[2021 Six Nations] Ireland vs France (14/02/21)

[munstermuffin]

It's also misleading because Joe Bloggs typically doesn't get SCAT5 / PCSS tested, so just have a nuance-less blanket recommendation.
Rugby professionals, on the other hand, see a neurologist pretty-much every day of their return to play protocols.

Barry O'Driscoll thinks rugby's protocols aren't stringent enough - TBH, I agree with him; but think the bigger problem is still that they're not applied properly.
However, rugby's concussion protocols are in line with the best practice guidelines from the neurology community as a whole.


It's like the lawsuit case; I (and Dr O'Driscoll) may think that the rugby authorities acted too slowly and too shallowly when the lng-term risks of concussion became better known. But it's tough to hold a sports administrator to account for that when they're asking and following guidelines written by the experts in the field.

Well it has been said for years an NFL-style challenge will 1 day come.

 

[Which Tyler]

Well it has been said for years an NFL-style challenge will 1 day come.

rugby cant be accused of knowing, but covering it up

 

[AlRums]

I remember Faf a couple of years ago was part of a head sandwich with him in the middle of 2 players. Can't remember exactly who went off, but faf who was in the middle definitely didn't.

Most likely not much in there to injure

 

[munstermuffin]

rugby cant be accused of knowing, but covering it up

True but that case at moment with lads like Steve Thompson will be worth following.

 

[Not Eddie Jones]

I think this is a big game for France. Win in Dublin for the first time in a decade and they justify some of the ridiculous level of hype.

Personally, I fancy Ireland here.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

No rumoured team is bogus. Very little standing between Gerry Thornley and being the greatest man in South Dublin now.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

*Peach emoji*

 

[Groundhog]

Murray Kinsella Possible Ireland XV v France:

15. Hugo Keenan
14. Keith Earls
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. James Lowe
10. Johnny Sexton/Billy Burns
9. Conor Murray

1. Cian Healy
2. Rob Herring
3. Andrew Porter
4. Tadhg Beirne
5. Iain Henderson
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. Josh van der Flier
8. CJ Stander.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Murray Kinsella Possible Ireland XV v France:

15. Hugo Keenan
14. Keith Earls
13. Garry Ringrose
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. James Lowe
10. Johnny Sexton/Billy Burns
9. Conor Murray

1. Cian Healy
2. Rob Herring
3. Andrew Porter
4. Tadhg Beirne
5. Iain Henderson
6. Rhys Ruddock
7. Josh van der Flier
8. CJ Stander.

Andy, you were there, you saw it up close.

 

[jcahill1]

So, as is standard for Farrell, enforced changes only.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Sexton out. That's game

 

[Groundhog]

The CHAD Craig Casey v the VIRGIN Dupont. On paper we're in trouble. In reality we're probably also in trouble.

 

[Gavin]

France -12 handicap is pretty tasty at the moment

 

[jcahill1]

Jesus what is Ed Byrne doing there. Not a bad team all things considered, doesn't scream "we are going to win" either.

 

[big ginger 8]

TAB to die from orgasm watching France win or from a conniption if we do.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Weakest the we've put out in a championship since the 5 nations?

Not much to say that hasn't been said in the last week. Nucifora and Farrell have a lot to answer for starting Herring, Burns and Earls in a 6n game in 2021. In 12 months time when Harry Byrne, Ronan Kelleher, Craig Casey and Ryan Baird are ever presents in the Ireland XV (23 for Baird) this tournament will not look good in hindsight for Andy Farrell. Hopefully Lancaster is running the show then.

 

[Groundhog]

This one goes out to you Casey. Go off king.

 

[TRF_Olyy]

This one goes out to you Casey. Go off King.

 

[big ginger 8]

France (vs Ireland)

15. Brice Dulin
14. Damien Penaud
13. Arthur Vincent
12. Gael Fickou
11. Gabin Villiere
10. Matthieu Jalibert
9. Antoine Dupont
1. Cyril Baille
2. Julien Marchand
3. Mohamed Haouas
4. Bernard Le Roux
5. Paul Willemse
6. Anthony Jelonch
7. Charles Ollivon
8. Grégory Alldritt

Replacements: Pierre Bourgarit, Hassane Kolingar, Uini Atonio, Romain Taofifénua, Dylan Cretin, Baptiste Serin, Anthony Bouthier, Teddy Thomas

Embarrassment of riches to be able to bring in Penaud for Thomas.

On our team Burns and Earls would want to be rewarding the faith placed in them. The coaches have done what you want as a player and stuck by them.

From the squad I honestly would have started BB over Ross anyway. Byrne should also have the least trouble with the rush defence coming on when they're tired and he's had time to watch it.

With the other decisions I don't think Earls should be in the starting team, I can understand not wanting to make too many changes to your team and being worried about Larmour's security but they fall flat for me.

Herring is much more understandable this week. Even if I want Kelleher in the team as the permanent starter. A hooker's chemistry with their jumpers is very important to a functioning lineout. We've lost Ryan and POM while the new lineout caller has years of working with Henderson. Also seeing Herring's ruck stats have changed my opinion a bit, I think Kelleher's throwing 'issues' are overblown and his tackling and carrying are both assets we could do with but I don't mind him not starting this weekend. That is with the proviso that we don't wait until 70 minutes in to bring him on again.

Baird vs Dillane, I don't really care. Baird is one for the future but we talk about rewarding form in big games and Dillane has done that recently. He's also 27 so while not still a prospect he'll be in his prime at the WC.

Glad Casey is getting involve even if it is due to injury. Unfortunately I'm expecting he won't get on until late in.

I'm expecting us to play an at times frantic and likely error strewn game but to be pretty 'spirited'. Before the tournament I predicted France to win by 8 and that sounds roughly right to me still. What I'm hoping to see is continued improvement in our rucks and lineouts and that the systems really have changed so that there isn't as much playmaking focus on the 10. We've seen bits of it and it had progressed vs Wales but Sunday will be a real test of it.

EDIT: Almost forgot, delighted for Ruddock to get his first 6N start. He's 30 now so won't get people excited in the same way as others but he's won a rake of player of the month awards this season and he deserved this a long time ago. I do have some doubts about his speed and agility at this level but there is no doubt he'll bring a high level of physicality and leadership to the team.

 

[ncurd]

this tournament will not look good in hindsight for Andy Farrell. Hopefully Lancaster is running the show then.

Look everyone but one person is whinihg at Eddie Jones right now but you've got to be mental wanting Lancaster.