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.
Yeah_Right wrote: » Also, I didn't realise Hill was an openside.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Awesomeness wrote: » 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[/quote I think that's more likely, and a good sign. We're probably gonna see a team of 15 lads putting in around a 7/10 performance across the board rather than a couple of individuals carrying the team
bilston wrote: » Totally agree.Marmion and Felix Jones are our two best players. They both need to be at the top of their game. Perform and they'll both be there or thereabouts in a World XV.
The Rape of Lucretia wrote: » A hat trick !!!! Are you watching Mr Schmidt ?
molloyjh wrote: » No, he was in Belfast. :P
Buer wrote: » Given the respective players on display, that makes me think that Darren Cave is still in the mix for the squad. No other player on show tonight in Belfast is in with a sniff of the squad. I'm surprised that Schmidt, Kiss and Murphy were all at the game. Surely someone was at the other one to watch Marmion and White? Easterby?
The Rape of Lucretia wrote: » Bad luck on Marmion then. 5 tries, makes two more, 23 tackles, totally bosses the game, and a goal kicking percentage better than Jackson's. What has the guy got to do to cement that first call up reserve spot ?
Buer wrote: » Can he grow dreadlocks?
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