Australia V Ireland, Saturday June 14

[Prestwick]

Why is Stringer there? I mean seriously Ireland let go already! Stringer was past his best back in 2004/5. You need to move on, seriously, you can't keep hanging around with Stringer and Best forever.

I mean, I gaurantee you, theres some secret Irish Government project to replace Stringer's existing body with that of a cyborg configured to be as small, weak and bald as the real deal, just so the IRFU can keep selecting Stringer until 2150...

 

[Steve-o]

Definitely gonna watch this one, and TRY be a neutral and not support a side lol. I always end up supporting one or the other though.

Ireland are my favourite European side and their tight 5 is looking really good, but I always enjoy watching the Aussies play, and with Deans there now I very interested to see what the end product will be. He has always had a strong scrummimg unit with the Crusaders, something the Aussies don't have. Aussies backline is better overall, Tuqiri and Giteau were playing some excellent rugby in the S14.
Ireland need to prepare for the S14 loose forwards, no doubt they are very strong at the breakdown.
Not sure how Oz is match up to Irelands set pieces. Ireland should dominate the scrums and line outs.

Two very different teams, should be a cracker but I reckon the Wallabies should nick it.

 

[Incredible Schalk]

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Good luck Ireland, i think they have a great chance as last year a depleted Wales also nearly won in Australia. Will be tough but they have a better chance this week than last as they will be able to match the Aussie pack.
[/b]

Aussie Robbie, end of story.
[/b][/quote]


The players more importantly wont be vastly different.

 

[Sir Speedy]

Why is Stringer there? I mean seriously Ireland let go already! Stringer was past his best back in 2004/5. You need to move on, seriously, you can't keep hanging around with Stringer and Best forever.

I mean, I gaurantee you, theres some secret Irish Government project to replace Stringer's existing body with that of a cyborg configured to be as small, weak and bald as the real deal, just so the IRFU can keep selecting Stringer until 2150...
[/b]

Doesn't matter. Both Stringer and Reddan are kack at the moment so you lose either way. At least with Stringer they have the dim hope of blinding the Aussies a la the floodlights + Stringer's noggin.

 

[bacon]

i'm supprised horan kept his place, for me that stupid penalty-totally unnessary-was a real turning point last week. i doubt ireland would've won but it just put it the final nail in.
reddan gave terrible and slow service so paid for it with his place-fair enough. pity the only other options a bald agro who cain't make his place at provintial level :wall: but a least its not boss.

 

[Prestwick]

<div class='quotemain'>
Why is Stringer there? I mean seriously Ireland let go already! Stringer was past his best back in 2004/5. You need to move on, seriously, you can't keep hanging around with Stringer and Best forever.

I mean, I gaurantee you, theres some secret Irish Government project to replace Stringer's existing body with that of a cyborg configured to be as small, weak and bald as the real deal, just so the IRFU can keep selecting Stringer until 2150...
[/b]

Doesn't matter. Both Stringer and Reddan are kack at the moment so you lose either way. At least with Stringer they have the dim hope of blinding the Aussies a la the floodlights + Stringer's noggin. [/b][/quote]



It makes me weep bitter tears of frustration whenever I see Stringer's name anywhere near the Ireland teamsheet. Honestly, I'm going to put a tenner on Stringer going to the world cup in 2011, thats how conservative Ireland's selection policy appears to be from the view of a neutral.

 

[errlloyd]

I am a big fan of Reddan, he was playing against the All blacks, hard to judge him. In fairness he is awesome for wasps.

 

[MunsterMan]

I wouldn't agree with that. If Kidney doesn't pick Strings for Munster, why would he pick him for Ireland? This is probably Stringers last test in the 9 shirt Prestwick. Don't worry, the O'Leary/Reddan days are nearly here

 

[Fushitsusha]

Australian team named to play Ireland...


Cameron Shepherd (Western Force); Peter Hynes (Queensland), Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies, captain), Berrick Barnes (Queensland), Lote Tuqiri (New South Wales); Matt Giteau (Western Force), Luke Burgess (New South Wales); Wycliff Palu (New South Wales), George Smith (Brumbies), Rocky Elsom (New South Wales); Nathan Sharpe (Western Force), James Horwill (Queensland); Matt Dunning (New South Wales), Stephen Moore (Queensland), Benn Robinson (New South Wales

Replacements: Adam Freier (New South Wales), Al Baxter (New South Wales), Dean Mumm (New South Wales), Phil Waugh (New South Wales), Sam Cordingley (Queensland), Ryan Cross (Western Force), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies)



I can't believe it's 2008 and Al Baxter is still in the squad?!

 

[Steve-o]

That backrow of Smith, Palu and Elsom is gonna be hard to counter. All are big men, Palu probably the strongest. He ran over a few Saffas and Kiwis this year, most notably 4 Sharks players to a try back in April.

 

[Hamster]

Australian team named to play Ireland...


Cameron Shepherd (Western Force); Peter Hynes (Queensland), Stirling Mortlock (Brumbies, captain), Berrick Barnes (Queensland), Lote Tuqiri (New South Wales); Matt Giteau (Western Force), Luke Burgess (New South Wales); Wycliff Palu (New South Wales), George Smith (Brumbies), Rocky Elsom (New South Wales); Nathan Sharpe (Western Force), James Horwill (Queensland); Matt Dunning (New South Wales), Stephen Moore (Queensland), Benn Robinson (New South Wales

Replacements: Adam Freier (New South Wales), Al Baxter (New South Wales), Dean Mumm (New South Wales), Phil Waugh (New South Wales), Sam Cordingley (Queensland), Ryan Cross (Western Force), Adam Ashley-Cooper (Brumbies)


I can't believe it's 2008 and Al Baxter is still in the squad?! [/b]

Its a good team but f***, why is Dunning starting and Baxter reserving? How hard is it to clear these guys out of the Wallabies!!

Pretty excited that Hynes will be making his debut and Barnes and Horwill are starting. Barnes is a gun especially in defense this year, busted his arse for the Reds in defense. First test of the year, some new faces and some quality Queenslanders in there. Cant wait.

 

[Maccaweeny]

Palu has been immense, yet sometimes he seems to disappear against a solid defence which targets his running off the scrum and around the fringes of the break down.

Then again, that was exactly what the crusader's did in the final. Some really awesome defence aimed at the guy, yet about twenty minutes in he just kept at it and started breaking tackles.

Can't wait for this game, pity it's in the middle of my exams...

 

[rsea]

Yeah for sure Barnes has been great in defence. Not just covering his own men but plenty of others as well

 

[Fushitsusha]

I kinda wish Deans had taken the big risk and put Alexander on the bench.

What is there to lose?

You either go for the kid with potential, or the 'experienced', but useless twat that can't scrummage anyways...

 

[peppers07]

Horan should be droped after giving away that penelty against the All Black. Australia is the perfect team to start Buckley against (with their crap scrum) . Stringer will finally be gone once Declan Kidney takes the Job not long to wait now. I think Oleary should be called up hes way better than Stringer. I think Horgan shoud be droped for Dowling he was **** against New Zealand and Dowliing would be better until Trimble comes back then they can put Fitzgerald on the wing

 

[MunsterMan]

What's wrong with Buckley's scrummaging? I have only ever seen him do badly in the scrum when he is played out of position. Replace Horan? With who? Cian Healy? Brian Young? :lol:

 

[Incredible Schalk]

<div class='quotemain'>
Why is Stringer there? I mean seriously Ireland let go already! Stringer was past his best back in 2004/5. You need to move on, seriously, you can't keep hanging around with Stringer and Best forever.

I mean, I gaurantee you, theres some secret Irish Government project to replace Stringer's existing body with that of a cyborg configured to be as small, weak and bald as the real deal, just so the IRFU can keep selecting Stringer until 2150...
[/b]

Doesn't matter. Both Stringer and Reddan are kack at the moment so you lose either way. At least with Stringer they have the dim hope of blinding the Aussies a la the floodlights + Stringer's noggin.
[/b][/quote]


So thats doesnt mean they can play well this weekend? Reddan has had a great season and although he didnt play that well against the AB's last week i would back him to play well this week.

 

[errlloyd]

<div class='quotemain'>
<div class='quotemain'>
Why is Stringer there? I mean seriously Ireland let go already! Stringer was past his best back in 2004/5. You need to move on, seriously, you can't keep hanging around with Stringer and Best forever.

I mean, I gaurantee you, theres some secret Irish Government project to replace Stringer's existing body with that of a cyborg configured to be as small, weak and bald as the real deal, just so the IRFU can keep selecting Stringer until 2150...
[/b]

Doesn't matter. Both Stringer and Reddan are kack at the moment so you lose either way. At least with Stringer they have the dim hope of blinding the Aussies a la the floodlights + Stringer's noggin.
[/b][/quote]


So thats doesnt mean they can play well this weekend? Reddan has had a great season and although he didnt play that well against the AB's last week i would back him to play well this week.
[/b][/quote]




No harm in make Reddan Feel threatened for his place, a little pressure never hurt everyone (except Ronan O Gara between the years of 337 bc - 2005 ad) some would argue its that guaranteed start that is ruining some Irish players.

 

[Sir Speedy]

<div class='quotemain'>
<div class='quotemain'>
Why is Stringer there? I mean seriously Ireland let go already! Stringer was past his best back in 2004/5. You need to move on, seriously, you can't keep hanging around with Stringer and Best forever.

I mean, I gaurantee you, theres some secret Irish Government project to replace Stringer's existing body with that of a cyborg configured to be as small, weak and bald as the real deal, just so the IRFU can keep selecting Stringer until 2150...
[/b]

Doesn't matter. Both Stringer and Reddan are kack at the moment so you lose either way. At least with Stringer they have the dim hope of blinding the Aussies a la the floodlights + Stringer's noggin.
[/b][/quote]


So thats doesnt mean they can play well this weekend? Reddan has had a great season and although he didnt play that well against the AB's last week i would back him to play well this week.
[/b][/quote]
Quote me where I said that. :huh: Although Reddan is a great player on form, he's been non-existant in Ireland's last 3 games.

 

[errlloyd]

Quote me where I said that. :huh: Although Reddan is a great player on form, he's been non-existant in Ireland's last 3 games.
[/b]

2nd post on this page.....


Reddan was shocking keeping in mind your playing him against England, Wales and the all Blacks. Stringer was shocking against Namibia, Georgia, Italy and Scotland.