[2015 Six Nations] Ireland vs France (Round 2)

[Every Time Ref]

We struggled desperately in physical exchanges with England last year.

I'd possibly argue that we've got worse and you've got better since then, plus you're at home, although it's rarely that simple. We certainly fronted up physically against Warrenball on Friday.

I do agree that Ireland seemed a little physically underwhelming against Italy - obviously O'Brien would have made a huge difference but as we've unfortunately found out at times, one real specialist carrier is not enough as he can be nullified, you need multiple carrying options I think. Even if SOB's injury is not serious, I feel you'd benefit from more carrying power. Isn't Ruddock mainly a carrying flanker? What's happened to him? Also what about Henderson? I know I brought up Toner the other day, and in fairness you Irish (who obviously know his game a lot better than me) seem to think he's indispensable to the team, but I wonder if he might be worth a shot next to POC to bring some more power - or doesn't he also play as a six sometimes?

Forgive my ignorance about Irish rugby (the missus is pretty forgiving about internationals, European and Premiership but there's no way I'd get away with watching Connacht-Ospreys while the Kardashians is on ... ) but I just got round to watching Ireland-Italy today and although a bit of a stuttery one it was an interesting game analytically, and Ireland seem to have quite a lot of good options in quite a lot of areas at the moment - a lot like England. Interesting futures for both teams I think, and I hope a cracking match in Dublin.

 

[Peat]

Because there are two Cronins in the Ireland squad.

And it's reserved for Jack Conan.

 

[profitius]

I wonder if the Irish players are physically big enough to win this tournament. England are HUGE and Wales are big enough. Can we cope?

If rugby was all about size I wouldn't watch it. Theres tactics, skill and technique involved as well. There are things like fitness, mental toughness, aggression, intelligence to consider. Sure size counts for something but its just one part of the puzzle.

 

[Peat]

Excellent statistic Peat, Thanks. I think the white jersey makes the England guys look that much bigger.

There is something about the English in white jerseys - it makes them even scarier than they already are.

Could be it. I feel there's something of a tradition of thought in Ireland in which England are still the England of yore, a pack of the fattest builders, farmers and policemen they could find, determined to hold their opponent facedown in the mud until they stop breathing; and Ireland are still the underdogs. The world has changed, but perceptions remain the same. I could be wrong, but I've run into so many comments comparing the size over the years that it makes sense to me.

In any case, Ireland have a fair few behemoths in the tight five these days, and a backline that's starting to resemble a slightly scrawnier version of Wales. Not that size is a reliable guide to who triumphs in the collision area anyway...

 

[Maverick1987]

Total weight of England team last weekend = 2403 kg

Total weight of Ireland team last weekend = 2408 kg

Yeh but England had Ford in that team ! He only accounts for 3.5 kgs of that weight haha

 

[munstermuffin]

I'd possibly argue that we've got worse and you've got better since then, plus you're at home, although it's rarely that simple. We certainly fronted up physically against Warrenball on Friday.

I do agree that Ireland seemed a little physically underwhelming against Italy - obviously O'Brien would have made a huge difference but as we've unfortunately found out at times, one real specialist carrier is not enough as he can be nullified, you need multiple carrying options I think. Even if SOB's injury is not serious, I feel you'd benefit from more carrying power. Isn't Ruddock mainly a carrying flanker? What's happened to him? Also what about Henderson? I know I brought up Toner the other day, and in fairness you Irish (who obviously know his game a lot better than me) seem to think he's indispensable to the team, but I wonder if he might be worth a shot next to POC to bring some more power - or doesn't he also play as a six sometimes?

Forgive my ignorance about Irish rugby (the missus is pretty forgiving about internationals, European and Premiership but there's no way I'd get away with watching Connacht-Ospreys while the Kardashians is on ... ) but I just got round to watching Ireland-Italy today and although a bit of a stuttery one it was an interesting game analytically, and Ireland seem to have quite a lot of good options in quite a lot of areas at the moment - a lot like England. Interesting futures for both teams I think, and I hope a cracking match in Dublin.

Oh your right it's changed a bit was just saying last year we struggled. Ruddock is out injured at moment. Henderson I still think is a bigger threat off bench at lock. If you want impact from the off he needs to be at 6 and I don't think he's a starter at 6

 

[wayevs]

I think to much is being made of Ireland's performance against Italy. Its not an easy place to go and win against a determined Italian side, Ireland will only improve and as a neutral this game is really warming my cockles ! What French team will turn up is the question we all know what Ireland will bring to the table . I think Ireland win this game , home advantage and solid set piece will disrupt the French , Ireland by 10 is my prediction

- - - Updated - - -

If rugby was all about size I wouldn't watch it. Theres tactics, skill and technique involved as well. There are things like fitness, mental toughness, aggression, intelligence to consider. Sure size counts for something but its just one part of the puzzle.

Second that! Cuthbert is only on the pitch because of his "stature" it seems form goes out the window with Garland if your 6" 6 inches and 18st

 

[bw245]

Just watched the whole Ireland v SA game. It's all about upsetting the opposition by doing something they least expect. Would love to see that again from ireland. I never got to see that match as I live abroad and RTE player wouldn't work, but SA actually played extremely well. We need performances like this again.

 

[Amiga500]

Just before any of ye go picking your team:

http://www.the42.ie/analysis-ireland-italy-rucks-1931855-Feb2015/

The numbers would indicate Mike Ross and Paul O'Connell had a real strong showing against Italy. They'll not be dropped.

If there was to be a change, the article would indicate its most likely Henderson for O'Mahony.

 

[wayevs]

Just watched the whole Ireland v SA game. It's all about upsetting the opposition by doing something they least expect. Would love to see that again from ireland. I never got to see that match as I live abroad and RTE player wouldn't work, but SA actually played extremely well. We need performances like this again.

I'm sure they are capable of plays like that with smidt at the helm.

 

[big ginger 8]

15. Scott Spedding
14. Yoann Huget
13. Mathieu Bastareaud
12. Wesley Fofana
11. Teddy Thomas
10. Camille Lopez
9. Rory Kockott
1. Eddy Ben Arous
2. Guilhem Guirado
3. Rabah Slimani
4. Pascal Papé
5. Yoann Maestri
6. Thierry Dusautoir (captain)
7. Bernard Le Roux
8. Damien Chouly
Replacements:
16. Benjamin Kayser
17. Uini Atonio
18. Vincent Debaty
19. Romain Taofifenua
20. Loann Goujon
21. Morgan Parra
22. Rémi Tales
23. Rémi Lamerat

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

we did it last year, so we should, in theory, be able to do it again!

Did anyone else watch the return to play protocall video with Dr. Eanna Falvey? I was having enough trouble remembering the numbers he was calling out and I've never been concussed!

PS: can't understand choosing Murphy at nr 7 rather than O'Donnell?

Murphy was probably the better of the two at the weekend, he did more effective tight carrying, I think he had the most carries of any player, gave away less penalties, O'Donnell led Ireland with three, had less handling errors and did more work at the breakdown. Don't quote me on the stats, I looked at them last Saturday for the exact reason that I thought Murphy was better than TO'D and, statistically, he was.

We struggled desperately in physical exchanges with England last year.

I wouldn't say desperately at all, England had a slight advantage at best. The difference last year was that England played there gameplan perfectly while Sexton's kicking wasn't quite on point and Mike Brown was class.

Could be it. I feel there's something of a tradition of thought in Ireland in which England are still the England of yore, a pack of the fattest builders, farmers and policemen they could find, determined to hold their opponent facedown in the mud until they stop breathing; and Ireland are still the underdogs. The world has changed, but perceptions remain the same. I could be wrong, but I've run into so many comments comparing the size over the years that it makes sense to me.

In any case, Ireland have a fair few behemoths in the tight five these days, and a backline that's starting to resemble a slightly scrawnier version of Wales. Not that size is a reliable guide to who triumphs in the collision area anyway...

Any pack weights? England are definitely bigger in that regard because 9-15 I'd say the only English player bigger than the opposing Irishman might be Joseph. Ireland's halfbacks probably have 10Kg+ on England's!

 

[TheSaffycen]

The size of that tight five and then the bench ! Guirado 105kg, Ben Arous 117kg, Slimani 110kg, Maestri 121kg, Pape 118kg, Kayser 112kg, Debaty 128kg, Atonio 155kg !, Taofifénua 129kg.

 

[bw245]

15. Scott Spedding
14. Yoann Huget
13. Mathieu Bastareaud
12. Wesley Fofana
11. Teddy Thomas
10. Camille Lopez
9. Rory Kockott
1. Eddy Ben Arous
2. Guilhem Guirado
3. Rabah Slimani
4. Pascal Papé
5. Yoann Maestri
6. Thierry Dusautoir (captain)
7. Bernard Le Roux
8. Damien Chouly
Replacements:
16. Benjamin Kayser
17. Uini Atonio
18. Vincent Debaty
19. Romain Taofifenua
20. Loann Goujon
21. Morgan Parra
22. Rémi Tales
23. Rémi Lamerat

Huge team packed with excellence. Good thing weight alone doesn't win the game.

 

[profitius]

Same as last week for Le Reds... almost. I'm not expecting too many changes for Ireland.

 

[bw245]

Same as last week for Le Reds... almost. I'm not expecting too many changes for Ireland.

Just had a read through the comments on the French rugby Facebook page. French supporters not happy at all with this selection.

 

[gaston le gaff]

Leaving out Dulin Mas and Parra will cost France dearly especially against an Irish team playing at home and playing with confidence.Funny to see Sexton ready and able wonder what Racing think about that!!!!

 

[bw245]

Leaving out Dulin Mas and Parra will cost France dearly especially against an Irish team playing at home and playing with confidence.Funny to see Sexton ready and able wonder what Racing think about that!!!!

PSA is crazy. I wish I knew his reasoning behind his selections.

 

[big ginger 8]

Leaving out Dulin Mas and Parra will cost France dearly especially against an Irish team playing at home and playing with confidence.Funny to see Sexton ready and able wonder what Racing think about that!!!!

It's the LNR that haven't allowed Sexton to play until now.

 

[gaston le gaff]

It's the LNR that haven't allowed Sexton to play until now.

How do you come to that conclusion