[2014 EOYT] Ireland vs Australia

[Jaguares]

15 R. Kearney
14 T. Bowe
13 R. Henshaw
12 G. D'Arcy
11 S. Zebo
10 J. Sexton
9 C. Murray
8 J. Heaslip
7 R. Ruddock
6 P. O'Mahony
5 P. O'Connell
4 D. Toner
3 M. Ross
2 R. Best
1 J. McGrath


Reserves:


Cronin, Kilcoyne, Ah You, Foley, O'Donnell, Reddan, Madigan, Jones

1 James Slipper
2 Saia Fainga'a
3 Sekope Kepu
4 Sam Carter
5 Rob Simmons
6 Luke Jones
7 Michael Hooper (c)
8 Ben McCalman
9 Nick Phipps
10 Bernard Foley
11 Henry Speight
12 Matt Toomua
13 Tevita Kuridrani
14 Adam Ashely-Cooper
15 Israel Folau

22 November 2014
16:30 GMT (UTC+0)

City: Dublin
Country: Ireland
Stadium: Aviva Stadium
Capacity: 51,700
Referee: Glen Jackson (NZ)

 

[munstermuffin]

Hope to see it mixed a bit. TOD had a fine game and may challenge Ruddock for 7 but Ruddock had fine game vs SA and deserves shirt. Strauss I think may replace Cronin. Cronin is the better man off the bench and Strauss is more assured with darts and basics. Foley deserves to replace McCarthy on bench as he can do what McCarthy does but has the fitness too and will be much the better after today.
9 & 10 are a given.
Centres is interesting. I was disappointed with D'arcy and Cave but Olding looked lively when on (not at centre I know) and I thought Keatley made a great contribution too but it's not crazy to consider Madigan either at 12. All this obviously depends on Paynes fitness.
In back 3 I thought Zebo was ok today, probably tried to force things but Gilroy didn't do much extra to force the issue. Jones was the best of back 3 but I don't think he has the pace for the wing. All in all though Schmidt has choices.

 

[The Jones Boy]

If Aussie can get parity in the forwards then they can beat anyone with their stellar backbone.

Will Ireland let them get parity though?

Have the AB's side stepped an historical loss by not playing the Irish on this tour?

 

[Mikel92]

Has to be Ireland for me. I'd like to see a Southern Hemisphere win (yes, even if it is the Aussies ) but I can't see it. Jeez, if Ireland can beat the 'Boks and run the All Blacks close then surely they can shoot down the Wallabies. Australia's away record isn't exactly glamorous this year. A Barbarians win and a lucky escape against the Welsh.

Just can't see it happening for Aus. I know they got the win last year, but Ireland have only got better and better it seems. Wallabies will need to tighten up. Far too many tackles missed against France. Ireland's defense can also be overwhelming at times, so Australia will need to convert opportunities into points. They had mountains of possession against France. Another factor for me is Australia are still forging relationships and understandings of techniques with the new coach Cheika. Not really convinced about the guy. Yes he helped bring the Warratahs up, but he's still a bit of a loose-cannon/weirdo (anger issues, and questionable selection. He doesn't seem to give a crap about what Beale did. Pretty much chomping at the bit to get him back. If anything this players-in charge culture they have will only get worse with that sort of disregard for discipline). A Super Rugby ***le victory doesn't always mean much on the International stage. Just ask Deans and Mckenzie. But thats another story.

 

[munstermuffin]

Ireland now #3 in the world.

 

[nzlizard]

Ireland for me as well, I think it will be super close, eg 1-2 points.

Aus forwards been sub par this year on a whole apart from Hooper, can't see it changing in the last game.

 

[The big Kangaroo]

The wallabies are going to bring the Irish back to earth. What about Slipper? he has more skills than most back rowers. Some really big decisions need to be made I would drop Phibbs for sure! and tbh I dont know why Foley was MOM against wales feel like his kicking is what is keeping him in the team.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I'd like to see a very similar team to that which played SA. Inside centre is our biggest issue D'Arcy, Payne and Olding are the options, Payne or Olding would be my choice preferably the latter. I'd bring Gilroy in ahead of Zebo as well because he works more and makes more meters and the aerial game won't be as prominent on the wings in this game as it was vs SA. Dave Foley and Payne or Olding, assuming Payne's injury clears, to the bench as well. I predict an Ireland win but a closer game than two weeks ago.

 

[lynam1104]

Certainly be as big a test for this team, looks as if Payne will be fit, I think I would go with him as containing Kuridarni is important and I think Henshaw and Payne can do that better. Traditionally Ireland falter with the favourites tag but traditionally Ireland falter in Paris so I don't think the mental side will be an issue this week. While it may be fun to speculate over selections I think the real choices that matter are the tactical ones, whats Joe going to pull out of his sleeve this week?

 

[munstermuffin]

I'd like to see a very similar team to that which played SA. Inside centre is our biggest issue D'Arcy, Payne and Olding are the options, Payne or Olding would be my choice preferably the latter. I'd bring Gilroy in ahead of Zebo as well because he works more and makes more meters and the aerial game won't be as prominent on the wings in this game as it was vs SA. Dave Foley and Payne or Olding, assuming Payne's injury clears, to the bench as well. I predict an Ireland win but a closer game than two weeks ago.

I'd agree regards 12 but D'arcy has went back based on yesterday. I'd disagree about Gilroy though as he didn't do much yesterday and well despite you saying he work more I'd disagree. Both wings went looking for work yesterday and both acually make similar yardage per carry. Zebo was responsible for more turnovers and Gilroy made more tackles. Zebo was statistically the better man going forward yesterday and scored where as Gilroy made more yards but beat alot less men. I think people get carried away with Zebo stuff because papers say it but if watched closely he is working as hard as anyone. He wasn't excellent yesterday and tried to force things but so did Gilroy, who didn't do anything to take jersey.
Foley will bench as McCarthy was outshone yesterday but also now has developed concussion. Olding was argubally better than both wingers yesterday and I hope to see more of him in time.

Anyway I came on to say Chris Henry is out. As was reported before SA game he did have stroke like symptoms cause by a vessel to the brain being blocked. Thankfully he's at home recovering now but I expect he won't play again until everything is investigated and cleared medically. I wish him well in recovery.

 

[UlsterRugby2012]

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/33023.php#.VGocxYkgHCQ

Rory Best is fit and available for selection. That is such a huge boost! He's probably our best defensive forward, and can actually hook the ball properly without the scrum being effected. Read earlier that he had a 93% line out accuracy (with more balls to POC and POM so wasn't just down to Toners height) in the 6N, glad he's put his throwing problems behind him.

1: McGrath
2: Best
3: Ross
4: POC
5: Toner
6: POM
7: Ruddock
8: Heaslip
9: Murray
10: Sexton
11: Zebo (/Gilroy? Both as good as each vs Georgia, I agree Gilroy has a higher workrate)
12: Olding
13: Henshaw
14: Bowe
15: Kearney

16: Kilcoyne, 17: Strauss, 18: Ah You, 19: Foley, 20: TO'D 21: Reddan, 22: Madigan, 23: Payne

Ideally that's what I would like. It's hard to drop D'Arcy and Jones but I don't see much room for either. Unless you drop Madigan since Olding can cover 10?

I would like D'arcys experience but I question his form at the minute..

 

[munstermuffin]

http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/33023.php#.VGocxYkgHCQ

Rory Best is fit and available for selection. That is such a huge boost! He's probably our best defensive forward, and can actually hook the ball properly without the scrum being effected. Read earlier that he had a 93% line out accuracy (with more balls to POC and POM so wasn't just down to Toners height) in the 6N, glad he's put his throwing problems behind him.

1: McGrath
2: Best
3: Ross
4: POC
5: Toner
6: POM
7: Ruddock
8: Heaslip
9: Murray
10: Sexton
11: Zebo (/Gilroy? Both as good as each vs Georgia, I agree Gilroy has a higher workrate)
12: Olding
13: Henshaw
14: Bowe
15: Kearney

16: Kilcoyne, 17: Strauss, 18: Ah You, 19: Foley, 20: TO'D 21: Reddan, 22: Madigan, 23: Payne

Ideally that's what I would like. It's hard to drop D'Arcy and Jones but I don't see much room for either. Unless you drop Madigan since Olding can cover 10?

I would like D'arcys experience but I question his form at the minute..

I'd agree with all this.
I'd disagree regards Gilroy's higher workrate as I think Simon is underrated here and I do think Gilroy is a fine player more they are different.
I like Olding but I'd swap him and Payne. But as you say I can't see Olding being involved as he does same job as Madigan literally so it probably between D'arcy/Jones and Gilroy for the 23. Cronin will be better than Strauss off bench too I predict.

 

[Amiga500]

But as you say I can't see Olding being involved as he does same job as Madigan literally

Madigan can kick at goal better.

Olding actually knows when to pass*.


*note that firing off lovely spinning passes 30 yards does not necessarily mean you know when to pass the ball. Madigan has yet to learn this; as evidenced by him being the most frequent carrier in the team vs Georgia... a team whose forwards we should have been looking to move the ball away from at every opportunity.

 

[UlsterRugby2012]

I'd agree with all this.
I'd disagree regards Gilroy's higher workrate as I think Simon is underrated here and I do think Gilroy is a fine player more they are different.
I like Olding but I'd swap him and Payne. But as you say I can't see Olding being involved as he does same job as Madigan literally so it probably between D'arcy/Jones and Gilroy for the 23. Cronin will be better than Strauss off bench too I predict.

Good point, Cronin probably would be better off the bench. I've just always seen Strauss as a more mature / well rounded player, but yeah Cronin's pace and carrying would be useful later on.

Regards Gilroy / Zebo I think it'll be more of a case whether you wear a white or red shirt. Both electric players and wouldn't be disappointed to see Zebo start.

 

[big ginger 8]

Some worrying noises about Henry there. Hope he's ok.

 

[Big Ewis]

Ireland now #3 in the world.

yes so technically if Aus wins it's an upset

So anyways, Ireland are probably going to play this one different. It was all about the breakdown against South Africa, here they'll probably attack with ball in hand a bit more because the Wallabies aren't as tight as the Springboks (not that I'm into zoophilia or anything). Their defense isn't as good as the Boks', but their attack is much better. They even showed against France they had a maul when everything else was failing against the bleu defense, which was surprisingly efficient.
Ireland need to slow this the fk down and vary their game on attack. They're too focused right now to let this one leak like last year, so even if they lose it won't be by a whole lot. But Bernard Foley is a fantastic goal kicker, discipline will be key for the Irish or they'll be punished; and Aus has shown against both Wales and France despite those two sides' good defense they will make breaks eventually, and all it takes is about 3 and they know how to exploit numerical advantages and finish, and that's 21 points on the board their way. Kuridrani, Folau, Tomane...those are all big 100+kg frames in the backline. Ireland have always lacked size and power in the backline, not that they were small against S.A.

This is a big test for Cheika as a coach, to show just what he brings to this Wallaby side, if they're just going to play their typical Wallaby game generically or if they're going to adapt to Ireland and look out for the things Schmidt likes to do. If they come in with their fancy attacking and athleticism at the breakdown alone, they'll get choked in Dublin.

 

[munstermuffin]

@AmIga I meant in terms of fact they cover 10/12/13/15 from bench. I understand what your saying though.
@Ulster I don't even think it's red or white just like I think people slate Zebo work rate because media do but his stats show he is and if you ever see his GPS readings after Munster games the areas he's popping up and ground covered show he's working hard. The only reason I say start him ahead of Gilroy is he had the jersey and Gilroy didn't take it off him. If it was vice versa I'd say same as I think there little between a lot of wingers. And regards Strauss. If Best was out I'd start Strauss.

@BG8 I agree. They've basically said he had a minor stroke without actually saying it. I'm glad though he's home recuperating and no stone will be left unturned in making sure he gets best attention and hopefully comes back fully recovered.

@Big E. I agree with some of points you make but I think we can trouble them and there's lots of options for us to vary it. I'd point out also every week the forwards will improve also as its another week getting used to Easterbys game plan.

 

[nzlizard]

Wicked to see Ireland move to a 8 year high in the rankings, well deserved imo.

Would be nice to see them cap of the year with a win and maintain that ranking.

 

[InsaneAsylum]

Talks of Folau being rested due to a heavy workload, selection will be interesting this week. Beale may slot into FB and i'm expecting Genia and Cooper to start with Toomua back into 12.
As much as I like to see the Rebels boys do well, I also think McMahon will not be selected. We need more size in the backrow especially against Ireland, not sure who will come back in, no way will hooper be dropped but I'd love to see Higginbotham, Hodgson and McCalman as the backrow.

Skelton did nothing last week and starting to get the feeling he's not up to it. I didn't rate Horwill or Carter before him. We seem to have an abundance of locks who can't do their job, meanwhile Luke Jones has pins and needles in his ass from sitting down. Also Ben Alexander HAS TO GO!

"Carn the farken Wallabies mate"

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

Talks of Folau being rested due to a heavy workload, selection will be interesting this week. Beale may slot into FB and i'm expecting Genia and Cooper to start with Toomua back into 12.
As much as I like to see the Rebels boys do well, I also think McMahon will not be selected. We need more size in the backrow especially against Ireland, not sure who will come back in, no way will hooper be dropped but I'd love to see Higginbotham, Hodgson and McCalman as the backrow.

Skelton did nothing last week and starting to get the feeling he's not up to it. I didn't rate Horwill or Carter before him. We seem to have an abundance of locks who can't do their job, meanwhile Luke Jones has pins and needles in his ass from sitting down. Also Ben Alexander HAS TO GO!

"Carn the farken Wallabies mate"

I thought Higginbotham had returned home?