nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

Child Item

Ireland Team Talk/Gossip/Rumour Thread IV

RoundBox11

Pairing Luke Marshall with Cave in the centre and Payne at fullback could be really good for the wolfhounds backline. They should know each other inside out. Then Gilroy could be on one wing.

Find more posts tagged with

Quick Links

Comments

Quint2010

Witheringeye wrote: »

I reckon if Ireland go far then SOB could very easily make the WCXV. I know the competition is fierce but I do think he is underrated in comparison.
How many 7s are there that are that good at poaching and clear outs as well possessing that sort of ball carrying ability?

Don't think he would ever get past McCaw simply because McCaw is an integral cog and captain of the best team.

Awesomeness

I know i asked the question but at the end of the day if no irish person was involved i wouldnt care. As long as we perform as a team

On that for me joe is a hero. Always will be, But will people turn on hin if we dont make a semi

Witheringeye

I reckon if Ireland go far then SOB could very easily make the WCXV. I know the competition is fierce but I do think he is underrated in comparison.
How many 7s are there that are that good at poaching and clear outs as well possessing that sort of ball carrying ability?

English Lurker

I thought Henshaw was very good in the 6N and know I'm far from alone in thinking that outside Ireland; he may not have broken the line much, but he constantly bent it, was ferocious in defence, and produced a number of clever moments of skill. I think he could be a contender for a team of the tournament, but would probably put money on a flashier 12 such as de Allende to make the cut ahead of him.

POC, Healy, Sexton and Murray would be my standout candidates; SOB would be if he wasn't in a very crowded field, although I wouldn't be surprised to see him named at 6 in such a team even if playing at 7. If Best finds top form, I think he's as talented as any hooker there.

And if fortune hands Henderson a row of starts I think he could be well in the running.

Clearlier wrote: »

Yeah, a lot of people didn't and don't realise that which is a testament to how well he adapted. IIRC he played all of his club rugby at openside as well as beginning and ending his England career at openside. I know that his reputation has only gotten better with age but I still think that his contribution to that England team is underrated. He was also a far superior openside to Back who may have been pound for pound an outstanding player but who had nowhere near the impact on games that Hill had.

I can never endorse admiration for HRHRH enough.

jacothelad

Yeah_Right wrote: »

I think POM has a better chance to make a RWC XV than Henshaw or SOB. That's not a slight on those 2 players. I simply believe the quality of players from other countries at 7 and 12 is higher than at 6.

Yeah! Right!....:D

total former

irishbucsfan wrote: »

He stood out in our back line, not for a debutant but for any player. His tackle count was repeatedly leading the team. He was a huge part of our success.

He was a huge part of our success. His work rate was massive, his tackle count and carry rate were very high.

That said, and this goes for nearly all our backs, he showed very little in attack; line breaks and beaten defenders were non-existent.

He was perfect for the game plan we employed but he will have to show more in attack if he's going to be a star of the RWC.

.ak

irishbucsfan wrote: »

He stood out in our back line, not for a debutant but for any player. His tackle count was repeatedly leading the team. He was a huge part of our success.

His performance against England, try aside, is still one of the best performances I've seen from an Irish back in years. He fought for everything, despite being completely injured.

Witheringeye

I thought henshaw was very very impressive but I thinks he gets a little bit more credit than he deserves and Payne a bit less so for obvious reasons

Either way I think they could be lethal come October. They've been improving steadily as a partnership with Payne seeming to get better every single game.

Whether they could make a World Cup xv all depends on how other teams go but I reckon henshaw would have a better chance

flangemeistro

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

Superb is stretching it. He had a good debut for an inexperienced player thrown in with new partners on both sides. The game he was asked to play was limited (and correctly so - a very well managed intro to international rugby by Joe). Aside from his acrobatic touchdown, which was good, but not out of this world, I doubt he would have made much impression on non Irish viewers.

He has potential for sure. Might well develop into a super player - hopefully that does come in the world cup. But on the evidence so far he is an OK player with potential.

Ya he made absolutely no impression outside of Ireland!

:Made the 15 man Shortlist for player of the tournament
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/international/three-irish-make-shortlist-for-six-nations-player-of-tournament-1.2150161

:Made the Wales online team of the tournament http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-news/six-nations-team-tournament-meet-8896116

:Made the Sunday Times team of the tournament http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/sport/rugby_union/Internationals/article1534836.ece

And they are just two of many teams of the tournament that he was named on.

irishbucsfan

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

Superb is stretching it. He had a good debut for an inexperienced player thrown in with new partners on both sides. The game he was asked to play was limited (and correctly so - a very well managed intro to international rugby by Joe). Aside from his acrobatic touchdown, which was good, but not out of this world, I doubt he would have made much impression on non Irish viewers.

He has potential for sure. Might well develop into a super player - hopefully that does come in the world cup. But on the evidence so far he is an OK player with potential.

He stood out in our back line, not for a debutant but for any player. His tackle count was repeatedly leading the team. He was a huge part of our success.

Zzippy

The Rape of Lucretia wrote: »

Superb is stretching it. He had a good debut for an inexperienced player thrown in with new partners on both sides. The game he was asked to play was limited (and correctly so - a very well managed intro to international rugby by Joe). Aside from his acrobatic touchdown, which was good, but not out of this world, I doubt he would have made much impression on non Irish viewers.

He has potential for sure. Might well develop into a super player - hopefully that does come in the world cup. But on the evidence so far he is an OK player with potential.

There's just no pleasing some people! :P

Clearlier

Yeah_Right wrote: »

Also, I didn't realise Hill was an openside.

Yeah, a lot of people didn't and don't realise that which is a testament to how well he adapted. IIRC he played all of his club rugby at openside as well as beginning and ending his England career at openside. I know that his reputation has only gotten better with age but I still think that his contribution to that England team is underrated. He was also a far superior openside to Back who may have been pound for pound an outstanding player but who had nowhere near the impact on games that Hill had.

Yeah_Right

Clearlier wrote: »

I think that it depends on the players involved and of course the no.8. If you play two similar style opensides who between them don't offer the right mix of carrying, supporting, clearing out, lineouts, poaching etc. then I agree that you'll be in trouble. If on the other hand you can get the balance across the backrow right I'm not sure that it matters enormously where they pack down for scrums. Heaslip's adaptability has been great for Ireland in this respect particularly when SOB first moved to openside. Back and Hill for England is an example of a pair of opensides that did very well at international level over a sustained period of time.

You're right that it depends on the players involved. Not just the 2 open sides but also the other loose forward and also the locks. For example I think Ireland would be ok with both Henry and SOB on the pitch at the same time. Same with NZ with McCaw and Cane. This is due to the quality of the other players in the pack. I don't think Aussie have the players in their pack to make 2 opensides work against the top teams.

Also, I didn't realise Hill was an openside.

Awesomeness

I have a ticket for the ireland v canada game i wont be able to use if anyone is interested

The Rape of Lucretia

irishbucsfan wrote: »

There's a few players I reckon could stand out. Robbie Henshaw was superb in the 6 Nations and for all we know there could be more to come from him. He could well be our standout player.

Superb is stretching it. He had a good debut for an inexperienced player thrown in with new partners on both sides. The game he was asked to play was limited (and correctly so - a very well managed intro to international rugby by Joe). Aside from his acrobatic touchdown, which was good, but not out of this world, I doubt he would have made much impression on non Irish viewers.

He has potential for sure. Might well develop into a super player - hopefully that does come in the world cup. But on the evidence so far he is an OK player with potential.

Clearlier

Yeah_Right wrote: »

I think one of them has to be on the bench. Not a big fan of playing 2 open sides. It's ok late in a game when subs are on but I don't like it to start a match.

I think that it depends on the players involved and of course the no.8. If you play two similar style opensides who between them don't offer the right mix of carrying, supporting, clearing out, lineouts, poaching etc. then I agree that you'll be in trouble. If on the other hand you can get the balance across the backrow right I'm not sure that it matters enormously where they pack down for scrums. Heaslip's adaptability has been great for Ireland in this respect particularly when SOB first moved to openside. Back and Hill for England is an example of a pair of opensides that did very well at international level over a sustained period of time.

[Deleted User]

.ak wrote: »

One thing about that tackle in that gif is it's actually a poor tackle, head on wrong side, tut tut....

Yeah but that was intentional, he wanted his front facing shoulder so he could force him into touch, if he had switched shoulders to tackle he would have brought him down for a recycle in the right part of the pitch for NZ.

Let's just call it a barge with wrapped'ish arms...!

dub_skav

Yeah_Right wrote: »

I think one of them has to be on the bench. Not a big fan of playing 2 open sides. It's ok late in a game when subs are on but I don't like it to start a match.

The Aussies have form for it.

dub_skav

.ak wrote: »

One thing about that tackle in that gif is it's actually a poor tackle, head on wrong side, tut tut....

I don't think it would have worked with his head on the "right" side. He used the leverage of the entire right side of his body to bump Savea into touch.
Go with the correct tackle position and I think Savea would have shrugged him off.
I was watching it and sure it would be a try, or at the very best Hooper just getting him out at the corner flag, I was certainly not expecting that

.ak

dub_skav wrote: »

So where does Pocock go?
I know Cheika did play him 8 with Hooper, so maybe there, what's your opinion?

Ah there's no problem with having two opensides on the team sheet. Look at Wales etc. The key though is you need a strongarm or a couple of mobile locks to do the dirty work. As with all team selections, combinations are key and balance is vital.

We all joke about a team of Sean O'Briens... but we'd be hammered if that was the case!

Yeah_Right

dub_skav wrote: »

So where does Pocock go?
I know Cheika did play him 8 with Hooper, so maybe there, what's your opinion?

I think one of them has to be on the bench. Not a big fan of playing 2 open sides. It's ok late in a game when subs are on but I don't like it to start a match.

.ak

One thing about that tackle in that gif is it's actually a poor tackle, head on wrong side, tut tut....

dub_skav

.ak wrote: »

Yep, 7 all day.

So where does Pocock go?
I know Cheika did play him 8 with Hooper, so maybe there, what's your opinion?

.ak

dub_skav wrote: »

Hooper?

awec wrote: »

He's a 7, no?

Yep, 7 all day.

dub_skav

awec wrote: »

He's a 7, no?

That was the reason for the smilie, Pocock is amazing on the deck and has to play, but, Hooper is brilliant:

Well Mr Cheika, what do you do?

[Deleted User]

Awesomeness wrote: »

Bit of a change in discussion. Instead of talking about who our 3rd choice sh will be and prob wont see much game time what about the players that will. Who do we think will be out stand out player,

I feel after Johnny injuries and time in france this could be his time to really show that he is one of the top 2 outhalves in world rugby

That's a great question. We've an awful lot of quality players that could do something exceptional so it's hard to know.

Put it this way, if Mike Ross scrums like he did in the 6N and were we to make a final with a reallysolid set piece, you could see the guy getting all sorts of accolades!

That said, I think if we make a semi or a final I think the following are most likely to turn heads:

Cian Healy (if fit): He will at least be cardio fit, but I can't imagine his upper body is as strong given the type of injury. That said, if he is fit and good to go, he has the potential to have two or three big games during the tournament. Becoming more "if" as the weeks go on however but gives us so much more potential if available.

POC : produces moments just when we need them, combine that with leading the Irish team and that it is his international swansong and his could be the story of the tournament.

SOB : If he hits the level he reached against NZ in 2013 and maintains that he could well be the most impactful forward in our squad. He seems in good shape and if he stays fit for the entire tournament he should be in absolute beast mode shape by the semi finals / final and we could witness him at his best.

Heaslip : I think Heaslip has quietly entered world class over the last season and I think he is as good as anyone in the NH right now. As others have said, all those little highlight reels over the coming weeks might even convince Conor George.

Murray : His decision making is faultless, but over the last two seasons his kicking, passing, running and game management have all reached world class levels and having all that at his disposal makes him a huge weapon for us, and unpredictable for the opposition.

Sexton : You could say a lot here, but if we do win this thing you can't help but feel Sexton is going to need to be the player of the tournament for us to do it. Thankfully, he is capable of that.

Henshaw : He isn't there yet, but the 6N showed that he will work himself to complete exhaustion in every game and by the 4th or 5th week in the tournament his natural athleticism could allow for immense performances against more physical but more jaded opposition. So much potential and quality there for Joe to work with.

R Kearney : According to this forum there are around 8 players that should be ahead of him, but like Heaslip I think the tournament could provide a lot of material to show how important the guy is to our WC chances. If we stick with variations of our current play style then Kearney should be set for a big tournament.

Joe Schmidt : We don't have the best 1 - 15 in the RWC, so if we do make a final you have to think that lord Joe is going to be singled out. And he deserves it too.

If all of the above stay fit, healthy and hungry we have a chance of making history. Any single one that we lose dramatically impacts our chances. IF we hang onto em all though - could be some high flying tricolours come end of October.

connachta

18271-good-news-everyone-i-was-just-kidding-professor-farnsworth-wallpaper-1280x1280-1-750x410.jpg

Schmidt and Les Kiss will be in attendance at Thomond Park to run their eyes over Ireland hopefuls Marmion, 23, and Nathan White, and the Connacht scrum-half is keen to make an impression.

The Connacht man has had to be satisfied with 12 minutes against Wales in Ireland’s opening World Cup warm-up match, but he thinks the Connacht game-time he has picked up against Castres last weekend, and again tonight, could prove crucial.

awec

dub_skav wrote: »

Hooper?

He's a 7, no?

dub_skav

.ak wrote: »

Blindside tends to be a bit of thankless position, it's not very eye catching, a lot of the work you do is in defence and body shifting, so I think a lot of the superstars in that position fly under the radar... but you're right, I can't think of many that will draw the eye of the pundits.

Hooper?

.ak

awec wrote: »

Pfft, the really good ones are eye catching.

Stephen Ferris caught the eye in pretty much every game he played.

Yeah but that's Fez for you.