Ireland Team Talk/Gossip/Rumour Thread

17-12-2011 10:08pm

gally74 wrote: »

In fairness it's griffins first year, within a weak conn team,

Device should bring mcsharry, tier an and griffin into the 6 N training squad

I'd definitely hope that Griffin would be in contention. I was just saying that if we're going to write off someone for a missed tackle, that if we used the same metric on all available players, we'd probably only field a team of 4 or 5.

Takeabath · 17-12-2011 10:09pm

After today its omalley for 13. He's been a key clog in a Leinster team that's playing the best stuff in Europe. One missed tackle when the game was over doesn't change that... If it did then griffin,cave and earls are all out because they missed more than one tackle when they last played 13! O'driscoll also says he calls the defense, impressive for such a young player and especially today when the defense was solid until the game was won and there were a raft of changes!

Fireball07 · 17-12-2011 10:12pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Griffin actually got caught quite badly in defence more than once today too, and Cave had a couple of poor errors.

So Earls it is then?

Takeabath wrote: »

After today its omalley for 13. He's been a key clog in a Leinster team that's playing the best stuff in Europe. One missed tackle when the game was over doesn't change that... If it did then griffin,cave and earls are all out because they missed more than one tackle when they last played 13! O'driscoll also says he calls the defense, impressive for such a young player and especially today when the defense was solid until the game was won and there were a raft of changes!

EOM's doing pretty well, missed tackle aside, but I don't think a really awful Bath team can be used to judge his ability. See how he does against Montpellier and Glasgow first.

porterbelly · 17-12-2011 10:16pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Griffin actually got caught quite badly in defence more than once today too, and Cave had a couple of poor errors.

He also made a couple of superb tackles tracking back that were certain try savers

Himself and McSharry were up against Tindall and Sapolu, vastly experienced, hugely powerful and in Sapolu's case, supremely skillfull.

They made them look very ordinary and Tindall ended up kicking most of the ball he got.

McSharry got us over the gainline alot with some great direct running, Griffin looked good in possession.

These lads are getting exposure at a very good level of rugby and are excelling in it. Should they be considered for a 6 nations squad, of course they should

17-12-2011 10:18pm

^^ I wasn't being harsh on Griffin, just pointing out that players miss tackles.

durkadurka · 17-12-2011 10:23pm

bamboozle wrote: »

and he's going to score another 2 tomorrow...

You sir are a genius. (comment was about Luke)

Hype710 · 17-12-2011 10:31pm

15 Kearney
14 Trimble
13 Bowe
12 D'arcy
11 Fitzgerald
10 Sexton
9 Reddan

Please.

Takeabath · 17-12-2011 10:55pm

Sport101 wrote: »

bamboozle wrote: »

and he's going to score another 2 tomorrow...

If by score you mean overrun the pass then wave his hands, then sure!
Where's Shaggy these days? Now he's a winger who knows how to score tries...what a machine.

Ouch.... Horgans been out all season as well pretty old news

jasper11 · 17-12-2011 11:01pm

Hype710 wrote: »

15 Kearney
14 Trimble
13 Bowe
12 D'arcy
11 Fitzgerald
10 Sexton
9 Reddan

Please.

thats a serious backline

17-12-2011 11:06pm

except Bowe has never been a good 13

MungBean · 17-12-2011 11:13pm

Deleted User wrote: »

except Bowe has never been a good 13

Lies.

Hype710 · 17-12-2011 11:17pm

Deleted User wrote: »

except Bowe has never been a good 13

Was pretty decent there for the Lions. The way i see it, none of O' Malley, Griffin et al are international standard yet and while Cave is good, I can't see Kidney picking him. We have 4 top quality wingers and Bowe is the only one I'd be confident in stepping into the 13 jersey.

17-12-2011 11:19pm

MungBean wrote: »

Lies.

Give me 3 examples of him being more than acceptable at 13.

I'll happily give you hundreds of examples of him being an exceptional 14 though.

Ferris played 12 for Ulster for a bit today, I reckon he'd probably be pretty decent there. But I sure as **** would select him at 6 and not 12 100 times out of 100 if D'Arcy or Wallace were completely out of action.

What's with people's addictions to moving our best players into positions that they "can" play, but have never excelled at?

durkadurka · 17-12-2011 11:21pm

Dont know why you're bothering lads. It's bloody earls . Despite the lack of evidence that he can play there.

Hype710 · 17-12-2011 11:24pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Give me 3 examples of him being more than acceptable at 13.

I'll happily give you hundreds of examples of him being an exceptional 14 though.

Ferris played 12 for Ulster for a bit today, I reckon he'd probably be pretty decent there. But I sure as **** would select him at 6 and not 12 100 times out of 100 if D'Arcy or Wallace were completely out of action.

What's with people's addictions to moving our best players into positions that they "can" play, but have never excelled at?

Seán O' Brien's best position is 6, does he play there for Ireland? Who in your mind should play 13? It would be interesting to do a poll.

17-12-2011 11:31pm

Hype710 wrote: »

Seán O' Brien's best position is 6, does he play there for Ireland? Who in your mind should play 13? It would be interesting to do a poll.

Sean O'Brien plays 7 and not 6 for Ireland because we have another world class blindside flanker and we have to do our best to fit them both into the team. It's a case of having an embarrassment of riches, as opposed to having an issue of trying to "fill" a position.

I would hope that any player that has played regularly at 13 for their province in meaningful games, and has proven that they can do a job there might be considered.

Those I include in this list are
Darren Cave
Nevin Spence
Eoin O'Malley
Fergus McFadden
Danny Barnes
Eoin Griffin
and begrudgingly
Keith Earls.

I would say that Bowe at 13 is as tested and as effective as Gavin Duffy at 13. I'd genuinely prefer to play Duffy at 13 and retain Bowe's skills at 14 than move him.

MungBean · 17-12-2011 11:34pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Give me 3 examples of him being more than acceptable at 13.

I'll happily give you hundreds of examples of him being an exceptional 14 though.

Ferris played 12 for Ulster for a bit today, I reckon he'd probably be pretty decent there. But I sure as **** would select him at 6 and not 12 100 times out of 100 if D'Arcy or Wallace were completely out of action.

What's with people's addictions to moving our best players into positions that they "can" play, but have never excelled at?

Its not an addiction to move people anywhere I'm just assuming Kidney will pick an established international to fill the spot rather than solely rely on a newcomer. We all expect him to stick Earls there so its not ridiculous to mention the other wingers as possible alternatives given that Earls has played there and failed to impress.

Why not give me 3 examples of him being anything less than acceptable at 13 rather than him being more than acceptable on the wing. We are talking about him at 13 not questioning his ability on the wing.

What I seen of him at 13 and the ability he shows at 14 leads me to believe he'd be more capable than Earls at 13. Have you seen him play bad at 13 ? If he has shown in the past he is less than acceptable there then I'll take that into account.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 17-12-2011 11:41pm

MungBean wrote: »

Its not an addiction to move people anywhere I'm just assuming Kidney will pick an established international to fill the spot rather than solely rely on a newcomer. We all expect him to stick Earls there so its not ridiculous to mention the other wingers as possible alternatives given that Earls has played there and failed to impress.

Why not give me 3 examples of him being anything less than acceptable at 13 rather than him being more than acceptable on the wing. We are talking about him at 13 not questioning his ability on the wing.

What I seen of him at 13 and the ability he shows at 14 leads me to believe he'd be more capable than Earls at 13. Have you seen him play bad at 13 ? If he has shown in the past he is less than acceptable there then I'll take that into account.

He plays there a fair bit for the ospreys, I've never seen him do more than an average performance there in the pro 12. That said I dont watch a lot of Ospreys games only catching them when they play an Irish province so I've only seen him play at 13 a few times.

MungBean · 17-12-2011 11:57pm

CIARAN_BOYLE wrote: »

He plays there a fair bit for the ospreys, I've never seen him do more than an average performance there in the pro 12. That said I dont watch a lot of Ospreys games only catching them when they play an Irish province so I've only seen him play at 13 a few times.

I've never seen him start there myself, just seen him moved in there late in the odd game so its hard to judge.

I have heard Conor O'Shea and Brent Pope mention moving Bowe into 13 before. I know that in no way makes it a valid move but Conor is no gom and he wouldnt have proposed it if Bowe hasnt shown some capability to match those needed for the role is my reasoning.

17-12-2011 11:59pm

MungBean wrote: »

Lies.

MungBean wrote: »

I've never seen him start there myself, just seen him moved in there late in the odd game so its hard to judge.

I have heard Conor O'Shea and Brent Pope mention moving Bowe into 13 before. I know that in no way makes it a valid move but Conor is no gom and he wouldnt have proposed it if Bowe hasnt shown some capability to match those needed for the role is my reasoning.

cool

MungBean · 18-12-2011 12:01am

Deleted User wrote: »

cool

For the Ospreys obviously. :rolleyes:

18-12-2011 12:07am

MungBean wrote: »

For the Ospreys obviously. :rolleyes:

so you're basing your beliefs on games from almost 4 years ago?

one word posts such as "lies" really irritate me. You're effectively calling me a liar, without backing anything up whatosever, then you admit not seeing him play any games there in almost 3 years.

It's not that this place demands any sort of etiquette or anything like that, I just take exception to being called a liar when you're using pundit's opinions and not your own.

George Hook was once respected as a pundit, and said that Tommy Bowe was not fast enough to be a winger.
Gert Smal is being rumoured to be the next SA coach, and said that Tony Buckley could be a World Class tighthead.

People get things wrong, even "infallibles".

If someone want's to discuss a point, I'm happy to do so, but a lovely one word post isn't really worth responding to tbh.

MungBean · 18-12-2011 12:18am

Deleted User wrote: »

so you're basing your beliefs on games from almost 4 years ago?

one word posts such as "lies" really irritate me. You're effectively calling me a liar, without backing anything up whatosever, then you admit not seeing him play any games there in almost 3 years.

It's not that this place demands any sort of etiquette or anything like that, I just take exception to being called a liar when you're using pundit's opinions and not your own.

George Hook was once respected as a pundit, and said that Tommy Bowe was not fast enough to be a winger.
Gert Smal is being rumoured to be the next SA coach, and said that Tony Buckley could be a World Class tighthead.

People get things wrong, even "infallibles".

If someone want's to discuss a point, I'm happy to do so, but a lovely one word post isn't really worth responding to tbh.

Look it I wasnt actually calling you a liar, it was just in reference to the obvious fact that he has played ok there before.

I apologise for any offence caused and I'll admit a one word post is a bit shítty. But it really wasnt in any way an accusation or confrontational, just misjudged banter of a sort.

leakyboots · 18-12-2011 12:18am

Some Leinster fans have serious gripes about Earls playing 13

18-12-2011 12:22am

leakyboots wrote: »

Some Ireland fans have serious gripes about Earls playing 13

because he's a winger, and a damn fine one.

Because, as discussed 7trillion times before, he's a winger, and has the winger's intuition and instinct to hold onto the ball. As such, when he plays 13, we line up with one less player in our backline because he doesn't get the ball outside him.

His defence is easily the weakest part of his game, and unfortunately, at 13 he'll be found wanting there an awful lot.

And, it's possibly because he's a winger, and not an outside centre. Just like Mike Ross is a tight head and not an outhalf.

lologram · 18-12-2011 12:23am

leakyboots wrote: »

Some Leinster fans have serious gripes about Earls playing 13

No, it's more that people with eyes in their heads have problems with Earls playing 13. Leinster/not Leinster has nothing to do with it.

Anatidaephobia · 18-12-2011 12:25am

leakyboots wrote: »

Some Leinster fans have serious gripes about Earls playing 13

Most rugby fans in general do too. :rolleyes:
He's a winger.

Fireball07 · 18-12-2011 12:26am

Deleted User wrote: »

Sean O'Brien plays 7 and not 6 for Ireland because we have another world class blindside flanker and we have to do our best to fit them both into the team. It's a case of having an embarrassment of riches, as opposed to having an issue of trying to "fill" a position.

I would hope that any player that has played regularly at 13 for their province in meaningful games, and has proven that they can do a job there might be considered.

Those I include in this list are
Darren Cave
Nevin Spence
Eoin O'Malley
Fergus McFadden
Danny Barnes
Eoin Griffin
and begrudgingly
Keith Earls.

I would say that Bowe at 13 is as tested and as effective as Gavin Duffy at 13. I'd genuinely prefer to play Duffy at 13 and retain Bowe's skills at 14 than move him.

I don't like Earls as a 13 but he does have a bit of experience there and I'd have him ahead of a few players on that list. And ahead of Bowe, because I like Bowe as a winger, and think he should stay there.

For me, I'd have:

1. Cave/Griffin/EOM
2. Earls
3. McFadden/Bowe/Spence
4. Barnes

Barnes hasn't looked anything close to international standard yet, give him more time. Spence would want to be playing 13 regularly for Ulster before I'd put him there. McFadden has never convinced me as a 13, I've seen Earls have more good games there than him. Bowe could probably do a job but he should really be on the wing.

But Cave, Griffin and EOM is 3 players...one of them can surely step up. We're not really stuck for choices. They're all young, promising players, they have to be blooded sometime.

Teferi · 18-12-2011 12:44am

leakyboots wrote: »

Some Leinster fans have serious gripes about Earls playing 13

:rolleyes:

leakyboots · 18-12-2011 1:09am

Anatidaephobia wrote: »

Most rugby fans in general do too. :rolleyes:
He's a winger.

Wouldn't say most fans do, it's only on here I've come across such what I would consider unduly harsh criticism. Reasoned enough mind, but I just think overly harsh compared to the criteria being applied to other players.

It just seems like some of the names being bandied about here (Barnes is barely out of his Munster pajamas c'mon, he can't even be remotely considered yet - he has potential, but that's it) are being given the kind of slack Keith isn't being afforded.

He has been pushed all over the backline on 3 teams (Munster, Ireland and Lions) in his career. He's played 11, 12, 13, and 15. Himself and JDV looked like a great combination when they got a run together (In 2009 he looked sensational at times, which coincided with his longest run in the position)

Most other times he's been in the centre he's had a headless chicken called Mafi (or Tuitoopoo/Johne Murphy for a season... Christ) inside him and a scrum going backwards. Most other young players would struggle under those circumstances.

I think the guy has serious talent but is still a little raw and if he's let settle in one position, in this case, centre, he'll do the job. We saw what he could do when given a run at 11. I think it's a bit too soon for the likes of O'Malley. He may (and hopefully will) turn out to be a fantastic centre, but for the moment, Earls or McFadden for outside centre for the Six Nations for me. I'd leave Bowe as is and it opens up the chance for Trimble and Luke (who I still have my doubts over at the highest level - but he seems to have recovered form (not that I'd read too much into a clear run and being set free by a forward pass and the worst defence by a winger you'll ever see - he finished superbly mind and did look very dangerous over all, very encouraging, I won't take that away from him).

Anyway, neither of the two aforementioned are perfect (and look who they're replacing!) but I think they're the best we've got at this moment. And in terms of squads - both McF and Earls can cover other positions in the backline on matchday, a great asset to have.

18-12-2011 1:15am

so, with perhaps 2 seasons max left in BOD's Ireland career, and we need to get someone to play there for the foreseeable future, you'd like to play a proven winger at 13 instead of a young, developing second centre who might develop into a worthwhile venture?

Are you Declan Kidney?

Foresight isn't that tough.

leakyboots · 18-12-2011 1:27am

Deleted User wrote: »

so, with perhaps 2 seasons max left in BOD's Ireland career, and we need to get someone to play there for the foreseeable future, you'd like to play a proven winger at 13 instead of a young, developing second centre who might develop into a worthwhile venture?

Are you Declan Kidney?

Foresight isn't that tough.

No, read what I said. O'Malley isin't ready, yet. How you put Danny Barnes ahead of Earls on your list above is absolutely incomprehensible - Barnes has played more at 12 than 13 so far - you're saying let's put a bábóg completely out of position.

Also, O'Malley has started 4 HEC matches and two as sub. He's suddenly ready for the international scene? 40 league games. Crazy. I don't think he's stuck out that much to parachute him into our national side.

If we're going to put O'Malley in at centre, I think we should go the whole hog and do an Australia and blood 'em all this Six Nations and summer tour and autumn internationals and Six Nations next year by which time it might or might not have bore fruit. But I don't think we have the talent ready to do that at the moment. O'Malley is no more ready than Barnes or Zebo for the Irish team

gally74 · 18-12-2011 1:39am

Agreed its time to bring youth hhrough

18-12-2011 1:45am

leakyboots wrote: »

No, read what I said. O'Malley isin't ready, yet. How you put Danny Barnes ahead of Earls on your list above is absolutely incomprehensible - Barnes has played more at 12 than 13 so far - you're saying let's put a bábóg completely out of position.

If we're going to put O'Malley in at centre, I think we should go the whole hog and do an Australia and blood 'em all this Six Nations and summer tour and autumn internationals and Six Nations next year by which time it might or might not have bore fruit. But I don't think we have the talent ready to do that at the moment.

twas a list, not a ratings scheme.

Chill Winston

boynesider · 18-12-2011 1:48am

Anyone else think Earls' best position would be at full back?

I rate him very highly as an attacker but I just haven't got any confidence in his tackling and defence, especially at international level, and if you can hide a weak tackler anywhere on the field it would be at 15. On current form Irelands wings should be two out of Trimble, Bowe and Fitzgerald but I think Rob Kearney is far from untouchable at full-back.

Earls is at his best when he gets space and IMO he has a bit of the Christian Cullen about him. Wouldn't it be great to have a genuine counter attacking threat at the back? Not sure about the high ball but he seems decent enough in the air from what I've seen.

boynesider · 18-12-2011 1:51am

And out of all the young centres I've seen Eoin Griffin from Connacht looks to have the best all round game.

Would love to see him get a shot during the 6 nations but the fact that he plays for Connacht might count against him.

Fireball07 · 18-12-2011 2:00am

boynesider wrote: »

Anyone else think Earls' best position would be at full back?

I rate him very highly as an attacker but I just haven't got any confidence in his tackling and defence, especially at international level, and if you can hide a weak tackler anywhere on the field it would be at 15. On current form Irelands wings should be two out of Trimble, Bowe and Fitzgerald but I think Rob Kearney is far from untouchable at full-back.

Earls is at his best when he gets space and IMO he has a bit of the Christian Cullen about him. Wouldn't it be great to have a genuine counter attacking threat at the back? Not sure about the high ball but he seems decent enough in the air from what I've seen.

I do think he could be a really good full-back but I don't think he'll ever get picked there ahead of Kearney. Kearney's aerial prowess is valuable and he's a pretty good counter-attacker, although I do think Earls is probably slightly better at that, Kearney is definitely more rounded atm.

If Jones is injured, Earls would be my next choice 15 though after Kearney.

leakyboots · 18-12-2011 2:07am

Deleted User wrote: »

twas a list, not a ratings scheme.

Chill Winston

No need for cheeeeel, I'm just making points here, no anger hombre. Watching The Big Lebowski as it happens!

I'll requote this part of my post I had added to - "O'Malley has started 4 HEC matches and two as sub. He's suddenly ready for the international scene? 40 league games. Crazy. I don't think he's stuck out that much to parachute him into our national side."

There's around 8 months between Earls and O'Malley - Earls has a couple of seasons on him, O'Malley hasn't earned it yet, it's as simple as that for me.

To the other poster re: Earls at 15. It's a possibility but I'd fear for him under the high ball. If it meant bringing in Trimble/Fitz at 11, then I could be for it. But it'd just be shipping Earls around the backline again, not good for his long-term development. Either give him the run at centre or at 11.

It's a real shame Felix got injured, I think he'd have lit up our World Cup and ousted Kearney who I don't think has it at the highest level. But that's idle speculation (about Felix, not about Kearney's ability!). Kearney at 15 for Six Nations.

18-12-2011 2:08am

Earls was absolute quality under the high ball in the 6N last year. I'd have no fear for him there.

Again though, I'd question our apparent "need" to play players out of position.

porterbelly · 18-12-2011 2:13am

boynesider wrote: »

And out of all the young centres I've seen Eoin Griffin from Connacht looks to have the best all round game.

Would love to see him get a shot during the 6 nations but the fact that he plays for Connacht might count against him.

Sad but true

tolosenc · 18-12-2011 2:30am

Earls best position would be as a running back or kick returner for an NFL franchise. No defending to do, and he could have the big lads clear him a hole, leaving him minimal defender beating to do too. He is so far from being Ireland's 1st choice thirteen that only something ridiculous like having Declan Kidney as head coach could make it even a possibility.

leakyboots · 18-12-2011 2:44am

tolosenc wrote: »

Earls best position would be as a running back or kick returner for an NFL franchise. No defending to do, and he could have the big lads clear him a hole, leaving him minimal defender beating to do too. He is so far from being Ireland's 1st choice thirteen that only something ridiculous like having Declan Kidney as head coach could make it even a possibility.

An absolutely ridiculous post. Congrats.

leakyboots · 18-12-2011 3:26am

Deleted User wrote: »

Earls was absolute quality under the high ball in the 6N last year. I'd have no fear for him there.

Again though, I'd question our apparent "need" to play players out of position.

"Absolute quality under the high ball"??

Was Earls not parachuted in to 15 in the final match against England after Luke had a horror show in his run in that position? He only played one match at 15 in the Six Nations and I don't think he was tested at all.

In fact, if I remember people were saying they were surprised England didn't bomb him repeatedly.

But I think he offers more there than Kearney who is too one-dimensional.

All told it is shaping up to be a very interesting Six Nations. A new France, who the f**k knows who England will pick, Wales are up and coming and Scotland are slow and steadily rising recently. Factor in Italy who have definitely stepped up a gear in Rabo and HEC and it's shaping up nicely.

Leaving our centre woes aside, we do have the nucleus of a good (and pretty experienced) team - a solid front row, POC + ? (Ryan/Touhy/Toner/DOC), good backrow in SOB + Heaslip, plenty of options at scrum and fly half, wingers in good shape - momentum will be key.

tolosenc · 18-12-2011 3:35am

leakyboots wrote: »

An absolutely ridiculous post. Congrats.

leakyboots wrote: »

But I think he offers more there than Kearney who is too one-dimensional.

:rolleyes:

18-12-2011 4:14am

leakyboots wrote: »

Deleted User wrote: »

Earls was absolute quality under the high ball in the 6N last year. I'd have no fear for him there.

Again though, I'd question our apparent "need" to play players out of position.

"Absolute quality under the high ball"??

Was Earls not parachuted in to 15 in the final match against England after Luke had a horror show in his run in that position? He only played one match at 15 in the Six Nations and I don't think he was tested at all.

In fact, if I remember people were saying they were surprised England didn't bomb him repeatedly.

But I think he offers more there than Kearney who is too one-dimensional.

All told it is shaping up to be a very interesting Six Nations. A new France, who the f**k knows who England will pick, Wales are up and coming and Scotland are slow and steadily rising recently. Factor in Italy who have definitely stepped up a gear in Rabo and HEC and it's shaping up nicely.

Leaving our centre woes aside, we do have the nucleus of a good (and pretty experienced) team - a solid front row, POC + ? (Ryan/Touhy/Toner/DOC), good backrow in SOB + Heaslip, plenty of options at scrum and fly half, wingers in good shape - momentum will be key.

Really quite confusing post. Earls' game vs Scotland In the 6N is a prime example of how he can handle te high ball when in a good run of form.

He was an absolute rock that day, I'd mark it as one of his best performances in a green jersey. Scotland sent more than a few kicks down his throat and he dealt with them all.

You may be surprised and appalled to hear that Earls' best appearances and also consistent run of appearances have come when his coaches finally realise that he's an out an out 11 and a poor centre, and allow him time and opportunity to gain some confidence.

I think that the only reason anyone ever suggested earls at 13 was because someone once decided that "he's BOD's heir apparent" and the medjia and the fans ran with it.

leakyboots · 18-12-2011 4:24am

tolosenc wrote: »

:rolleyes:

Another outstanding contribution. Care to offer more than a click of your mouse? I like to think I at the very least try to explain my opinions.

Kearney catches the high ball well but is a poor last ditch tackler and doesn't set the world alight going forward. I didn't rate Girve the Swerve that highly but at least he had the great footballing intelligence to be in the right place in the right time to slide over the line from 5 yards (not a slight on Girvan, he made the best of his limited abilities, fantastic pro - Kearney's got much better raw materials but hasn't fulfilled his potential for me)

18-12-2011 4:33am

did you see the Leinster game tonight?

Kearney was everything you've just said he wasn't.

leakyboots · 18-12-2011 4:53am

Deleted User wrote: »

did you see the Leinster game tonight?

Kearney was everything you've just said he wasn't.

Funny how you say 'one word posts really irritate' you but yet you 'like' a smilie differing a constructive post.

Now c'mon Emmet, some perspective. Versus a very, very poor Bath. Did you even see the defense from Lukey's second try by the winger/fullback? Never mind the forward pass (these things happen regularly)

Other posters and the commentators were saying, it was like a training exercise at times, that's nowhere near international level and you know it. Kearney has been there by default in recent years because an ageing Geordan Murphy and Gavin Duffy has been his challenger. Nacewa is the better fullback at Leinster by a country mile and should be there week in week out.

As for your post above about Earls versus Scotland, I call shenanigans - I don't recall him being tested that much on the left wing (which anyway ain't fullback where you're surrounded by traffic when going for a ball incidentally), these highlights below don't have a single example and a google of it shows up nothing either.

Oh yeah and... just how many times has Earls worn 13 for Ireland? Last time he did he put 2 tries past Russia in the World Cup. People so quick to write him off haven't seen him have a proper go at it. By all means if he has a fair chance at it and makes a bags of it I'll gladly hold my hand up and shake my Eoin O'Malley pom-poms, all I'm saying is get some perspective in your ideas for who should wear the jersey. Deccie picking Earls isin't an outlandish proposal as some are making out.

And Emmet you've missed my point - I'm happy enough to see Earls at fullback if Kearney is gone and it frees up Trimble/Fitz to come into the side. But I think Earls will be centre/wing and Rob will be fullback. My ideal back 3 for an injury-free Ireland would be Felix/Bowe/Earls serious pace there. But the jury is out on Felix until he's injury free. Kearney's try-scoring record for Ireland is abysmal, half of his 7 tries are in friendlies and he hasn't the solidity of Dempsey by any means. And any rugby player who has his own website at 25 without being seriously world class can go and jump as far as I'm concerned - http://www.robkearney.com/. Again, if he has a storming Six Nations I'll hold my hands up, I'm not above that at all. But as international full backs go, he isin't above the grade by any means

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu0dX79tzFA

lologram · 18-12-2011 8:52am

leakyboots wrote: »

And any rugby player who has his own website at 25 without being seriously world class can go and jump as far as I'm concerned - http://www.robkearney.com/.

Uncle Deccie, is that you?

Tox56 · 18-12-2011 9:55am

leakyboots wrote: »

Funny how you say 'one word posts really irritate' you but yet you 'like' a smilie differing a constructive post.

Now c'mon Emmet, some perspective. Versus a very, very poor Bath. Did you even see the defense from Lukey's second try by the winger/fullback? Never mind the forward pass (these things happen regularly)

Other posters and the commentators were saying, it was like a training exercise at times, that's nowhere near international level and you know it. Kearney has been there by default in recent years because an ageing Geordan Murphy and Gavin Duffy has been his challenger. Nacewa is the better fullback at Leinster by a country mile and should be there week in week out.

As for your post above about Earls versus Scotland, I call shenanigans - I don't recall him being tested that much on the left wing (which anyway ain't fullback where you're surrounded by traffic when going for a ball incidentally), these highlights below don't have a single example and a google of it shows up nothing either.

Oh yeah and... just how many times has Earls worn 13 for Ireland? Last time he did he put 2 tries past Russia in the World Cup. People so quick to write him off haven't seen him have a proper go at it. By all means if he has a fair chance at it and makes a bags of it I'll gladly hold my hand up and shake my Eoin O'Malley pom-poms, all I'm saying is get some perspective in your ideas for who should wear the jersey. Deccie picking Earls isin't an outlandish proposal as some are making out.

And Emmet you've missed my point - I'm happy enough to see Earls at fullback if Kearney is gone and it frees up Trimble/Fitz to come into the side. But I think Earls will be centre/wing and Rob will be fullback. My ideal back 3 for an injury-free Ireland would be Felix/Bowe/Earls serious pace there. But the jury is out on Felix until he's injury free. Kearney's try-scoring record for Ireland is abysmal, half of his 7 tries are in friendlies and he hasn't the solidity of Dempsey by any means. And any rugby player who has his own website at 25 without being seriously world class can go and jump as far as I'm concerned - http://www.robkearney.com/. Again, if he has a storming Six Nations I'll hold my hands up, I'm not above that at all. But as international full backs go, he isin't above the grade by any means

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fu0dX79tzFA

Is Earls v Tuilagi not enough evidence to suggest that his positioning (among at multitude of things) at 13 is completely wrong. Why play a forced 13 who is good (and much better) on the wing instead of someone who has played 13 all their life in their best position.

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