[2016 RBS Six Nations] Round 1: Ireland vs. Wales (07/02/2016)

[Groundhog]

I don't think that's possible.

He said suck his ass nerd! And I don't even agree with him! Just love to put nerds down.

 

[lynam1104]

Little disappointed with that team, it's not a from pick relying on those who know systems best. While that was a fair excuse in the lead up to the WC at this point I think nee blood should be allowed a chance and that change needs to happen. It's fundamentally why Kidney's team failed in his final years, a total reluctance to evolve the personal and gameplan. Not saying Joe is at that point but he must be aware of the need not just select young players in a 30 man squad but to actually put them on the team. Will echo the others here calling for McCloskey and Henshaw in the centres and Payne at the back. Also while I think Stander is the more form player Ruddock as a lineout option is needed, Joe has always gone with a strong jumper at 6 and AFAIK Stander for all his attributes does not offer that.

 

[munstermuffin]

People may disagree with me on RK comments but it's an opinion that is split in general. I think his aerial and positioning is good but his tackling is desperate. Just an opinion

 

[munstermuffin]

Rubbish.

Not rubbish just an opinion which a lot would agree with. I'm sure it's same as you said some rubbish but I'd be more it's opinion.

 

[munstermuffin]

Little disappointed with that team, it's not a from pick relying on those who know systems best. While that was a fair excuse in the lead up to the WC at this point I think nee blood should be allowed a chance and that change needs to happen. It's fundamentally why Kidney's team failed in his final years, a total reluctance to evolve the personal and gameplan. Not saying Joe is at that point but he must be aware of the need not just select young players in a 30 man squad but to actually put them on the team. Will echo the others here calling for McCloskey and Henshaw in the centres and Payne at the back. Also while I think Stander is the more form player Ruddock as a lineout option is needed, Joe has always gone with a strong jumper at 6 and AFAIK Stander for all his attributes does not offer that.

CJ is able to jump at lineout but it wouldn't be the same as Ruddocks ability.

 

[dullonien]

I fancy our chances if that's the team Ireland are going to put out.

For me a combined team would only include Best (only just, as Baldwin's a very decent hooker), McGrath (rate him highly + for all of Evans' strengths, his scrummaging's a bit dodgy). I'd consider Henshaw at 12, but Roberts is better than most give him credit for, and brings massive experience. I'd have a fit Scott Williams above both though. I'd also take Payne at fullback in the absense of 1/2p and Liam (but not when both are fit). Trimble for James too, although James' form makes that a more difficult choice than it maybe should.

Davies and Biggar are in better form than their opposition, whilst the rest of that Irish team are a fair way behind their Welsh counterparts imo.

 

[valley commando]

I fancy our chances if that's the team Ireland are going to put out.

For me a combined team would only include Best (only just, as Baldwin's a very decent hooker), McGrath (rate him highly + for all of Evans' strengths, his scrummaging's a bit dodgy). I'd consider Henshaw at 12, but Roberts is better than most give him credit for, and brings massive experience. I'd have a fit Scott Williams above both though. I'd also take Payne at fullback in the absense of 1/2p and Liam (but not when both are fit). Trimble for James too, although James' form makes that a more difficult choice than it maybe should.

Davies and Biggar are in better form than their opposition, whilst the rest of that Irish team are a fair way behind their Welsh counterparts imo.

Spot on mate, man for man matched up we have better players in all but 2 of the forwards and backs wise all bar full back, I think James will impress and currently he is playing better than North

 

[munstermuffin]

Personally I think Ireland have a better front row, half back (if on form) and our back 3 will be better Sunday.

 

[dullonien]

Personally I think Ireland have a better front row, half back (if on form) and our back 3 will be better Sunday.

But Murray certainly isn't in form, and there's still big question marks over Sexton....

I'd have Anscombe over an out of sorts Zebo, and despite North not being in great form, i'd still take him any day of the week over any of the Irish options (Bowe included if he was fit). James is in great form too, but i'd still give that one to Trimble due to his greater international experience + I genuinely like Trimble as a player, very rounded winger.

 

[munstermuffin]

But Murray certainly isn't in form, and there's still big question marks over Sexton....

I'd have Anscombe over an out of sorts Zebo, and despite North not being in great form, i'd still take him any day of the week over any of the Irish options (Bowe included if he was fit). James is in great form too, but i'd still give that one to Trimble due to his greater international experience + I genuinely like Trimble as a player, very rounded winger.

Can't argue with any of your comments as you've valid points. But we've a tendency to turn up in form for country. Guys like Murray and Sexton. I think it'll be a case of which team has majority of their star guys performing from the off.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

I love Ireland vs Wales threads.
Arrogance vs Arrogance
We're the underdogs vs No WE'RE the underdogs

It's got everything.

 

[j'nuh]

Ireland trained this way yesterday.

1. McGrath
2. Best
3. White
4. Toner
5. McCarthy
6. Stander
7. O'Donnell (SOB if fit)
8. Heaslip
9. Murray
10. Sexton
11. Earls
12. Henshaw
13. Payne
14. Trimble
15. Zebo

Bench rumoured - Cronin Cronin Furlong Ryan Ruddock Reddan Madigan Zebo (if RK fit), DK (if Zebo starts)

Ireland wooden spoon 2016

 

[Groundhog]

I love Ireland vs Wales threads.
Arrogance vs Arrogance
We're the underdogs vs No WE'RE the underdogs

It's got everything.

Sure leave them at it. Welsh fans have had little to boast about since 2013. Not that that's stopped them mind you.

 

[Peat]

I fancy our chances if that's the team Ireland are going to put out.

For me a combined team would only include Best (only just, as Baldwin's a very decent hooker), McGrath (rate him highly + for all of Evans' strengths, his scrummaging's a bit dodgy). I'd consider Henshaw at 12, but Roberts is better than most give him credit for, and brings massive experience. I'd have a fit Scott Williams above both though. I'd also take Payne at fullback in the absense of 1/2p and Liam (but not when both are fit). Trimble for James too, although James' form makes that a more difficult choice than it maybe should.

Davies and Biggar are in better form than their opposition, whilst the rest of that Irish team are a fair way behind their Welsh counterparts imo.

Unit wise, I'd only take Ireland's front row and back three on current form... but that's two out of the three units I'd expect to decide the territorial battle and the third, the half-backs, is very much a form call. And that's pretty bloody critical.

Wait, just remembered Zebo. Maybe not in his current form. If he's in stinking form and Sexton's not all there/gets injured and Anscombe goes well, Ireland could be in trouble.

Have to say, this could be a dour game. Two sides with better defences than attacks and a lot of rustiness and fear.

 

[dunney77]

Anyone but Wales

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

I'd still take Sexton over Biggar based on Biggar's last three games, especially considering Sexton outclassed him in one of those. I think this game will come down to whether or not the Munster players can adapt from all the **** going on in Limerick to international rugby. And the bench, no one talking about the bench, I like our bench.
My combined team (a pointless exercise but I want angry Welsh men coming at me... No homo... Maybe a lil bit):

McGrath
Best
Neither (both just shy of international standard
tall welsh man
my favourite welsh man
Very overrated but still impressive Welsh man
O'Brien
Heaslip
Murray
Sexton
Inconsistent Welsh man
Henshaw
Welsh man who... ... @#*%$Â¥•Â£Â¥+ you Gatland you got lucky
Father Trimble, is he even called father? Or is it pastor or reverend or something like that?... I'm going off track here
Kearney if fit... Neither not Welshman nor Zeesus are good enough to be here yet.

 

[dunney77]

I am starting to worry Joe is turning into Kidney...

The Henshaw/Payne axis was manufactured before the WC for the WC and now that is over we need to start again.

 

[MojoPin]

I'd still take Sexton over Biggar based on Biggar's last three games, especially considering Sexton outclassed him in one of those. I think this game will come down to whether or not the Munster players can adapt from all the **** going on in Limerick to international rugby. And the bench, no one talking about the bench, I like our bench.
My combined team (a pointless exercise but I want angry Welsh men coming at me... No homo... Maybe a lil bit):

McGrath
Best
Neither (both just shy of international standard
tall welsh man
my favourite welsh man
Very overrated but still impressive Welsh man
O'Brien
Heaslip
Murray
Sexton
Inconsistent Welsh man
Henshaw
Welsh man who... ... @#*%$Â¥•Â£Â¥+ you Gatland you got lucky
Father Trimble, is he even called father? Or is it pastor or reverend or something like that?... I'm going off track here
Kearney if fit... Neither not Welshman nor Zeesus are good enough to be here yet.

I know some part of me should get a bit indignant here but laughed so much I nearly choked on my lunch. Good luck for Sunday, should be a goodun. Hoping conditions are better than they look for Saturday!

 

[welshwizard88]

Ireland still aint named there team!? ..... scared :-D

 

[Amiga500]

Apparently O'Brien is injured (big loss). As is Rob Kearney (no loss).

Furthermore, McCloskey is supposedly not in 23 and Zebo is at full back.


I'm supposed to be travelling back from Donegal on Sunday, if thats the team I might not even bother stopping to watch it in a pub - my time would be better spent getting back to get work done on Sunday evening to hit deadlines.