes life easier for 10
Crowley was excellent today.
Crowley and Casey made the game for Munster.
It was a major pity Casey got injured for the 6N, he looks like a guy ready to step up to the next level.
Watching Leinster v sharks, Frawleys no outhalf !!!!!
Wrong thread
No, I'm not. I first saw Munster play in 1967. Its just I was expecting the usual kick back when praising Crowley.
Gerry Thornley is reporting that Jack Crowley has signed a new deal with Munster.
Shocked, etc.
Fair play to the youngster, hope he got a good deal out of them.
Shocked?
or Fooled?
New CC for Prendergast incoming...
Seeing as he signed a Leinster contract last week, I'm gonna say that's unlikely.
Was not sure if this was an Aprils fools! I didn't hear that. Great news all round!
Twas sarcasm. I was never in any doubt as to whether he'd leave or not, same way that I didn't think Sam Prendergast was going to travel to Connacht. All the back and forth in the media with Irish players is faintly ridiculous, as ultimately any player that wants to play for their country won't leave, so people here and in the media hyperventilating about his treatment, and how it could make him leave, always struck me as way over the top.
Crowley has always seemed to me as someone that absolutely loves playing for Munster, and has a real connection with the Munster faithful. He's also well able to compete for starter in the Ireland team, so yeah, in my opinion, it was never in doubt.
I do genuinely believe that players should absolutely go through with the media charade though, as their playing career is so short, and they need to maximise their gains while they still can. At the end of the day, these guys aren't all that well paid for what they put themselves through.
Speaking of faintly ridiculous things, Squidge just put out his Lions picks, and how he picked a 13 from Leinster I'll never know.
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