.ak wrote: » Well Ringrose ahead of them was pretty telling. The guy is not a winger, nor had he shown any reason to be ahead of them on the wing. I'm not saying that's a bad thing of anything, but the previous management was rewarding AIL form and the new management is obviously putting its trust in the youth and academy systems. Both are good, but I felt the idea of AIL players being rewarded would open up the AIL as a product people could get behind.
.ak wrote: » Yes, I believe it does, from both sides of the fence; the players, particularly club based, and the fans. It's a woefully marketed domestic league and the casual fans have no idea it's on half the time. For me McGrath was good enough to be involved during the WC, he's too good for AIL, I don't agree with GR being played ahead of other options on the wing, I still think Ringrose is a few years away from playing at senior level above pro12. I also hate seeing good centres on the wing.
errlloyd wrote: » Ringrose and Vdf aren't just two young lads doing a decent job. The stats indicate they were genuinely the best performers in the team yesterday. I don't think it's idol romanticism to be calling for them to continue their involvement. They have lots of advantages, no fatigue, they're difficult to analyse and they have hunger, but their current performances justify their selection up till now. I also reject the idea that putting rr at wing was a waste. His skillet is quite transferable. He's kinda lanky and quick. Winger material.
Stheno wrote: » I was at a couple of games where he played on the wing, and he was lovely to watch. Probably gave him more confidence at 13 as well, he was a joy to watch yesterday.
The Rape of Lucretia wrote: » Unlike some other potential changes, rr has not had the benefit of involvement with Joe before. Joe will not throw him in at the deep end without more time with him. There is a risk that Wales could run through him and set him back rather than fasttrack him international level.
Stheno wrote: » Which is why on the Ireland thread, I've suggested he be on the bench and not the starting 15? Sure he has loads of potential, but I don't think he's started even at CC level yet. Does well at the interpros but needs to get more experience.
The Rape of Lucretia wrote: » Squad involvement for the experiene during the 6N. Consistent run at 13 for Lei for the rest of the season. Bench in SA in the spring with a little game time. A start in a couple of the Autumn games. Then primed for 6N 2017.
Stheno wrote: » Yup that works for me, get involved with the senior players, be part of the squad, and get ready to be part of the team in 2017 Not bad for a then 21 year old!
The Rape of Lucretia wrote: » A similar pattern worked for one Brian Gerald O'Driscoll !
Stheno wrote: » He doesn't seem to have learned as he is advocating RR be in the starting fifteen for this 6N!
The Rape of Lucretia wrote: » His genius was an almost superhuman ability to do the right thing at the right decision-making nanosecond in the flow of a rugby match. It pains me to say it, but I dont think I have heard anything from him yet to suggest he is any more of a commentator than the rest of us.
Stheno wrote: » It's probably an awful thing to say but I find him a tad dull as a commentator. I think I kinda expect some sort of inside track from him which I know I shouldn't, but he comes out with black then Leo comes out with white.
MB678 wrote: » O'Driscoll played for Ireland before he played for Leinster.
The Rape of Lucretia wrote: » Indeed. So RR can be ahead of BOD with an even better ramped, yet steep, introduction to international rugger.
Stheno wrote: » Did BOD really play for Ireland before Leinster?
CatFromHue wrote: » There was no Celtic League back then just the HEC and 6 Inter pro games. Pro provincial rugby back then was very much in it's infancy with the AIL being the big dog.
Hagz wrote: » College plays a role certainly for the young lads. I can't see VdF or Leavy leaving while they are still in UCD. SOB, Ruddock and Heaslip aren't going anywhere while they occupy the starting positions.
Zzippy wrote: » Robbie Henshaw is studying in NUIG. Just sayin'....
Henshaw is studying for an arts degree at NUIG, and that was a factor in his decision to remain in Galway. "I still have three years left in my degree – that's a vital part of my life as well. I'm studying geography and economics, maybe looking to teaching when I'm finished," he added.
Hagz wrote: » Indeed.
Stheno wrote: » I'll not risk a ban by saying what UCD Commerce students used call such an arts degree.
TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: » I remember the toilet roll holders in the restaurant toilets used to have "Pull Here For Arts Degree" written on them
Stheno wrote: » Ah now, what I was going to say wasn't that bad. We used call it a BA in bull****
TICKLE_ME_ELMO wrote: » If Henshaw, and other Arts students, did 5 full days in college instead of 4 hours a week, he'd have gotten his degree 2 years ago and be at Leinster already
