Ireland AI 2014

[big ginger 8]

Right may as well get this started.

At the moment things are not looking good, 3/4 provinces aren't doing too well and we're facing a lot of injuries including two undoubtedly world class players. Both of whom are our best sources of forward momentum.

We're playing S.A., Georgia and Australia. Two really physical teams and one who thrashed us last time.

Still if any coach can think his way around this it's Schmidt.

What I'm thinking will be the squad at this time:

Loosehead: McGrath, Kilcoyne, Cronin/Buckley
Hooker: Best, Cronin, Strauss
Tighthead: Ross, Moore, White
Secondrows: Toner, O'Connell (c), Foley (is he fit?), McCarthy, Kearney
Flankers: Ruddock, O'Mahony, Henry, O'Donnell? not sure if Murphy will be back
Number 8s: Heaslip, Copeland
Scrumhalves: Murray, Reddan, Marmion
Outhalves: Sexton, Jackson, Madigan (based on Schmidt's previous selections)
Centres: D'arcy, Olding, Henshaw, Payne, Marshall
Wings: Trimble, Bowe, Zebo, McFadden
Fullback: Kearney

 

[munstermuffin]

Right may as well get this started.

At the moment things are not looking good, 3/4 provinces aren't doing too well and we're facing a lot of injuries including two undoubtedly world class players. Both of whom are our best sources of forward momentum.

We're playing S.A., Georgia and Australia. Two really physical teams and one who thrashed us last time.

Still if any coach can think his way around this it's Schmidt.

What I'm thinking will be the squad at this time:

Loosehead: McGrath, Kilcoyne, Cronin/Buckley
Hooker: Best, Cronin, Strauss
Tighthead: Ross, Moore, White
Secondrows: Toner, O'Connell (c), Foley (is he fit?), McCarthy, Kearney
Flankers: Ruddock, O'Mahony, Henry, O'Donnell? not sure if Murphy will be back
Number 8s: Heaslip, Copeland
Scrumhalves: Murray, Reddan, Marmion
Outhalves: Sexton, Jackson, Madigan (based on Schmidt's previous selections)
Centres: D'arcy, Olding, Henshaw, Payne, Marshall
Wings: Trimble, Bowe, Zebo, McFadden
Fullback: Kearney

On squad. Do you mean is Dave Foley for? He's perfect will probably start this weekend.
I'd have TOD ahead of Jordi regardless. We all know Payne will play 13 in this but he has to try do job of it at provincial level 1st. Has been similar to Johne Murphy there in all honesty. He's world class 15 and should be left compete for that spot

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

With the World Cup in mind, the absence of Cian Healy and Sean O'Brien for the foreseeable future isn't too bad for Ireland. Both are clearly first choices if fit so a spell on the sidelines allows Ireland develop their depth at these positions and means both players shouldn't be burned out by the time the World Cup comes around.

 

[munstermuffin]

With the World Cup in mind, the absence of Cian Healy and Sean O'Brien for the foreseeable future isn't too bad for Ireland. Both are clearly first choices if fit so a spell on the sidelines allows Ireland develop their depth at these positions and means both players shouldn't be burned out by the time the World Cup comes around.

Interesting that Ireland's record with Sean O'Brien playing is a lot worst than their record when he doesn't play. Not saying he's a bad thing but more that there's plenty others who can perform as a unit in back row as POM/Henry/Heaslip did last year. Again I do wonder will SOB ever be fully fit again.

 

[MojoPin]

There's still an awful lot of quality in that Ireland squad and I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them pull a couple of very memorable performances out of the bag. Just seems a shame that they're lacking a fourth test compared to England and Wales - last year's NZ fixture was incredible and as a neutral I would have loved to witness the big rematch!

 

[profitius]

Pity about all the injuries. There are a few new players who are playing well and should challenge last seasons squad members. Rhys Ruddock, Henshaw, Marmion, Olding excetra.

What are the thoughts on beating Australia or SA?

Chris Farrell a potential world cup bolter according to his coach Bernard Jackman. Just played a few matches so interesting to see how he will go with Grenoble this season.

 

[munstermuffin]

Pity about all the injuries. There are a few new players who are playing well and should challenge last seasons squad members. Rhys Ruddock, Henshaw, Marmion, Olding excetra.

What are the thoughts on beating Australia or SA?

Chris Farrell a potential world cup bolter according to his coach Bernard Jackman. Just played a few matches so interesting to see how he will go with Grenoble this season.

Has no chance of being a bolted if he's in France and by that I mean Johne Murphy has better chance.

Regards AI's. We will be Aus comfortably by 10 and SA will be tight with winner having a margin of 1-3points.

 

[profitius]

So...


Will Furlong squeeze ahead of his Leinster teammates?
Who will the hookers be. Best is guaranteed his spot and maybe Cronin for impact. Duncan Casey is the best thrower since Flannery and young Byrne for Leinster looks good. Struass in the mix too.
Theres plenty of competition at loosehead. McGrath, Cronin and Buckley look strong there.
Second row is also up for grabs. Dave Foley putting his hand up for that.
Backrow will be hotly contested. Who will replace SOB in the squad? Will it be Ruddock, TOD or maybe someone like Copeland for impact off the bench.
Will Sexton make it back. Who is next in line, is it Jackson or Madigan.
Has Marmion done enough to force his way past Reddan and Boss.
What centers will be picked post BOD. Theres D'Arcy, Henshaw, Olding, Cave, Marshall and even Dennis Hurley and McClosky playing well now.
Trimble looks like the form winger but what about Bowe. He is a quality player but hasn't hit top form for a while.
Fullback looks to be between Payne and Kearney.

Has no chance of being a bolted if he's in France and by that I mean Johne Murphy has better chance.

Regards AI's. We will be Aus comfortably by 10 and SA will be tight with winner having a margin of 1-3points.

Australias schedule should give us a better chance of beating them. So that will be a good match I'd say. SA will come and be confident.

Farrell is a long shot but you never know.

 

[Peat]

Jared Payne is a long long way away from bothering Kearney in the pecking order for the 15 jersey based on his performances for Ulster at the moment - and that's just Dave Kearney...

I'm hoping Warwick gets the next few big games for Ulster and starts putting his case together. Gods knows there's some queue going there but he has been in savage form.

Lot depends on how Ulster's back line looks in the next few games and whether we get it properly firing. I'd be pretty disappointed if Jackson couldn't seal the number 2 slot when Keatley/Hanrahan are on restricted time due to injury issues/never played international rugby and Madigan only gets close to the 10 shirt when he tackles the oppo fly-half.


Finally - judging from Jackman's comments, he thinks Schmidt's thinking seriously about Farrell. He's only on a one year contract so it's possible he'll be signed to go back to an Irish team by then, which made a difference for Copeland. Still, would be a surprise.

 

[munstermuffin]

Jared Payne is a long long way away from bothering Kearney in the pecking order for the 15 jersey based on his performances for Ulster at the moment - and that's just Dave Kearney...

I'm hoping Warwick gets the next few big games for Ulster and starts putting his case together. Gods knows there's some queue going there but he has been in savage form.

Lot depends on how Ulster's back line looks in the next few games and whether we get it properly firing. I'd be pretty disappointed if Jackson couldn't seal the number 2 slot when Keatley/Hanrahan are on restricted time due to injury issues/never played international rugby and Madigan only gets close to the 10 shirt when he tackles the oppo fly-half.


Finally - judging from Jackman's comments, he thinks Schmidt's thinking seriously about Farrell. He's only on a one year contract so it's possible he'll be signed to go back to an Irish team by then, which made a difference for Copeland. Still, would be a surprise.

Yes but Copeland never got looked at until he signed to come back to Ireland. Farrell will not be selected unless he's playing top class stuff in Europe if he's abroad. And he won't bedoing that. Add in for a fringe player do you think IRFU will be bothered paying compensation and release clauses to Grenoble. No Chance.

But really think Furlong and Dave Foley are 2 that are after putting their hands up big time. In my eyes the tighthead spot is wide open as Ross is on a serious decline. His fitness is non-existent and form has desserted him. Moore will feel heat from Furlong too in Leinster.

 

[Peat]

... are we talking about the same thing here? By the time a World Cup squad gets selected, any return to Ireland in the following season will be known. I'm talking about him as a bolter for the World Cup, not anything before that.

 

[big ginger 8]

Yes but Copeland never got looked at until he signed to come back to Ireland. Farrell will not be selected unless he's playing top class stuff in Europe if he's abroad. And he won't bedoing that. Add in for a fringe player do you think IRFU will be bothered paying compensation and release clauses to Grenoble. No Chance.

But really think Furlong and Dave Foley are 2 that are after putting their hands up big time. In my eyes the tighthead spot is wide open as Ross is on a serious decline. His fitness is non-existent and form has desserted him. Moore will feel heat from Furlong too in Leinster.

The apparent concussion is going to stunt Furlong's case for the AI.

Think you're being pretty harsh on Ross as well.


My team to play S.A. at the moment:

1. McGrath
2. Best
3. Ross
4. Toner
5. O'Connell (c)
6. Ruddock
7. Henry
8. Heaslip
9. Murray
10. Sexton
11. Bowe
12. Olding
13. D'arcy
14. Trimble
15. Kearney

16. S. Cronin
17. J. Cronin
18. Moore
19. Foley
20. O'Mahony
21. Marmion
22. Jackson
23. Zebo

I'm sure PO'M and Zebo on the bench won't be met well by fans from certain quarters but there are some pretty valid reasons for the guys ahead of them starting. Without Healy and SOB are pack lacks people who can guarantee go forward ball. Ruddock does that PO'M doesn't. Ruddock is also the more physical option and you don't actually lose too much with him in the lineout. PO'M coming off the bench could also wreak havoc.

Trimble is the form winger in Ireland both domestically and internationally. He starts. Tommy Bowe meanwhile is Tommy Bowe we all know the class he has and I don't think Zebo is doing well enough to fully displace him.

I'm still making my mind up fully about the centre partnership. I wouldn't be opposed to a D'arcy and Henshaw axis or even if he got some time there first with Ulster Bowe being involved. I'd like an Olding Henshaw partnership given a go against Georgia as well.

 

[munstermuffin]

... are we talking about the same thing here? By the time a World Cup squad gets selected, any return to Ireland in the following season will be known. I'm talking about him as a bolter for the World Cup, not anything before that.

I thought you meant for AI's. But still these AI's and 6 Nations are really where Schmidt will have made up his mind. Farrell playing in a team that will be up against it most weeks. The players who play in August will be only getting match fitness. So again Farrell in my eyes has no chance of being a bolter unless we are dismantled by injury andhe's playing like BOD at his peak. Most Irish based centres here are equally as good and actually under umbrella so automatically have the better shot.
It's always been how Irish system has worked and well it's how it'll work here too.

 

[Peat]

Agreed - but is Schmidt going to have a firm answer by then? Is anyone going to be surprised if it looks like Cave's not quite cutting it, Henshaw's not quite there, Payne's not quite a 13 etc.etc.?

It's this scenario that sees Farrell as a long shot. If no one else has claimed the shirt and he's putting in big performances, then it's possible Schmidt will decide to take a look at him in the August. Most likely somebody claims the shirt before then, but if they don't...

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Ireland and SA facing off first fills me as a South African with a strange mix of confidence and dread. Confidence in that we just beat the All Blacksand generally our first game we start off with a bang more often than not but it'd just be typically South African to have a big dive after a massive high ITO performance and I'm sure Ireland as reigning 6N champions will be targeting this match seeing as they kind of have the week off thereafter against Georgia (no disrespect). I mean Meyer and the senior players will come into this match knowing they'll be in for a massive challenge with a target on their backs seeing as ireland won't be playing NZ this year so we probably are the 'big scalp' to be targeted... I just have this feeling. Whatever happens I just hope for a good game of rugby.

 

[munstermuffin]

Agreed - but is Schmidt going to have a firm answer by then? Is anyone going to be surprised if it looks like Cave's not quite cutting it, Henshaw's not quite there, Payne's not quite a 13 etc.etc.?

It's this scenario that sees Farrell as a long shot. If no one else has claimed the shirt and he's putting in big performances, then it's possible Schmidt will decide to take a look at him in the August. Most likely somebody claims the shirt before then, but if they don't...

Maybe he won't but unfortunately for Farrell he won't have enough platform. The prelim squad will be picked before any game is played preseason. Henshaw Payne and Cave will all be ahead then and will stay ahead too as they'll be here and playing top level rugby under Schmidts nose. Earls may be an option at 13 too or Luke Fitz. And I'd say McFadden. So that's 6 possibilities as well as moving D'Arcy out but all them options can impress Schmidt at matches but also in camps and at provincial trainings where Schmidt attends.
My point being all those options will have to banish and align with Farrell doing amazing work in France as big as literally dragging Grenoble on his own in to top 6 over there as he doesn't have European rugby.

 

[Peat]

Yup, as I said, unlikely.

But - two of those guys are cripples - one's ancient - one looks useless at 13 - question marks over Henshaw, Cave and McFadden too.

In the normal course of things he wouldn't have a sniff of a shirt until he got back to Ireland. But this is not the normal course of things.

 

[munstermuffin]

Yup, as I said, unlikely.

But - two of those guys are cripples - one's ancient - one looks useless at 13 - question marks over Henshaw, Cave and McFadden too.

In the normal course of things he wouldn't have a sniff of a shirt until he got back to Ireland. But this is not the normal course of things.

Wouldn't disagree but fact is Farrell is no better than any as he's not around to show he is better. Schmidt will stick with Payne Cave or Henshaw at 13. They're his 3 options and he will use them and believe in his coaching to improve them there. He will have all the time and control too which he won't have with Farrell. So as I said I don't think Farrell has any chance. A bolter will be someone like a Dave Foley or Tadgh Furlong.

 

[profitius]

I watched the Grenoble game to see how Farrell played. All he did was crash up the middle so not much to report.


McCloskey for Ulster is one of the players to watch this weekend. Another big performance and he could make Schmidts squad. Luke Marshall is a good player but must be worried now. Even though he is a good player, McCloskey and Olding have more potential.

 

[Peat]

So apparently Trimble's arm is in a cast.