Ireland Team Talk X: The Long Hard Road to a Semi. MOD WARNING POSTS #1, #1474, #5707

FACECUTTR · 12-07-2019 4:24pm

I just seen both jerseys in lifestyle sports. They look the exact same as the first released pics. The pics with the players wearing them are photoshopped a lot.

arsebiscuits1 · 12-07-2019 4:38pm

FACECUTTR wrote: »

I just seen both jerseys in lifestyle sports. They look the exact same as the first released pics. The pics with the players wearing them are photoshopped a lot.

I wouldn't say they're photo shopped much or at all.

The official test jerseys are designed to be pretty snug. Especially on the lads with their shoulders and chests as big as they are

Example, below is a picture from Elverys mannequin. Pretty skin tight. Similar look as it is on the lads.

Kevski · 12-07-2019 5:27pm

I was not a fan when I saw the leaked photos the other day but I think it’s actually quite nice based on the photos I’ve seen today. The new World Cup badge is definitely a huge improvement over previous years!

mark_way · 12-07-2019 10:12pm

Former Former wrote: »

Addison was always come into the reckoning if he got fit. I'd bring him ahead of Conway, Dave K and certainly ahead of Haley.

And maybe Larmour too? I think Larmour's been elevated above his station to some extent - internationally speaking, that is. He hasn't really done anything at test level outside his excellent hat-trick against an awful Italian team. There are a few question marks over his defence as well.

Shefwedfan · 13-07-2019 8:50am

mark_way wrote: »

And maybe Larmour too? I think Larmour's been elevated above his station to some extent - internationally speaking, that is. He hasn't really done anything at test level outside his excellent hat-trick against an awful Italian team. There are a few question marks over his defence as well.

How many games has Larmour played in a row? How many of those games in the same position?

Might be better to put question marks over players when they have a run of 10 games in a set position

bilston · 13-07-2019 9:28am

mark_way wrote: »

And maybe Larmour too? I think Larmour's been elevated above his station to some extent - internationally speaking, that is. He hasn't really done anything at test level outside his excellent hat-trick against an awful Italian team. There are a few question marks over his defence as well.

Larmour has done fine. He has done more at test level than Addison or Conway.

I think our back three clearly picks itself, but Larmour is clearly the next cab off the rank should there be an injury or a horrendous loss of form.

By the way on a slightly related topic in terms of the make up of the squad and versatile players, but will we see Stockdale start a warm up game at 15? That would definitely bring a big change up to our attacking game. But you obviously lose a lot taking Kearney out as we saw against England in February.

Shefwedfan · 13-07-2019 10:17am

bilston wrote: »

Larmour has done fine. He has done more at test level than Addison or Conway.

I think our back three clearly picks itself, but Larmour is clearly the next cab off the rank should there be an injury or a horrendous loss of form.

By the way on a slightly related topic in terms of the make up of the squad and versatile players, but will we see Stockdale start a warm up game at 15? That would definitely bring a big change up to our attacking game. But you obviously lose a lot taking Kearney out as we saw against England in February.

The Stockdale to 15 is maybe something after the WC when Lowe etc is in the squad

Who will take his spot on wing if he moves to 15?

AbusesToilets · 13-07-2019 10:38am

I'd say it's more likely we see Henshaw or Carberry at 15 than Stockdale tbh.

stephen_n · 13-07-2019 3:11pm

free photo posting

Fit is a lot better on than in some of those images, but prefer the non World Cup one.

thomond2006 · 13-07-2019 3:21pm

stephen_n wrote: »

free photo posting

Fit is a lot better on than in some of those images, but prefer the non World Cup one.

Want a Munster contract?

stephen_n · 13-07-2019 3:28pm

thomond2006 wrote: »

Want a Munster contract?

The missus won’t even let me wear a red t-shirt :pac:

Former Former · 13-07-2019 3:37pm

bilston wrote:

By the way on a slightly related topic in terms of the make up of the squad and versatile players, but will we see Stockdale start a warm up game at 15? That would definitely bring a big change up to our attacking game. But you obviously lose a lot taking Kearney out as we saw against England in February.

Nooooooooo

Stockdale could turn out to be one of our best ever wingers but he isn't even close to being the finished article there. He needs to keep developing and moving him around now is only going to slow him down.

Wegians89 · 13-07-2019 5:21pm

Former Former wrote: »

Nooooooooo

Stockdale could turn out to be one of our best ever wingers but he isn't even close to being the finished article there. He needs to keep developing and moving him around now is only going to slow him down.

Playing at 15 occasionally could make him a better winger though.

13-07-2019 5:48pm

stephen_n wrote: »

free photo posting

Fit is a lot better on than in some of those images, but prefer the non World Cup one.

You look very different in my head. Think Jabba the Hutt.

Shefwedfan · 13-07-2019 5:50pm

Wegians89 wrote: »

Playing at 15 occasionally could make him a better winger though.

How?

Vince135792003 · 13-07-2019 6:01pm

Are the squad back in Carton House next week?

bilston · 13-07-2019 6:39pm

Former Former wrote: »

Nooooooooo

Stockdale could turn out to be one of our best ever wingers but he isn't even close to being the finished article there. He needs to keep developing and moving him around now is only going to slow him down.

I don't mean for him to play there full time (not anytime soon anyway), but if Joe is surveying his squad in terms of who can play where at the WC surely it's worth a go in a warm up game.

Shefwedfan · 13-07-2019 7:57pm

bilston wrote: »

I don't mean for him to play there full time (not anytime soon anyway), but if Joe is surveying his squad in terms of who can play where at the WC surely it's worth a go in a warm up game.

If we had loads of World Class winger then yes, but we don’t....really the back up is Larmour who is really a 15....Earls and stockdale are first choice by a fair distance

Of course he could bring back in D Kearney

More backup in centre and probably why the henshaw experiment which is worth another look

Wegians89 · 13-07-2019 8:40pm

Shefwedfan wrote: »

How?

Having a better understanding of what a full back wants from a winger, playing different positions helps round out skillsets. For example playing at 15 for a while would naturally lead to having to improve under a high ball and having to make better decisions with his kicking. Taking these extra skills back to the wing could improve his overall game.

stephen_n · 13-07-2019 9:18pm

Deleted User wrote: »

You look very different in my head. Think Jabba the Hutt.

Not really sure what goes on in your head, nor that I’d want to.

Former Observer · 13-07-2019 9:29pm

nice nips

clsmooth · 13-07-2019 10:44pm

Defensive decision making and positioning is the weakest part of his game right now. That’ll only be amplified at 15. Leave him at 11. Could see Lowe ending up at 15 going forward though with his ability to roam and step in as a second receiver. Larmour covering 23, and probably taking over from Earls eventually. Sexton is the wild card. Hopefully he can develop into a quality player. Others will put there hand up, but that’s how I see our back 3 in the next year or two.

clsmooth · 13-07-2019 10:45pm

stephen_n wrote: »

free photo posting

Fit is a lot better on than in some of those images, but prefer the non World Cup one.

No Canterbury logo on the non World Cup one?

stephen_n · 13-07-2019 10:52pm

clsmooth wrote: »

No Canterbury logo on the non World Cup one?

It’s behind the phone on the right breast

ionadnapokot · 13-07-2019 11:27pm

clsmooth wrote: »

Defensive decision making and positioning is the weakest part of his game right now. That’ll only be amplified at 15. Leave him at 11. Could see Lowe ending up at 15 going forward though with his ability to roam and step in as a second receiver. Larmour covering 23, and probably taking over from Earls eventually. Sexton is the wild card. Hopefully he can develop into a quality player. Others will put there hand up, but that’s how I see our back 3 in the next year or two.

Agree with that synopsis of the back three.
Can’t see Stockdale anywhere other than 11.
Would love to see 15Lowe; Larmour, Stockdale

Shefwedfan · 14-07-2019 11:13am

Wegians89 wrote: »

Having a better understanding of what a full back wants from a winger, playing different positions helps round out skillsets. For example playing at 15 for a while would naturally lead to having to improve under a high ball and having to make better decisions with his kicking. Taking these extra skills back to the wing could improve his overall game.

Maybe when your a kid. The Australian push for all players including the forwards to play all positions when kids to improve skills. I think NZ do the same....

Once you are a pro it is better to concentrate on a single position and master it.....moving players from one position to another doesn't help them at all, look at Madigan. Unfortunealty Larmour is getting pushed into this as well and having to switch positions....

Stockdale is only playing 2 years at the top level, he still has some issues on the wing, what would Ireland gain from switching him? we lose one of our topclass wingers and we are a bit short on them. Plus you confuse a very young player with having to teach him 2 game plans.....

The Henshaw to FB would be a better option, he is more experienced and we have decent cover at centre

Former Observer · 15-07-2019 11:07pm

Desperate for my rugby fix. Any recent interesting podcast? Maybe world cup related?

sydthebeat · 15-07-2019 11:24pm

Former Observer wrote: »

Desperate for my rugby fix. Any recent interesting podcast? Maybe world cup related?

for short n sweet ones.. check off the Off the Ball rugby podcasts on every team in this RWC

each episode is mostly a conversation with an ex player of each country

https://www.offtheball.com/podcasts/rugby-on-off-the-ball

otherwise "interesting " is subjective... buit i think its worth listening to both Stuart Lancaster and Andy Friends "coaches corner" podcasts

https://rugbycoachscorner.podomatic.com/

Dog Botherer · 16-07-2019 1:44am

Former Observer wrote: »

Desperate for my rugby fix. Any recent interesting podcast? Maybe world cup related?

Second shout for the weekly Newstalk podcast, although the title and, as a result, the intro, are a massive cringefest. The Rugby Coaches Corner is also good. I think if you dig a bit you can find some podcasts Stuart Lancaster did for Newstalk on the subject of leadership.

I highly recommend Rugby Reloaded with Professor Tony Collins. Short, usually around 10-15 minute podcasts about various aspects of rugby history.

Green & Gold Rugby and The Rugby Ruckus are two Australian podcasts still putting out stuff in the lead up to the Rugby Championship.

Finally, if you’re a fan of Blood & Mud, they’re doing weekly podcasts on their premium feed over the summer, although I think they’re bringing back the free weekly show for the RC.

Christy42 · 16-07-2019 7:51am

Former Observer wrote: »

Desperate for my rugby fix. Any recent interesting podcast? Maybe world cup related?

Squidge rugby has a youtube series on each of the world cup teams and what they bring. Most of them are done. I have enjoyed them so far, especially the lower ranked teams you never hear about.

Former Observer · 16-07-2019 9:01am

Thanks Lads. Very much appreciated. Listened to the Russia & Japanese episodes last night.

FellasFellas · 19-07-2019 6:41pm

http://officiating.worldrugby.org/index.php?page=appointments&id=116

Barnes, Garces, Gardner and Berry for our group games.

Shefwedfan · 19-07-2019 6:47pm

Barnes best ref at the moment and Leinster player used to him, not sure if Munster had him recently?

We seem to have issues with Gardner last few times so players need to wise up to him....would have preferred Graces for the Japan game as it would be free for all at breakdown and we should win

molloyjh · 19-07-2019 11:49pm

It shouldn't matter either way, but Barnes in that game suits us fine. Hes one of the best out there at the moment & we're well used to him. Be grand.

AbusesToilets · 20-07-2019 3:59pm

FellasFellas wrote: »

http://officiating.worldrugby.org/index.php?page=appointments&id=116

Barnes, Garces, Gardner and Berry for our group games.

That's a pretty fantastic group of refs, possible the best in the business. Which means we'll probably get Peyper or Jackson for the 1/4

Shefwedfan · 20-07-2019 8:27pm

AbusesToilets wrote: »

That's a pretty fantastic group of refs, possible the best in the business. Which means we'll probably get Peyper or Jackson for the 1/4

I though the P ref name was banned from all forums !!!!:p

21-07-2019 5:28pm

South Africa are a much more competent team than they've been the last few years. Australia were poor but they still have plenty of talent and would trouble most teams. With the names missing from South Africa I think the tests between them and NZ are going to be wars.

That first pool game has huge consequences for our world Cup but I'm no where near as confident about facing South Africa in a semi and I'm not even certain it will be them at all.

irishbucsfan · 21-07-2019 5:42pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

South Africa are a much more competent team than they've been the last few years. Australia were poor but they still have plenty of talent and would trouble most teams. With the names missing from South Africa I think the tests between them and NZ are going to be wars.

That first pool game has huge consequences for our world Cup but I'm no where near as confident about facing South Africa in a semi and I'm not even certain it will be them at all.

We’re very much a momentum team. If we win our way through to a semi I believe we could well be capable of beating any team in the world if some other things go our way. I think I’d actually prefer the strongest semi final opposition possible at that point. But if we get there despite underperforming and struggling through weaker opposition then I fear it’ll be the same result again for us.

21-07-2019 6:05pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

We’re very much a momentum team. If we win our way through to a semi I believe we could well be capable of beating any team in the world if some other things go our way. I think I’d actually prefer the strongest semi final opposition possible at that point. But if we get there despite underperforming and struggling through weaker opposition then I fear it’ll be the same result again for us.

I actually meant quarter above, it will be SA or NZ in a quarterfinal depending on who tops our and their pool.

We had a better route to final last RWC with Argentina / Australia.

hahashake · 21-07-2019 7:11pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

We’re very much a momentum team. If we win our way through to a semi I believe we could well be capable of beating any team in the world if some other things go our way. I think I’d actually prefer the strongest semi final opposition possible at that point. But if we get there despite underperforming and struggling through weaker opposition then I fear it’ll be the same result again for us.

As an ignorant kiwi I would have thought the opposite, capable of beating any team on your day but not sustaining that same form over the course of multiple games.

irishbucsfan · 21-07-2019 7:34pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I actually meant quarter above, it will be SA or NZ in a quarterfinal depending on who tops our and their pool.

We had a better route to final last RWC with Argentina / Australia.

I realized but I had already written the post so I committed in the hopes we could pretend

21-07-2019 7:53pm

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I realized but I had already written the post so I committed in the hopes we could pretend

The world cup was last year and we won.

molloyjh · 21-07-2019 9:32pm

hahashake wrote: »

As an ignorant kiwi I would have thought the opposite, capable of beating any team on your day but not sustaining that same form over the course of multiple games.

I think IBF is right. Look at the last 2 6Ns for example. We started badly but found a way to win in Paris last year and went on to win a deserved GS. We started badly and couldn't find a way to win against England this year and that was the story of our tournament.

We used to be a team that was capable of the big one-off performance, but over the last few years we've developed a lot more consistency. I'm not sure you could make it to 2nd in the world without that tbh. But we are still working on being able to turn bad momentum around. We haven't figured that one out yet for some reason.

irishbucsfan · 21-07-2019 9:37pm

molloyjh wrote: »

I think IBF is right. Look at the last 2 6Ns for example. We started badly but found a way to win in Paris last year and went on to win a deserved GS. We started badly and couldn't find a way to win against England this year and that was the story of our tournament.

We used to be a team that was capable of the big one-off performance, but over the last few years we've developed a lot more consistency. I'm not sure you could make it to 2nd in the world without that tbh. But we are still working on being able to turn bad momentum around. We haven't figured that one out yet for some reason.

And the year before the GS our bus got caught in traffic so we lost 2 games

hahashake · 21-07-2019 9:56pm

molloyjh wrote: »

I think IBF is right. Look at the last 2 6Ns for example. We started badly but found a way to win in Paris last year and went on to win a deserved GS. We started badly and couldn't find a way to win against England this year and that was the story of our tournament.

We used to be a team that was capable of the big one-off performance, but over the last few years we've developed a lot more consistency. I'm not sure you could make it to 2nd in the world without that tbh. But we are still working on being able to turn bad momentum around. We haven't figured that one out yet for some reason.

Fair enough. I don't think you will lose a game in your pool and if you lose the 1/4 then you are out regardless so the bad start scenario doesn't really apply - unless you somehow lose to say, Scotland, in the pool.

Looking back on the 2015 WC, Ireland was 4 from 4 in the pool with mostly comfortable scorelines then went on to get blitzed by Argentina in the 1/4. I'm aware there were a few key injuries at that stage but that's almost a given for any team.

salmocab · 21-07-2019 10:04pm

hahashake wrote: »

Fair enough. I don't think you will lose a game in your pool and if you lose the 1/4 then you are out regardless so the bad start scenario doesn't really apply - unless you somehow lose to say, Scotland, in the pool.

Looking back on the 2015 WC, Ireland was 4 from 4 in the pool with mostly comfortable scorelines then went on to get blitzed by Argentina in the 1/4. I'm aware there were a few key injuries at that stage but that's almost a given for any team.

I don’t go in much for excuses but it was a lot of injuries of very key players. Mostly the leaders too

21-07-2019 10:25pm

hahashake wrote: »

Fair enough. I don't think you will lose a game in your pool and if you lose the 1/4 then you are out regardless so the bad start scenario doesn't really apply - unless you somehow lose to say, Scotland, in the pool.

Looking back on the 2015 WC, Ireland was 4 from 4 in the pool with mostly comfortable scorelines then went on to get blitzed by Argentina in the 1/4. I'm aware there were a few key injuries at that stage but that's almost a given for any team.

salmocab wrote: »

I don’t go in much for excuses but it was a lot of injuries of very key players. Mostly the leaders too

McCaw, Rettalick, Carter, Reid, Kaino.

Imagine pulling those names out of a team the week before a fixture. Basically what happened to Ireland.

Squidgy Black · 21-07-2019 10:28pm

salmocab wrote: »

I don’t go in much for excuses but it was a lot of injuries of very key players. Mostly the leaders too

It'd be the equivalent of the ABs losing Retallick, Barrett, Read and Savea at the same time.

It wasn't just a case of testing our squad depth, we lost 3 players who were test players in the 2013 lions team and then POM and Payne who were lions later on and leaders of the squad.

I'd say it was well above the 'average' allowance for injuries through the group stages.

hahashake · 21-07-2019 10:29pm

Deleted User wrote: »

McCaw, Rettalick, Carter, Reid, Kaino.

Imagine pulling those names out of a team the week before a fixture. Basically what happened to Ireland.

Completely understand but I guess my point was you have to be prepared for a similar scenario in a WC. Ireland has much better depth now so I'm sure even in a worse case injury scenario they wouldn't lose as much going to their 2nd and 3rd choices as they did in 2015.

salmocab · 21-07-2019 10:33pm

hahashake wrote: »

Completely understand but I guess my point was you have to be prepared for a similar scenario in a WC. Ireland has much better depth now so I'm sure even in a worse case injury scenario they wouldn't lose as much going to their 2nd and 3rd choices as they did in 2015.

Oh we were undercooked squad wise alright then. Think we’re in a much better place now. Those injuries were nearly all the worst possible positions for us. It was freakish.

Ireland Team Talk X: The Long Hard Road to a Semi. MOD WARNING POSTS #1, #1474, #5707

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