Ireland Team Talk/Gossip/Rumour Thread IV

Zzippy · 27-01-2015 6:37pm

Ah we haven't had hair to admire since Jerry Flannery and Shane Byrne retired. He's no Dimitri Swarzewski though...

ssaye2 · 27-01-2015 6:41pm

awec wrote: »

But seriously those look like proper skinny pegs for a pro rugby player.

I blame the leggings, nugget looks tiny

mfceiling · 27-01-2015 6:41pm

Zzippy wrote: »

Ah we haven't had hair to admire since Jerry Flannery and Shane Byrne retired. He's no Dimitri Swarzewski though...

Well if we are going down that road...

It's the perfect specimen himself...

Peregrine · 27-01-2015 6:41pm

wprathead wrote: »

Shoulda kept the beard and shaved the head

He'd look like John Muldoon's long lost son.

B7D_vD0IYAI88Q3.jpg:large

bilston · 27-01-2015 6:50pm

molloyjh wrote: »

I'm getting jut a tad excited about this years 6 Nations as a result of these pictures.

Bring. It. On.

The year has five seasons...Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and the best season of all...The Six Nations...the most wonderful time of the year...

.ak · 27-01-2015 6:50pm

awec wrote: »

But seriously those look like proper skinny pegs for a pro rugby player.

His quads would be massive. But his calves look tiny alright, but he's always been gangly. He says he has trouble making gains in the gym tho.

27-01-2015 6:51pm

.ak wrote: »

His quads would be massive. But his calves look tiny alright, but he's always been gangly. He says he has trouble making gains in the gym tho.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uhzuEeAIgw

You are Johnny Drama?

vienne86 · 27-01-2015 6:54pm

.ak wrote: »

His quads would be massive. But his calves look tiny alright, but he's always been gangly. He says he has trouble making gains in the gym tho.

Didn't Joe refer to him as the 'skinny fella' when he first came to Leinster?

Quint2010 · 27-01-2015 7:10pm

I know he is Sean O'Brien and everything but is it not foolhardy to throw him in so early? I mean if he comes thru the Saxons game (a very tough physical examination in itself) people will be calling for him to be in the 23 against Italy. I mean he hasnt played hardly any rugby over the last 12 months? Should they not even play him in a few AIL games to get him up to speed?

Quint2010 · 27-01-2015 7:11pm

vienne86 wrote: »

Didn't Joe refer to him as the 'skinny fella' when he first came to Leinster?

That's a bit rich coming from Joe Schmidt isn't it?..:)

.ak · 27-01-2015 7:13pm

Quint2010 wrote: »

I know he is Sean O'Brien and everything but is it not foolhardy to throw him in so early? I mean if he comes thru the Saxons game (a very tough physical examination in itself) people will be calling for him to be in the 23 against Italy. I mean he hasnt played hardly any rugby over the last 12 months? Should they not even play him in a few AIL games to get him up to speed?

He'd kill someone in the ail.

No I think the Saxons game is the perfect opportunity. Then bench against Italy.

Tox56 · 27-01-2015 7:13pm

Quint2010 wrote: »

I know he is Sean O'Brien and everything but is it not foolhardy to throw him in so early? I mean if he comes thru the Saxons game (a very tough physical examination in itself) people will be calling for him to be in the 23 against Italy. I mean he hasnt played hardly any rugby over the last 12 months? Should they not even play him in a few AIL games to get him up to speed?

How early is it though? There were photos of him training 7 odd weeks ago, they'll have to throw him in at some point

dtpc191991 · 27-01-2015 7:18pm

I am really excited now. If this team can stay relatively fit we could take the slam!!!

CIARAN_BOYLE · 27-01-2015 7:19pm

If he has a good 80 minutes against the saxon I would have no problem putting him on the bench against Italy.

27-01-2015 7:19pm

I've never seen such harmony and optimism ever in the Ireland thread

S12b · 27-01-2015 7:23pm

Quint2010 wrote: »

I know he is Sean O'Brien and everything but is it not foolhardy to throw him in so early? I mean if he comes thru the Saxons game (a very tough physical examination in itself) people will be calling for him to be in the 23 against Italy. I mean he hasnt played hardly any rugby over the last 12 months? Should they not even play him in a few AIL games to get him up to speed?

I get where you're coming from but in fairness, Sean O'Brien at 60% is probably just as good as Tommy O'Donnell or Jordi Murphy, the two possibles for the 7 shirt. Plus, by giving him 20 minutes off the bench against Italy, you're getting him closer to his best. SOB at 75% ousts TOD/Jordi and the sooner we can get SOB back near his best the better.

S12b · 27-01-2015 7:26pm

awec wrote: »

Sexton seems to be a guy who skips leg day in the gym?

awec wrote: »

But seriously those look like proper skinny pegs for a pro rugby player.

He says in his book that he's always been slagged about his physique and his gym performance. Skinny little legs, no shoulders, ****ty numbers on the big lifts.....but in fairness to him, he's arguably the best 10 in the world and for a 10, he's an excellent tackler so it doesn't appear to have held him back too much.....once he stays fit, I don't care if he looks like a 14 year old boy!!

:D

Quint2010 · 27-01-2015 7:37pm

S12b wrote: »

I get where you're coming from but in fairness, Sean O'Brien at 60% is probably just as good as Tommy O'Donnell or Jordi Murphy, the two possibles for the 7 shirt. Plus, by giving him 20 minutes off the bench against Italy, you're getting him closer to his best. SOB at 75% ousts TOD/Jordi and the sooner we can get SOB back near his best the better.

Not doubting his ability. What I am doubting is his conditioning and match fitness. We don't want him breaking down again. But they must know what they are doing I guess.

Tox56 · 27-01-2015 7:40pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I've never seen such harmony and optimism ever in the Ireland thread

4 of our 5 most important players are training with the squad after being injury doubts, if there wasn't harmony today there never, ever would be

vienne86 · 27-01-2015 8:03pm

Quint2010 wrote: »

That's a bit rich coming from Joe Schmidt isn't it?..:)

When Leinster were down to the bare bones because of injuries in Joe's last season, he quipped that if he wasn't such a weedy little fella himself, he'd bring his boots. So Johnny is skinny and Joe is weedy!

bilston · 27-01-2015 8:03pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

I've never seen such harmony and optimism ever in the Ireland thread

The optimism will remain but as for harmony, well wait until the team is selected...there is time yet...

bilston · 27-01-2015 8:04pm

A potential Wolfhounds back row of Henderson, O'Brien and Conan would be fun!

vienne86 · 27-01-2015 8:04pm

Wolfhounds team to be announced on Thursday according to RTE news.

The Pheasant2 · 27-01-2015 8:10pm

bilston wrote: »

A potential Wolfhounds back row of Henderson, O'Brien and Conan would be fun!

I think I'd play Henderson at lock given Foley is now out.

I'd go for a pack of

1 McGrath
2 Strauss
3 White
4 McCarthy
5 Henderson
6 Ryan
7 TOD/Murphy
8 Conan

16 Herring
17 Healy
18 Ross
19 Diack
20 SOB

27-01-2015 8:18pm

Deleted User wrote: »

I've never seen such harmony and optimism ever in the Ireland thread

You've obviously not been in the Connacht thread all season. Happiest bunch of lads I've ever met. Online.

CIARAN_BOYLE · 27-01-2015 8:22pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

You've obviously not been in the Connacht thread all season. Happiest bunch of lads I've ever met. Online.

He said in the Ireland thead

MattD · 27-01-2015 9:02pm

Feeling the love guys, feeling the love!

We have until the Wolfhounds announcement, before it all goes to hell!

SaveOurLyric · 27-01-2015 9:05pm

errlloyd wrote: »

Whatever happened to the glory days of teams being named on Monday.

Monday ?
What happened to the week before of yore?
And the practise of players getting their first cap skipping their club game that weekend ?

dub_skav · 27-01-2015 10:01pm

SaveOurLyric wrote: »

Monday ?
What happened to the week before of yore?
And the practise of players getting their first cap skipping their club game that weekend ?

What happened to kidney naming the team once....ever

bilston · 27-01-2015 10:15pm

The Pheasant2 wrote: »

I think I'd play Henderson at lock given Foley is now out.

I'd go for a pack of

1 McGrath
2 Strauss
3 White
4 McCarthy
5 Henderson
6 Ryan
7 TOD/Murphy
8 Conan

16 Herring
17 Healy
18 Ross
19 Diack
20 SOB

Add a backline of

9 Marmion
10 Keatley
11 Earls
12 McFadden
13 Cave
14 Gilroy
15 Payne

21 Boss
22 ????
23 Jones

total former · 27-01-2015 10:29pm

bilston wrote: »

Add a backline of

9 Marmion
10 Keatley
11 Earls
12 McFadden
13 Cave
14 Gilroy
15 Payne

21 Boss
22 ????
23 Jones

???? = Noel Reid

D'Arcy will start at 12 I'd say, McFadden to be rested.

bilston · 27-01-2015 10:40pm

total former wrote: »

???? = Noel Reid

D'Arcy will start at 12 I'd say, McFadden to be rested.

Forgot about Reid and D'Arcy.

You're probably right with those two.

Strongest Wolfhounds XV we've ever had??? That lot could probably nick a couple of wins in the 6Ns.

andymx11 · 27-01-2015 10:57pm

We are possibly (definitely) going to see the strongest A team ever put out? No wonder considering some posters on here have listed 3 full decent teams from our current crop of players. Irish rugby is alive and kicking!

Edit: Bilston beat me to it!

vienne86 · 27-01-2015 11:14pm

bilston wrote: »

Forgot about Reid and D'Arcy.

You're probably right with those two.

Strongest Wolfhounds XV we've ever had??? That lot could probably nick a couple of wins in the 6Ns.

Should be a good match on Friday......and it's on TV

Mahatma Geansai · 27-01-2015 11:27pm

D'Arcy starting for the "A" side would be depressing.

andymx11 · 27-01-2015 11:35pm

Mahatma Geansai wrote: »

D'Arcy starting for the "A" side would be depressing.

Why? It's called the "A" not the "pick your youngest and most inexperienced side". Darcy can still do a job for us and needs to prove that, Friday is a good a day as any.

CatFromHue · 27-01-2015 11:45pm

I think D'arcy himself would be pretty depressed to be in the A side.

The thing is though he'd be very good for the A's as he knows the systems where whoever is picked at 10 won't be that familiar, or nowhere near as familiar as him, nor will whoever is picked at 13.

aimee1 · 28-01-2015 12:13am

andymx11 wrote: »

Why? It's called the "A" not the "pick your youngest and most inexperienced side". Darcy can still do a job for us and needs to prove that, Friday is a good a day as any.

D'arcy also hasnt played in the last few weeks and like several others in the extended squad ho havent played will need some game time ahead of the italy game. It also means as many players as possible have played in the 2 weeks prior to the opener which will give JS headaches and also creates many options

total former · 28-01-2015 12:18am

CatFromHue wrote: »

I think D'arcy himself would be pretty depressed to be in the A side.

It depends on why he's in the A side. If Joe says to him (like he will do with Ross, I'd imagine), that he wants guys in the senior side who are match sharp and D'Arcy needs to get game time to be up to speed for Rome, then he'll be chomping at the bit.

If it's just to fill the jersey while the likes of Fitzgerald, Henshaw and Payne are kept fresh, then that would be depressing for him alright.

SaveOurLyric · 28-01-2015 12:55am

andymx11 wrote: »

Why? It's called the "A" not the "pick your youngest and most inexperienced side".

It isnt, but no one gives a rashers who wins. Its only interest is in the future development of the non-"A" side. So while picking a more or less has-been can have merit if it has a developmental effect on those around him, it has non as far as 'doing a job' to have the best shot a winning the game.

accensi0n · 28-01-2015 1:09am

SaveOurLyric wrote: »

It isnt, but no one gives a rashers who wins.

I do. I'm sure some other fans do as well.

UnitedWeStand · 28-01-2015 2:16am

Wolfhounds game will be a great appetizer for the 6N. At least this time we have a team that looks like it could be the favourites for once.

Speaking of warm ups, not to derail the thread, Toulon Sharks is coming up on 5th of Feb which I haven't seen talked up anywhere despite all the talk of "clash of the hemispheres".

andymx11 · 28-01-2015 9:25am

SaveOurLyric wrote: »

It isnt, but no one gives a rashers who wins. Its only interest is in the future development of the non-"A" side. So while picking a more or less has-been can have merit if it has a developmental effect on those around him, it has non as far as 'doing a job' to have the best shot a winning the game.

Sorry don't agree- firstly I am really looking for a good performance and a win. Picking Darcy won't hinder the development of anyone, actually it will do the opposite. As it stands whether people like it or not Darcy is our second, maybe even first choice 12. He hasn't played a lot of minutes so we need him match fit if we are to call on him. The other prospect 12s are injured at the moment so it really doesn't matter.

blackdog1 · 28-01-2015 9:38am

Mcgrath,Strauss, Ross. All short on gametime so I recon they'll start with Henderson and Mccarthy in the row.

Conan Def 8 I recon. 6/7 could be anyone other than pom. O brien 7 if fit.

Backs are more difficult.

I'd say d'arcy and payne centres with Earls and gilroy on the wings with Jones fb.

half backs either Madigan's or Keatly.

Boss scrum half.

Should be a cracking game.

MattD · 28-01-2015 10:29am

What i would like to see, though i expect Jones will play instead of Payne. Maybe too early for Healy?

McGrath
Strauss
Ross
McCarthy
Henderson
Ryan
Murphy
Conan
Marmion
Keatley
Earls
Darcy
Cave
Gilroy
Payne

Herring
Cronin
White
Toner
O'Brien
Boss
Reid
McFadden

molloyjh · 28-01-2015 10:34am

MattD wrote: »

What i would like to see, though i expect Jones will play instead of Payne. Maybe too early for Healy?

McGrath
Strauss
Ross
McCarthy
Henderson
Ryan
Murphy
Conan
Marmion
Keatley
Earls
Darcy
Cave
Gilroy
Payne

Herring
Cronin
White
Toner
O'Brien
Boss
Reid
McFadden

Yeah heard this morning Healy won't be fit for the Wolfhounds or Italy games. I don't think we'll see him back until the Dragons game for Leinster and then maybe the England game.

total former · 28-01-2015 10:39am

molloyjh wrote: »

Yeah heard this morning Healy won't be fit for the Wolfhounds or Italy games. I don't think we'll see him back until the Dragons game for Leinster and then maybe the England game.

Step forward Michael Bent!

Big Nelly · 28-01-2015 10:40am

MattD wrote: »

What i would like to see, though i expect Jones will play instead of Payne. Maybe too early for Healy?

McGrath
Strauss
Ross
McCarthy
Henderson
Ryan
Murphy
Conan
Marmion
Keatley
Earls
Darcy
Cave
Gilroy
Payne

Herring
Cronin
White
Toner
O'Brien
Boss
Reid
McFadden

Read somewhere yesterday the suggestion is Madigan to start at 10 to give him some time playing 10....

andymx11 · 28-01-2015 10:42am

Big Nelly wrote: »

Read somewhere yesterday the suggestion is Madigan to start at 10 to give him some time playing 10....

I heard that too- to big of a risk if you ask me!

sydthebeat · 28-01-2015 10:45am

andymx11 wrote: »

I heard that too- to big of a risk if you ask me!

why?

he most likely will start at 10 against italy an he could do with the game time here to iron out his creases....

Ireland Team Talk/Gossip/Rumour Thread IV

Comments