He had a good Autumn series, even if some posters wish he had not.
What a load of rubbish time and again….
Just because someone thinks Lowe shouldn't be in the team doesn't mean they wish he didn't have a good Autumn.
The reason they want to see him dropped is because they think an alternative could - could I put it so mildly - do better….
He did not have a good Autumn. He had an ok one.
I think he will start but get dropped for Stockdale quickly if he doesnt improve.
the guy with the broken hand?
If you think kinghorn has A position I have a fart you can try catching
He does, it’s 15…he just has the advantage of being able to play multiple positions.
It's impressive how you were able to contradict yourself in so few words.
The difference between a good Autumn and an ok Autumn is pretty slim and not nearly enough to justify the howls of outrage every time his name comes up.
He was excellent in last year’s 6N so let’s see how he gets on this time around.
Or, maybe, I was reaffirming who was the best 15?
Milne starting. I guess we’ll find out if all those who were screaming that he was hard done by in November were right…
As long as Milne by some miracle can hold up the scrum then I think we’ll be okay as around the park Milne is pretty good save for the odd dumb penalty here or there.
Based on the rumours that France are starting ALDEGHERI at 3 I suspect France are going for the Irish scrum. He hasn’t started a test against a tier 1 nation since England in 2023 when Antonio was suspended and was behind Montaigne in the autumn, it’s no coincidence they are starting older/streetwise THP who’s more likely to target Ireland’s weakness.
Howls of outrage??
Would prefer stockdale over Lowe but beyond that its fairly standard…I don't love seeing Lowe….His form in the autumn was poor…He has been in poor form all season…
Would prefer stockdale over Lowe but beyond that its fairly standard…
I don't love seeing Lowe….
His form in the autumn was poor…
He has been in poor form all season…
Withering….
There are no howls of outrage and I think not wanting him to start is perfectly justified and Stockdale can feel aggrieved. His performances in the Autumn were nowhere near enough to offset his provincial form also being poor.
Assuming the team is correct anyway.
"See how he gets on" is not how you should be picking teams for the biggest tournament of the season.
Tuipiloto was fit for the 3rd test and Farrell chose Aki over him.
Aki was unavailable for the first test.
Called up his son? A very experienced international out-half/centre who actually played very well.
If he was like you are trying to suggest he'd have brought him in the original squad. I'd be quite sure the coaches around him were in favour of bringing in Owen Farrell. When replacements were needed he was top of my list.
As for sticking with his favourites, if that's the case what was going on with JVDF?
Its funny as we head into a six nations the only players that are nailed on are Sheehan, Joe McCarthy, Beirne and Doris.
The rest are just waiting for a new coach so they can all be retired from international rugby.
I suppose I miss the point of the pressure on an international coach but the Ireland approach is so deflating to development.
Aki literally came off the bench in the first test to replace the injured Tuipulotu who had been selected ahead of him.
Yeeesh
Does it get boring just posting the same stuff repeatedly?
What you consider “development” is not development, it’s stupidity and how you end up in the duldrooms like Wales and England did for the past 5 years.
You do know that Antonio has been forced to retire from the game?
Can't see Kinsella's prediction anywhere? You sure he made one?
Right. Except I'm not picking the team.
I do know, he’s started every game in the 6N since round 5 in 2023 round 4 that year was the last time he didn’t start which is the last time ALDEGHERI played against a tier 1 nation bar a warm up against Scotland in 2023
So basically you assertion that Aldegheri is starting to go after the Irish scrum holds no water. He's starting because Antonio is gone.
Lets see on that one. So many players who simply are not good enough and so many players that show far more potential.
I'm looking forward to the French game. Finally Andy Farrell will be put in his box. I suppose he will finally know that caps ain't everything.
No because in the autumn international Rabis Montagne started all 3 tests when Antonio was out. It’s a thought because when Ireland have a clear weakness at LHP it makes sense to it an experienced THP there who’s able to capitalise on it as opposed to a young inexperienced THP.
Farrell was 2nd choice at Racing last season for a reason and he’ll be nowhere near a starting English 10/12 jersey this six nations for the very same reason.
How are you figuring it where VDF, McCloskey, Ringrose and TOB aren't nailed on? Do you think there could realistically be different starters ahead of them on Thursday?
Right but you think Farrell should pick Lowe based on "let's see" so therefore you think Farrell should think that way.
Its about as misguided as thinking Lowe had anything other than a poor Autumn.
leaving out JGP discredits the rest
Yeah, I expect Sam Prendergast's retirement announcement any day now…
