I'd rush Keenan back in and start him despite having no gametime (as we had expected to happen prior to this injury rumour), but I don't think Osborne is at the level where I'd do that.
I'd start Stockdale in the 15 shirt if Keenan is out.
Not sure if Osborne is even fit?
Would be good to get a look at Stockdale, and in fairness to Frawley he looks much improved at FB compared to two months ago, so no need to rush Osborne back at all.
This. Your post is literally two posts below one saying Antonio has had to retire. Imagine if that was Furlong.
I would too. He’s not the same level but Osborne has played this season and twice at 15 for Ireland, it’s not that comparable.
It’s far from ideal but if they believe Osborne is good to go I’d start him.
That's in pretty bad taste considering the nature of his retirement.
Us not knowing if Osborne is fit and the Irish coaches knowing are two very different things
They see the players in training and have all the data, if they believe he’s fit and good to go then that’s all that matters.
Frawley has looked very good but this is test level, looking really good for Leinster there and Ireland are very different. An away game in Paris is NOT where you throw in Frawley.
Another one out it looks like.
Jaysus. 6-2 split incoming I'd say.
“It’s understood that Aki is not with Ireland at their pre-Six Nations training camp due to a disciplinary matter arising from Connacht’s clash with Leinster last weekend.”
Good to see he’s improved his discipline from the autumn anyway. Keep him as far away from the Irish 23 as possible, it’s hard enough winning in Paris without Aki's cheap and avoidable penalties screwing us further and then chuckling about afterwards like it’s no big deal.
it was always going to be 6/2, has been the last two times we played France.
Loads of people here saying they'd rush people back and some saying the Ireland camp is responsible for injuries.
If they rush people back that gives credence to the accusation that they are responsible for injuries.
You don't ever rush a player back. If the doctor clears him you are still better off giving him a couple of more weeks off.
When I refer to “rush back” I don’t mean it in the literal term. Firstly make sure they are fit and performing in training.
If that’s the case then bring them back in, if they aren’t quite ready yet than give them time.
no loss at this stage of his career
Is Aki being cited for something at the weekend?
Aki was losing it at the referee and touch judge last weekend. That behaviour needs to be curbed and it's only right he won't be part of the squad for now.
Postlethwaite comes in as Aki's replacement.
Postlethwaite has replaced Aki in the squad.
The IRFU have confirmed that Aki is suspended for his behaviour towards the officials last Saturday.
Must be pretty bad for the IRFU to take this step and remove a player from the squad.
Hugo keenan broke a bone in his hand apparently
Aki could get a 4-6 week ban which could be the end of his international career
It's getting comical at this stage. France have the choice of murdering us at the scrum and Ramos banging over penalties from all over the pitch or feeding it to LBB and having him run rings around whoever is fit enough to pull on a jersey in the backs.
Injuries really mounting up now it seems. I think Farrell will relish this though. Would not be one bit surprised to see us put in a huge performance in Paris next week.
Not sure what the answer is at loosehead. I'd nearly rather we go with the young talent than a stop gap who we know will not be in the squad as soon as players return to fitness.
We could really do with Osbourne regaining fitness if the rumours on Keenan are true.
Disciplinary Update: Bundee Aki Facing Misconduct Complaint | United Rugby Championship
Hearing today. IRFU jumping before they're pushed by the looks of it. Between the high-profile Sexton and Hansen incidents, they've run out of road on this.
Probably should have been there before Aki in the first place .
It's a crappy way for a great international career to end, but have to figure that will be the end for him when you layer in his age profile.
He was definitely mouthing a lot at Cross throughout the game and I think Cross verbally reprimanded him at one point, but believe this was something further after the final whistle.
Not the first time this season he's been reprimanded by a ref.
Are they though? As things stand 13 of the likely starting XV will be fit to play. The only big issue is at LH due to the replacements also being injured.
After the way they played in the autumn I wouldn’t get too cocky if I was them.
I presume so, I know there was an incident with himself & Carty towards the referee before Leinster’s 5m scrum on Saturday.
Honestly this is a necessary step, Aki has no incentive to improve his game/discipline because he keeps getting picked. By dropping/suspending him here it sends a clear message that his conduct will not be tolerated, it also sends a message to the other players that this whinging towards the referee needs to stop also.
It is indeed. A great player.
Glad to see action has been taken against him. Its unacceptable and its not the first time either.
His CC is up at the end of season.
Discipline problems for Ireland and getting on the wrong side of officials (particularly the English) is a black mark against Farrell.
Keenan injured his thumb in training according to the Irish Independent. May ruke him out of the France fixture, but he should hopefully be fit for subsequent games.
