Ireland Team Talk XI: Team of nervoUS MOD warning Post 1

Burkie1203 · 28-11-2019 9:56am

Granny15 wrote: »

Deegan isn't as good technically as Doris. I can't remember the last ruck he hit straight on with a shoulder. Most of the clearouts he does are hit in side-on forearm/bicep wrap/hit. How long does it take a young player to learn hit straight on and go through the gate and not hit sideways leading with the side of your torso. It's bad technical coaching he has learnt.

I would also say his handling leaves a lot to be desired and he can be lazy at times waiting out on the wing for a ball down the tramlines. In a game like Lyon you aren't going to get that and the forwards need all the help they can get in tight exchanges. He has a tendancy to MIA in these exchanges.

If one player goes through the gate it's very hard for a second person to clearout. Leinster have been very clearly going to 2 or 3 men clearout so I think it's how they are asked to play.

MIA comment is BS. Hasn't been the case for 15 months now

Clegg · 28-11-2019 10:14am

Deegan probably has the best handling skills of any Leinster forward too. Deegan's contribution in the tight against Benneton and Lyon was notable too.

28-11-2019 10:19am

Granny15 wrote: »

Deegan isn't as good technically as Doris. I can't remember the last ruck he hit straight on with a shoulder. Most of the clearouts he does are hit in side-on forearm/bicep wrap/hit. How long does it take a young player to learn hit straight on and go through the gate and not hit sideways leading with the side of your torso. It's bad technical coaching he has learnt.

I would also say his handling leaves a lot to be desired and he can be lazy at times waiting out on the wing for a ball down the tramlines. In a game like Lyon you aren't going to get that and the forwards need all the help they can get in tight exchanges. He has a tendancy to MIA in these exchanges.

Finally, his ball handling skills are poor. I can't remember how many times he has knocked on or fumbled a pass to him. A guy of his athletic ability should be able to pick up a ball off his bootlaces if he gets a bad pass. I put it down to mentality - confidence or laziness.

This post is just about the biggest crock of **** to be quite honest. On him going MIA - the match against Lyon was a largely forward dominated defensive effort and he made the second most tackles in the game after VdF. How did he manage that if he was hanging out on the wing?

And his ball handling skills are poor? This is one of those things I read where I am just baffled.

Shefwedfan · 28-11-2019 10:28am

Malakai Some Revolution wrote: »

This post is just about the biggest crock of **** to be quite honest. On him going MIA - the match against Lyon was a largely forward dominated defensive effort and he made the second most tackles in the game after VdF. How did he manage that if he was hanging out on the wing?

And his ball handling skills are poor? This is one of those things I read where I am just baffled.

Some people have favorites and it looks like Granny has one in Doris, or is related to him :P

Niallof9 · 28-11-2019 11:30am

People forgetting O'Sullivan as well. A serious talent

but it matters not, CJ on his central contract and different standards due to said status won't be dropped for any of these lads.

What a shame. Was a fan of CJ but he's just not performing well enough. He carries alot but its mostly ineffective. Again maybe its the schmidt factor. We know he can run in tries from the 22 etc, like Jamie could but it was stifled.

He's not big enough to be a huge carrier and like many of the Irish forwards leaves his footwork in the locker. Again until Andy takes over its hard to judge. we know the stuesday factor etc. Its pretty much official how Joe stifled the lads. Both Kearney and Ross on record at least talking about how he likes the ruck setup etc.

aloooof · 28-11-2019 11:39am

Niallof9 wrote: »

People forgetting O'Sullivan as well. A serious talent

but it matters not, CJ on his central contract and different standards due to said status won't be dropped for any of these lads.

You've been given 2 examples of lads on central contracts who were dropped / not-selected and you still persist with this nonsense. It's just not true.

ClanofLams · 28-11-2019 11:41am

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Did I ask for "Joe is great".....let's have a quick look at your first post

The tone of the post is Heaslip is been critical of Joe.....No mention of Heaslip saying Joe is one of best coach's he has worked under.....

It’s possible to both appreciate the abilities of someone and recognise flaws as Heaslip seemingly does in the book. It doesn’t have to be one sided fandom.

Niallof9 · 28-11-2019 11:44am

aloooof wrote: »

You've been given 2 examples of lads on central contracts who were dropped / not-selected and you still persist with this nonsense. It's just not true.

it protects him somewhat. its nonsense to suggest otherwise. I'm not saying he's undroppable. But it gives him exalted status. Doris, Deegan, JOS have to "prove" themselves, yet how do they do that when only one lad, the incumbent is on 500k and centralyl contracted, thereby granting him better sponsorship access etc. I mean why would they only have 11 deals if this wasn't the case. we are seeing the same with Aki now.

Toner was explained by Joe and was injured/not good enough. Jack was in limbo because of the resurgence of Healy and the rareness of his position.

anyhoo lets not go there.

Stander should be at 6 imo.

Granny15 · 28-11-2019 11:46am

Malakai Some Revolution wrote: »

This post is just about the biggest crock of **** to be quite honest. On him going MIA - the match against Lyon was a largely forward dominated defensive effort and he made the second most tackles in the game after VdF. How did he manage that if he was hanging out on the wing?

And his ball handling skills are poor? This is one of those things I read where I am just baffled.

I didn't say he was waiting on the tramlines in this game but in his overall games since he started at Leinster. He has trimmed that habit down and got stuck in more often towards the end of last season and and this season.

Second highest tackle count in a game of this kind is an achievement he can be proud. Someone of his athletic ability should be leading the tackle stats.

He certainly fumbled at least 2 passes on Saturday when put under pressure in attack. As I said whether that is confidence or laziness I am not certain but he lost concentration at least a couple of times.

aloooof · 28-11-2019 11:54am

Niallof9 wrote: »

I'm not saying he's undroppable.

That's pretty much exactly what you said:

Niallof9 wrote: »

CJ on his central contract and different standards due to said status won't be dropped

Niallof9 wrote: »

Doris, Deegan, JOS have to "prove" themselves, yet how do they do that when only one lad, the incumbent is on 500k.

They play well enough at club level to get called up to Irish camp. Then they outperform him in training.

Coaches are under far too much pressure for results for them to consider a players salary as a reason for selection.

sydthebeat · 28-11-2019 11:59am

playing well gets you into the ireland training camp... playing well in camp gets you onto the match day squad...

its not rocket science.

there has been plenty of examples throughout the years of players who were good club level players but couldnt make the step up to test level.

Squidgy Black · 28-11-2019 12:06pm

So we've gone from NIQ players holding young lads back to now it being centrally contracted players holding them back.

aloooof · 28-11-2019 12:09pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

So we've gone from NIQ players holding young lads back to now it being centrally contracted players holding them back.

And meanwhile we haven't even had an Andy Farrell squad announcement yet.

28-11-2019 12:10pm

Niallof9 wrote: »

it protects him somewhat. its nonsense to suggest otherwise. I'm not saying he's undroppable. But it gives him exalted status. Doris, Deegan, JOS have to "prove" themselves, yet how do they do that when only one lad, the incumbent is on 500k and centralyl contracted, thereby granting him better sponsorship access etc. I mean why would they only have 11 deals if this wasn't the case. we are seeing the same with Aki now.

Toner was explained by Joe and was injured/not good enough. Jack was in limbo because of the resurgence of Healy and the rareness of his position.

anyhoo lets not go there.

Stander should be at 6 imo.

Yes let's not go there. Stop bringing it up. It's complete nonsense that a centrally contracted player has some kind of clause that gets him picked more than others. You admitted yourself in the past that it's highly unlikely. Stop bringing it up ffs

Shefwedfan · 28-11-2019 12:11pm

aloooof wrote: »

And meanwhile we haven't even had an Andy Farrell squad announcement yet.

Just for the crack he should come out.....read out the same 31 players that went to WC and then say nothing......wait till the press lose their sh*t

Watch boards explode......

Then pull out another piece of paper and say "opps wrong one" and then read out the proper squad :P

leakyboots · 28-11-2019 3:54pm

AbusesToilets wrote: »

I don't want to see Stander start until he learns how to do something other than run directly into the nearest defender. He offers little to nothing as an international 8 at the moment. His lack of passing ability is a huge deficiency and has been persistent for years. Conan is streets ahead of him in terms of attacking ability and ball skills, and the newer players coming through, such as Deegan and Doris, are likely better again.

Bull. Stander is well able to pass, this routinely gets trotted out. Just because he doesn't sling 15-20 yard passes out to the wing. Used as a latch in one of Ireland's tries.

v Racing - top passer in the pack with 5 (actually passed the same amount of times as Rory Scannell at 12)
v Ospreys - 5 again.

Little or nothing as an international 8... he was one of our best performers in a damp squib of a World Cup.

Niallof9 · 28-11-2019 5:07pm

Deleted User wrote: »

Yes let's not go there. Stop bringing it up. It's complete nonsense that a centrally contracted player has some kind of clause that gets him picked more than others. You admitted yourself in the past that it's highly unlikely. Stop bringing it up ffs

did i say that there? no i didn't

its no more nonsensical than suggesting playing well gets you into the Irish side. its just plainly untrue as we have just seen

now hopefully like 99 per cent of sports teams in the world we will now see form recognised.

But i wouldn't hold my breath we had nonsense like McCloskey and Cooney playing poorly this season...lol

bennyl10 · 28-11-2019 5:11pm

AbusesToilets wrote: »

I don't want to see Stander start until he learns how to do something other than run directly into the nearest defender. He offers little to nothing as an international 8 at the moment. His lack of passing ability is a huge deficiency and has been persistent for years. Conan is streets ahead of him in terms of attacking ability and ball skills, and the newer players coming through, such as Deegan and Doris, are likely better again.

he was our top tackler at the world cup, and had the second most turn overs.

He does a damn lot more than 'run'

Conan, in his admittedly brief, time in a green shirt hasn't looked all that special.

The fluff about CJ just isn't back up by fact,

Niallof9 · 28-11-2019 5:14pm

Look yeah statistically CJ is in the top 3 eights in World Rugby. There isn't much problem there at all -

Points 5
Tries 1
Metres 284
Runs 171
Defenders Beaten 10
Clean Breaks 1
Passes 47
Try Assists 5

Tackles 129
Tackles Missed 10
Turnovers Won 5
Turnovers Conceded 14
Discipline
Penalties Conceded7
Yellow Cards0
Red Cards0

We have question marks at 9, 2 , back 3 basically.

Everything else is just fluff. Ruddock isn't better than POM and Josh is holding Leavy's jersey warm but playing really well.

I don't think there is any other real change coming.

I'd be happy with Kelleher getting game time, Larmour trusted and Conway. A new 9 given a chance

Faugheen · 28-11-2019 5:52pm

Niallof9 wrote: »

Look yeah statistically CJ is in the top 3 eights in World Rugby. There isn't much problem there at all -

Points 5
Tries 1
Metres 284
Runs 171
Defenders Beaten 10
Clean Breaks 1
Passes 47
Try Assists 5

Tackles 129
Tackles Missed 10
Turnovers Won 5
Turnovers Conceded 14
Discipline
Penalties Conceded7
Yellow Cards0
Red Cards0

We have question marks at 9, 2 , back 3 basically.

Everything else is just fluff. Ruddock isn't better than POM and Josh is holding Leavy's jersey warm but playing really well.

I don't think there is any other real change coming.

I'd be happy with Kelleher getting game time, Larmour trusted and Conway. A new 9 given a chance

You’re going to be incredibly disappointed when Josh continues at 7. I don’t know why you keep trotting out that line when Leavy won’t be back for another year, if he ever comes back.

Shefwedfan · 28-11-2019 6:17pm

Niallof9 wrote: »

Look yeah statistically CJ is in the top 3 eights in World Rugby. There isn't much problem there at all -

Points 5
Tries 1
Metres 284
Runs 171
Defenders Beaten 10
Clean Breaks 1
Passes 47
Try Assists 5

Tackles 129
Tackles Missed 10
Turnovers Won 5
Turnovers Conceded 14
Discipline
Penalties Conceded7
Yellow Cards0
Red Cards0

We have question marks at 9, 2 , back 3 basically.

Everything else is just fluff. Ruddock isn't better than POM and Josh is holding Leavy's jersey warm but playing really well.

I don't think there is any other real change coming.

I'd be happy with Kelleher getting game time, Larmour trusted and Conway. A new 9 given a chance

You want to pick on form and then say Ruddock not much better to POM who is in awful form now for over 12 months. Ruddock is one of the form players in Ireland.

Leavy wont be back this season, even if he is he won't be in an Ireland jersey.

leakyboots · 28-11-2019 6:36pm

Meant to say, CJ isn't a bad shout for captain. Would think it'll one of him, James Ryan (think he'd be my pick, although maybe another couple of years might be better), Sexton and POM.

leakyboots · 28-11-2019 7:03pm

Murray's (starting) place is under a bit of threat. I thought he was superb against Ospreys (who were gash) but wasn't that great against Racing. Good to have the competition at 9. Still not sure about Luke McGrath, boxkicks from the 22 are brutal which is pretty important at international (or any) level - it'd be Marmion or Cooney for me if it's not going to be Murray starting.

At 2 right now I'd go Scannell and Kellegher in that order. Who knows what'll happen Cronin as someone said, he could be the incumbent.

15 shirt is wide open, if Haley continues his form he might be in with a shout, plenty of competition there with Larmour, possibly Conway and others. I'm not too fussed about who it is along as there is a change.

Still a good bit of rugby to be played, next few rounds of the Heineken and interpros could see guys put their hand up or s&&t the bed.

salmocab · 28-11-2019 7:19pm

leakyboots wrote: »

Meant to say, CJ isn't a bad shout for captain. Would think it'll one of him, James Ryan (think he'd be my pick, although maybe another couple of years might be better), Sexton and POM.

I think captaincy will go one of two ways either a sort of short term option for a season or two whilst the new setup makes its mark or a long term look at someone like Ryan who already seems to have respect as a player and leader on the pitch. I wouldn’t be worried either way but I think that Farrel knows the players well enough to make a big call early.

Niallof9 · 28-11-2019 8:20pm

Shefwedfan wrote: »

You want to pick on form and then say Ruddock not much better to POM who is in awful form now for over 12 months. Ruddock is one of the form players in Ireland.

Leavy wont be back this season, even if he is he won't be in an Ireland jersey.

Ruddock is the form player. I'm just saying he's not going to really change things for us. And i'm no fan of POM who i think is vastly overrated outside of a red shirt.

leakyboots · 28-11-2019 9:32pm

Maybe it's just me but I think some Leinster fans overrate Ruddock, he's been around the Ireland team for almost a decade now and has never really nailed a spot down. I find him pretty average at international level

leakyboots · 28-11-2019 9:34pm

When are Lowe/JGP/Tyler qualified?

Squidgy Black · 28-11-2019 9:40pm

leakyboots wrote: »

When are Lowe/JGP/Tyler qualified?

Tyler has been qualified since January 2018, JGP was qualified as of August this year. Lowe is October 2020.

stephen_n · 28-11-2019 11:12pm

leakyboots wrote: »

Maybe it's just me but I think some Leinster fans overrate Ruddock, he's been around the Ireland team for almost a decade now and has never really nailed a spot down. I find him pretty average at international level

His injury profile during international windows has been absolutely horrendous. He’s never had a bad game in green though either, if somewhat limited to measure from. POM in form is the best 6 in the country, problem with that is he’s been out of form more than in. Stander is probably the next best 6, then Ruddock.

Dubinusa · 29-11-2019 6:33am

Stander is a good player. So is Conan. They offer different attributes. Stander can trick the ball all day. Conan is better in a an open type of match!
Neither is close to Billy V, or Coetzee, even Read. I think Conan has more upside. Deegan is a different beast. He's quicker and imo, more of a skilled player. Doris is a strong carrying 8. I think Doris would be more of a Schmidt type of player.
I believe Doris could also be a good 6! I think he'd do better than Deegan at 6. I may be wrong.
Anyway, I don't expect massive change. It will be incremental and hopefully well planned. I would expect a new 15, a new 2 and a possible change at 9. Otherwise it should be the status quo, except Marty Moore, who I think will see game time this 6nations.

Shefwedfan · 29-11-2019 8:39am

leakyboots wrote: »

When are Lowe/JGP/Tyler qualified?

Tyler is the 3rd 10 in Munster at this stage, why would ireland bring him in when we have?

We have
Sexton
Carbery
Carty
R Byrne
Burns
H Byrne
Fitzgerald
Healy
Johnson
Etc

Granny15 · 29-11-2019 8:51am

leakyboots wrote: »

Murray's (starting) place is under a bit of threat. I thought he was superb against Ospreys (who were gash) but wasn't that great against Racing. Good to have the competition at 9. Still not sure about Luke McGrath, boxkicks from the 22 are brutal which is pretty important at international (or any) level - it'd be Marmion or Cooney for me if it's not going to be Murray starting.

At 2 right now I'd go Scannell and Kellegher in that order. Who knows what'll happen Cronin as someone said, he could be the incumbent.

15 shirt is wide open, if Haley continues his form he might be in with a shout, plenty of competition there with Larmour, possibly Conway and others. I'm not too fussed about who it is along as there is a change.

Still a good bit of rugby to be played, next few rounds of the Heineken and interpros could see guys put their hand up or s&&t the bed.

I'm going to be really fascinated with the battle between Addison, Haley and Larmour for 15 shirt. I rate Haley higher than most but think there is not much between all 3.

I think Larmour loses out possibly to Addison for the 6 nations because of his size under high balls however steady he might be and Addison's wide skillset.

I think Haley is a real option for us there despite haters always highlighting statistically his short comings - i think he provides something on the counterattack which ireland have been missing for some time.

29-11-2019 9:18am

leakyboots wrote: »

Meant to say, CJ isn't a bad shout for captain. Would think it'll one of him, James Ryan (think he'd be my pick, although maybe another couple of years might be better), Sexton and POM.

I wouldn't personally have much issue with CJ being captain but I think the IRFU might. It would ultimately draw controversy that those involved would rather avoid.

Who will be the next captain will be someone who is highly likely to start and almost certainly be in the 23.

They are generally a player who does a decent amount of media anyway.

They are often a provincial captain or former provincial captain.

Players who fit that bracket would be Henderson, PoM, CJ, Sexton, Murray, Luke McGrath. These players fit all the main criteria albeit Luke obviously has the least definite proximity to the 23.

Taking away the requirement for historical provincial captaincy, the next in line going by their general media presence and proximity to the 23 would be a much bigger pool.

Conway, Aki, Ringrose, Stockdale, Larmour, Furlong, Ryan, Beirne, Kearney, Healy, Henshaw, Jordi, VDF, Farrell.

It's a tough one to call but I'd imagine there are likely clear candidates within the group.

I think it might go to Henderson myself. Best being captain seemed to have such a soothing affect on Awec, I think the IRFU will be happy enough to continue with another Nordie if it keeps the free folk happy.

Paul Smeenus · 29-11-2019 9:34am

Wow. If Hendo was made captain ahead of Ryan, I can think of a couple of heads that would explode

Shefwedfan · 29-11-2019 9:51am

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Wow. If Hendo was made captain ahead of Ryan, I can think of a couple of heads that would explode

Why?

Henderson is a lion and has captained Ulster before

Is more or less a nailed on starter

29-11-2019 9:54am

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Wow. If Hendo was made captain ahead of Ryan, I can think of a couple of heads that would explode

I should have added 'owning Leinster supporters' to the list of desirable criteria above.

Paul Smeenus · 29-11-2019 10:03am

Shefwedfan wrote: »

Why?

Henderson is a lion and has captained Ulster before

Is more or less a nailed on starter

Because Henderson was a Lion, but he will never be lionised like Ryan.

Poet/know it etc etc

29-11-2019 10:17am

The captain is picked by the squad, or at least it was when Schmidt was in charge and Best was selected. There was an interview with Best I think before the RWC where he talked about it.

Jump_In_Jack · 29-11-2019 10:43am

My take on the current Irish Out-half landscape

Regulars:
Jonathan Sexton (Expecting this to be his final 6Nations as the starting 10)
Joey Carbery
Jack Carty
Ross Byrne

Verging on a call up to squad training:
Billy Burns
JJ Hanrahan

Good enough for a call up but way down the pecking order:
Tyler Bleyendaal
Conor Fitzgerald

Not playing enough for a call up:
Bill Johnston
Ciarán Frawley
Angus Curtis

The academy players are all talented but are nowhere near a call up:
Luke Carty (Year 3)
Harry Byrne (Year 2)
Ben Healy (Year 2)
Conor Dean (Year 2)
Bruce Houston (Year 2)
Jake Flannery (Year 1)

Expatriate players:
Johnny McPhillips (Age: 22. Moved from Ulster to Leicester during the summer)
Paddy Jackson (Age: 27. Will never find employment with the IRFU ever again)
Cathal Marsh (Age: 27. Playing in New York)
Noel Reid (Age: 29. Unlikely to return to a province in Ireland at this stage)
Ian Madigan (Age: 30. Unlikely to return to a province in Ireland at this stage)
Ian Keatley (Age: 32. Unlikely to return to a province in Ireland at this stage)

Shefwedfan · 29-11-2019 10:49am

Sexton is on contract till the Lions tour, this will not be his last 6 nations unless some of the others kick him out of the jersey, which at the moment is looking unlikely

I would have JJ above Carty and R Byrne at the moment.....hopefully he continues to play like he is

R Byrne is playing well but it is clear the Irish management dont like him so no point keeping him in the mix....it baffles me personally but that seems to be the case.

Jump_In_Jack · 29-11-2019 11:37am

New coaches though, so nobody can know for certain yet how they rate all the players.

Assuming Carbery won't get back up to speed by February,
I think for this 6 Nations it will be Sexton at 10 with Carty on the bench,
and one of Byrne, Hanrahan, or Burns in the training squad.
Can't see anyone else featuring outside of that group at the moment, but 3 months from now might be a different story of course.

Granny15 · 29-11-2019 11:58am

Jump_In_Jack wrote: »

My take on the current Irish Out-half landscape

Regulars:
Jonathan Sexton (Expecting this to be his final 6Nations as the starting 10)
Joey Carbery
Jack Carty
Ross Byrne

Verging on a call up to squad training:
Billy Burns
JJ Hanrahan

Good enough for a call up but way down the pecking order:
Tyler Bleyendaal
Conor Fitzgerald

Not playing enough for a call up:
Bill Johnston
Ciarán Frawley
Angus Curtis

The academy players are all talented but are nowhere near a call up:
Luke Carty (Year 3)
Harry Byrne (Year 2)
Ben Healy (Year 2)
Conor Dean (Year 2)
Bruce Houston (Year 2)
Jake Flannery (Year 1)

Expatriate players:
Johnny McPhillips (Age: 22. Moved from Ulster to Leicester during the summer)
Paddy Jackson (Age: 27. Will never find employment with the IRFU ever again)
Noel Reid (Age: 29. Unlikely to return to a province in Ireland at this stage)
Ian Madigan (Age: 30. Unlikely to return to a province in Ireland at this stage)
Ian Keatley (Age: 32. Unlikely to return to a province in Ireland at this stage)

I think Ben Healy and Conor Dean are the most talented of the academy players you have listed (that I know - haven't seen Carty presume he's a brother of Jack or Bruce Heuston).

Would also like to see Hawkshaw at Leinster Acdemy given a few runs out at fly half on the "A's" over the next season or two.

I think we are threadbare and need to bring younger players through in the position with 2 of the 4 regulars category not being up to international standard IMO in Byrne and Carty.

Paul Smeenus · 29-11-2019 12:12pm

I think Lowry will make the switch back to 10 in the next couple of seasons, once he has more experience.

thebaz · 29-11-2019 12:31pm

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Wow. If Hendo was made captain ahead of Ryan, I can think of a couple of heads that would explode

mine would , Ryan is a much more consistent performer to Henderson , thought he was very anonymous in last few WC matches .

Former Former · 29-11-2019 12:39pm

Jump_In_Jack wrote: »

Verging on a call up to squad training:
JJ Hanrahan

Shefwedfan wrote: »

I would have JJ above Carty and R Byrne at the moment.....hopefully he continues to play like he is

Are we getting ahead of ourselves a bit here lads? I mean, he played well but it was only one game.

Shefwedfan · 29-11-2019 12:44pm

Former Former wrote: »

Are we getting ahead of ourselves a bit here lads? I mean, he played well but it was only one game.

From what I have seen he has played well all season

I am not sure why people have such a problem with JJ, any player has a half decent game and they are nailed on to start in the 6 nations. JJ has a decent run at 10 and is playing well and nobody is positive about him.....

I personally think he is hugely underrated. even last season he was MoM in a HC and then next week he got dumped out of the team.

I hope he flourishes under the new management and pushs his way into the Ireland squad and team

29-11-2019 12:53pm

He's never done it over a consistent period of time. The move to England seems to have been a bit of a disaster, he's been second fiddle to someone else for nearly his whole time at Munster. Maybe this season is it for him and he'll make a breakthrough but I don't think he's deserved to be involved yet and the arc of his career hasn't really suggested he's been hard done by either.

Former Former · 29-11-2019 1:05pm

Shefwedfan wrote: »

From what I have seen he has played well all season

I am not sure why people have such a problem with JJ, any player has a half decent game and they are nailed on to start in the 6 nations. JJ has a decent run at 10 and is playing well and nobody is positive about him.....

I personally think he is hugely underrated. even last season he was MoM in a HC and then next week he got dumped out of the team.

I hope he flourishes under the new management and pushs his way into the Ireland squad and team

I have absolutely no problem with JJ.

But his entire career is defined by occasional sparks punctuating prolonged periods of mediocrity. The guy is 27, he's been a pro for a long time and has never looked like an international.

One game isn't a decent run. If he can show consistent performances of the required quality, then absolutely he'll get his shot at Ireland.

stephen_n · 29-11-2019 2:10pm

Paul Smeenus wrote: »

Wow. If Hendo was made captain ahead of Ryan, I can think of a couple of heads that would explode

Yours probably

Sanjuro · 29-11-2019 2:20pm

Aki signs central contract until 2023.

Ireland Team Talk XI: Team of nervoUS MOD warning Post 1

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