Ireland Squad Announced For RBS 6 Nations

[Jockstap]

http://www.irishrugby.ie/283_19438.php

Ireland coach Declan Kidney said: "When naming the squad, we had three main considerations, with the most important being the opening game against Italy, followed by the 'A' games and further down the line with the Rugby World Cup.
"Building a squad has always been a priority for us and the work done during the first half of the season means there is a little more experience accumulated in the squad then we had a couple of months ago."

This squad will train together in Limerick next week before an 'A' squad is named next Tuesday (January 26) ahead of the away fixture against the England Saxons in Bath.

Additional players outside of the 44-man squad named today will be added to that 'A' squad from which the team to play the England Saxons will be selected.

Overall, the extended Championship squad contains nine uncapped players, with Ulster's Dan Tuohy and Declan Fitzpatrick the newest members of the squad for this season.

Elsewhere in the forwards, Rory Best returns to the squad after resuming contact training as does his fellow front rower Marcus Horan after his injury lay-off.

Shane Jennings has been named in the squad after his return from suspension to increase the competition for places in the back row, alongside his Leinster team-mates Jamie Heaslip, Sean O'Brien, Kevin McLaughlin as well as Chris Henry, David Wallace and Stephen Ferris.

In the backs, there is an equal amount of competition at scrum half with Peter Stringer, Isaac Boss, Tomas O'Leary and Eoin Reddan all included.

The wing positions also show Denis Hurley, Andrew Trimble, Shane Horgan, Tommy Bowe, Johne Murphy, Ian Dowling and Keith Earls all named in the squad and competing for a starting spot against Italy.

Kidney added: "While there were new players who gained vital experience during the GUINNESS Series, the goal is to keep that experience ticking over with all the players who need international level game time.

"By having the 'A' games early, it allows us to get people on the pitch so they can keep their own performance levels up as we progress through to the later stages of the Championship.

"The aim is now to continue that while trying to increase the competitiveness that we need for the Italy game.

"The provinces have all been in good form, making selection even more competitive, but we will need that for the big challenges that are ahead for the group over the next couple of weeks.

"The focus is very much on our game against Italy in a fortnight's time and we are preparing for that first challenge."

IRELAND Squad (2010 RBS 6 Nations Championship):

Rory Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)
Isaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster)
Tommy Bowe (Ospreys)
Tony Buckley (Shannon/Munster)
Tom Court (Malone/Ulster)
Sean Cronin (Buccaneers/Connacht)
Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster)
Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Ian Dowling (Shannon/Munster)
Keith Earls (Young Munster/Munster)
Stephen Ferris (Dungannon/Ulster)
Declan Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster)*
Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster)
John Fogarty (De La Salle Palmerston/Leinster)*
John Hayes (Bruff/Munster)
Cian Healy (Clontarf/Leinster)
Jamie Heaslip (Naas/Leinster)
Chris Henry (Ballymena/Ulster)*
Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster)
Shane Horgan (Boyne/Leinster)
Denis Hurley (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Shane Jennings (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
Rob Kearney (UCD/Leinster)
Fergus McFadden (UCD/Leinster)*
Kevin McLaughlin (UCD/Leinster)*
Johne Murphy (Leicester)*
Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster)
Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Brian O'Driscoll (UCD/Leinster)
Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster)
Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster)
Sean O'Brien (Clontarf/Leinster)
Eoin Reddan (Lansdowne/Leinster)
Mike Ross (Clontarf/Leinster)
Donnacha Ryan (Shannon/Munster)
Jonathan Sexton (St. Mary's College/Leinster)
Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster)
Devin Toner (Lansdowne/Leinster)*
Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster)
Dan Tuohy (Ballymena/Ulster)*
David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster)
Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster)
Brett Wilkinson (Galwegians/Connacht)*

* Denotes uncapped player

 

[MunsterMan]

Huge squad, few surprises. The lack of a Humphries/Keatley is all I notice at first glance.

 

[lynam1104]

looks like we have like five quilty 6's

 

[Jockstap]

I feel sorry for Fionn Carr, what does the kid have to do to get into the squad, he's the joint top try scorer in the Magners and the Amlin Cup. He has more tries than any other Irish Winger in the Magners bar Tommy Bowe. I mean that would be impressive if he played for Munster, Leinster etc but he play's for us which is bloody amazing, I mean he's is nearly single handedly winning us games and he can't even get selected for the A squad? Insert Scooby Doo sound here.

 

[An Tarbh]

can't help but notice the name of Rory Best there, surely it's way too early for him to be even considering a comeback???

 

[lynam1104]

Mabye he can be an Injury replacement <_<

 

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (An Tarbh @ Jan 19 2010, 02:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

can't help but notice the name of Rory Best there, surely it's way too early for him to be even considering a comeback???[/b]

He's probably there was one of them leader things that Declan Kidney likes to keep around. I've always got the impression that he's considered the next in line as Captain after BOD and POC.

And I read that he took part in a contact training session for about an hour a few weeks ago.

 

[shtove]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jockstrap @ Jan 20 2010, 02:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Ireland coach Declan Kidney said: "When naming the squad, we had three main considerations, with the most important being the opening game against Italy, followed by the 'A' games and further down the line with the Rugby World Cup.[/b]

Back to back GS is everything. Typical Kidney: talks loudest when he's saying nothing.

 

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shtove @ Jan 19 2010, 09:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jockstrap @ Jan 20 2010, 02:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ireland coach Declan Kidney said: "When naming the squad, we had three main considerations, with the most important being the opening game against Italy, followed by the 'A' games and further down the line with the Rugby World Cup.[/b]

Back to back GS is everything. Typical Kidney: talks loudest when he's saying nothing.
[/b][/quote]

Some strange decisions altogether.

There's a number of players who aren't even getting regular time for their provinces like Dowling and Toner.

Then there's Buckley who's just rubbish.

Yet there's no sign of Keatley or Humphreys (then again I suppose too many outhalfs does spoil the broth) or Cave or Carr.

Delighted for Dan Touhy who seems to be playing very well whenever I see him. He's quick too.

 

[shtove]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Jan 20 2010, 10:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shtove @ Jan 19 2010, 09:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jockstrap @ Jan 20 2010, 02:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ireland coach Declan Kidney said: "When naming the squad, we had three main considerations, with the most important being the opening game against Italy, followed by the 'A' games and further down the line with the Rugby World Cup.[/b]

Back to back GS is everything. Typical Kidney: talks loudest when he's saying nothing.
[/b][/quote]

Some strange decisions altogether.

There's a number of players who aren't even getting regular time for their provinces like Dowling and Toner.

Then there's Buckley who's just rubbish.

Yet there's no sign of Keatley or Humphreys (then again I suppose too many outhalfs does spoil the broth) or Cave or Carr.

Delighted for Dan Touhy who seems to be playing very well whenever I see him. He's quick too.
[/b][/quote]
Huge squad, but he's sticking with Eddie's bunch to deliver a bit more than last year. I reckon ROG + Darse + maybe Horgan will start in the backs - just like all those years ago - but he'll bring in a lot of other players when we least expect, like he did against Scotland last year.

RWC is a guessing game, so between this year's Italy opener and the eventual Downfall of the ABs in Christchurch he's saying nuttin! If he manages the latter before 2011, then I don't give a **** about the RWC. Except I'll then expect us to win it.

 

[DuncTheDoodle]

I was just hopnig to see more of Fion Carr. That kid looks fantastic to me, especially considering how poor a team he's playing behind, and yet isn't getting picked. He's the Richard Fussell of Ireland.

Still, it's a massive squad. I'd like to see how they fit them all on a training pitch.

 

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (DuncTheDoodle @ Jan 20 2010, 08:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I was just hopnig to see more of Fion Carr. That kid looks fantastic to me, especially considering how poor a team he's playing behind, and yet isn't getting picked. He's the Richard Fussell of Ireland.

Still, it's a massive squad. I'd like to see how they fit them all on a training pitch.[/b]

There won't be a problem fitting them all onto a pitch. There's never a problem when Tommy Bowe is around.

 

[King_D'Arcy]

I really hope D'Arcy gets started at 12 ahead of Paddy Wallace. I just think he's far more threatening. You have to trust Kidney's judgement though. He knows what he's doing.

 

[munster]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (King D'arcy @ Jan 20 2010, 09:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I really hope D'Arcy gets started at 12 ahead of Paddy Wallace. I just think he's far more threatening. You have to trust Kidney's judgement though. He knows what he's doing.[/b]

I'd say he will... didnt expect him to pick Darcy last six nations but would be surprised if he doesnt this time even though Darcy hasnt done the most to prove he should be starting in recent weeks...

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MunsterMachine @ Jan 20 2010, 09:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (King D'arcy @ Jan 20 2010, 09:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I really hope D'Arcy gets started at 12 ahead of Paddy Wallace. I just think he's far more threatening. You have to trust Kidney's judgement though. He knows what he's doing.[/b]

I'd say he will... didnt expect him to pick Darcy last six nations but would be surprised if he doesnt this time even though Darcy hasnt done the most to prove he should be starting in recent weeks...
[/b][/quote]
Have heard he picks Wallace at 12 starting because D'Arcy is a better impact player of the 2 and Paddy Wallace is electric in training camps etc but the best thing Kidney has done is anywhere you look in our squad for the first time we have competition for places and I really believe (excluding Bowe, BOD & Paulie) we can loose anyone to injury and whoever comes in wont weaken team.

 

[feicarsinn]

Incorrect. If we lose Flannery, Hayes, Heaslip, Sexton or Kearney the team would be massively weakened We don't have a second tighhead, Cronin is unproven, no second no.8, ROG is cack and Kearney is far too good to be easily replaced.

 

[munster]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Jan 20 2010, 10:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Incorrect. If we lose Flannery, Hayes, Heaslip, Sexton or Kearney the team would be massively weakened We don't have a second tighhead, Cronin is unproven, no second no.8, ROG is cack and Kearney is far too good to be easily replaced.[/b]

Partially incorrect. Cronin is a very good player even if he is not proven at international level, Court can replace Hayes in most aspects apart from lifting, Leamy isn't far behind Heaslip and pushed him out of the starting team against Scotland last year, Sexton hasn't even secured his place ahead of O'Gara but agree with Kearney not being replaceable...

 

[durbutter]

Leamy is injured

 

[munster]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (noidsay @ Jan 20 2010, 10:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Leamy is injured[/b]

Thats not the point... the point is for the first time we have competition for places...

 

[feicarsinn]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MunsterMachine @ Jan 20 2010, 10:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Jan 20 2010, 10:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Incorrect. If we lose Flannery, Hayes, Heaslip, Sexton or Kearney the team would be massively weakened We don't have a second tighhead, Cronin is unproven, no second no.8, ROG is cack and Kearney is far too good to be easily replaced.[/b]

Partially incorrect. Cronin is a very good player even if he is not proven at international level, Court can replace Hayes in most aspects apart from lifting, Leamy isn't far behind Heaslip and pushed him out of the starting team against Scotland last year, Sexton hasn't even secured his place ahead of O'Gara but agree with Kearney not being replaceable...
[/b][/quote]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Cronin is a very good player even if he is not proven at international level[/b]

I'd agree, but Charlie Hodgeson is also a very good player.... for his club. The verdict is still out on Cronin till he puts a few decent performances in for Ireland. Remember he's replacing the man who was going to be the Lions no.2.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Court can replace Hayes in most aspects apart from lifting[/b]

Very debatable. If that were true he most likely would have gotten a hell of a lot more gametime before now. Won't ever be a starter in my opinion, that is if we can find someone to replace the Bull.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Leamy isn't far behind Heaslip and pushed him out of the starting team against Scotland last year[/b]

Heaslip is one of the top eightmen in the world. Leamy is not. Also he's injured.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Sexton hasn't even secured his place ahead of O'Gara[/b]

He is a far, far better player than O'Gara. Very few would argue with that. He can run, kick, pass and tackle, two of which O'Gara is useless at.