Ireland v Italy

[monkeypigeon]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MunsterMan @ Feb 6 2010, 11:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Reddan is clueless, how we can have scrumhalves playing so poorly with Boss playing out of his skin benching for Ireland A is crazy.[/b]

If we're losing in France with 20 minutes to go, I'd want Boss coming off the bench and not Reddan. Boss has just been so dangerous this year and has worked so well with his backrow. For example the try he worked for Chris Henry against the Saxons. And he nearly did it a second time aswell.

 

[shtove]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Feb 7 2010, 11:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MunsterMan @ Feb 6 2010, 11:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Reddan is clueless, how we can have scrumhalves playing so poorly with Boss playing out of his skin benching for Ireland A is crazy.[/b]

If we're losing in France with 20 minutes to go, I'd want Boss coming off the bench and not Reddan. Boss has just been so dangerous this year and has worked so well with his backrow. For example the try he worked for Chris Henry against the Saxons. And he nearly did it a second time aswell.
[/b][/quote]
The fact he was almost able to do it a second time shows how dumb the Saxons were. But I'd select him over TOL, not Reddan.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (An Tarbh @ Feb 6 2010, 07:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

munstermuffin, don't agree with your comments about Cullen, thought he had an excellent game and offered more at lineout time than Donncha, scrum didn't suffer for Donncha's absence either. I gladly take back my comments about Cullen not being an international player, perhaps judging him on performances from 7 years ago wasn't the best thing to do, if he does start next week he won't let the side down.[/b]

My point is I don't think he offers MORE than DOC. I do think Leo international standard but is 3rd choice 2nd row at moment.
Now don't get me wrong if he starts against France i won't be upset as the difference between him and DOC is marginal,
But i will be upset if Trimble starts over Earls who was Irelands best back 3 player today in 25mins he played.

Also I think Donnacha Ryan has really got a chance of bench over O'Brien vs France if Ferris is out.

And as previously said Paddy Wallace deserves a spot in 22 after today which means either ROG or Sexton will loose out.
Great to see we've option though

 

[MunsterMan]

I'd put Ferris, Sexton and DOC straight back in for next week, probably Earls too, Flannery just edging it over Best.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MunsterMan @ Feb 7 2010, 12:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I'd put Ferris, Sexton and DOC straight back in for next week, probably Earls too, Flannery just edging it over Best.[/b]

Well i with you on the Ferris, DOC and Earls for sure.

I'd want Sexton in if he is 100% and ready with ROG playing last 20mins maybe closing it out but Sexton can release backs starting off.
I think Kidney will pick the form 10 at moment though which is ROG (partly due to Sexton injuries)

As for Best/Flannery I'd want Fla starting to get line-out firing and he edges it in loose but Best to come on again and play major part as we're blessed to have 2 great hookers (both should've been LIONS)

 

[shtove]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MunsterMan @ Feb 7 2010, 12:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I'd put Ferris, Sexton and DOC straight back in for next week, probably Earls too, Flannery just edging it over Best.[/b]

Please god Ferris makes it. DOC not so much of a loss.

Sexton will be a very interesting selection for the France match. Last year we let rip against them, but played a cagey game against everyone else, like today against Italy. I reckon he's perfect for letting rip, but not for England in Twickenham when things will have to be kept steady and managed ROG style.

How's ROG's knee?

 

[Jockstap]

Using the new deductive reasoning Alcohol has given me, I've decided that Ireland's performance was a all a clever ploy by Kidney to lull the French into a false sense of security. They got their two tries and had the game wrapped up, went in for the halftime talk and Kidney tore them a new one for trying to play some rugby. He told them to kick at every opportunity, even when something was on, later, Wallace(who wasn't listening to Kidney's speech for wondering why his head is always so bloody purple) came on and tried to put some life into the game by getting the backline going. Fortunatley the other lads on the pitch new the story and deliberately knocked on, made stupid mistakes, bad decisions etc to keep Kidney happy. Nothing to worry about lads roll on next weekend.

 

[King_D'Arcy]

I just watched an interview with Kidney where he says that it was similar enough to the match against Italy last year, which is actually true. 2 of our tries last year were intercept tries which made the scoreline look more impressive. Still though we do need to see some serious improvements for next week.

I hope the starting XV looks like this next week:

1. Healy
2. Flannery
3. Hayes
4. Cullen (Although I wouldn't complain if DOC got it)
5. O'Connell
6. Ferris
7. Wallace
8. Heaslip
9. O'Leary
10. Sexton
11. Earls
12. D'Arcy/ P. Wallace (I really don't mind who. Maybe Wallace will suit Deccie's game plan more for next week. I trust he'll make the right call)
13. O'Driscoll
14. Bowe (Needs to get his act together)
15. Kearney (Also needs to get his act together)

I think all of ireland's scrumhalves are very mediocre. The slow ball from the ruck is becoming very annoying. O'Leary can point at the ruck and jump up and down like an idiot trying to get the ref to be nice to him all he wants but he's not getting the team anywhere. He just needs to strap on a pair and dig the ball out (without knocking it on every 2nd time). I would almost consider Boss to start.

And to think i considered O'Leary for MOTM at half time

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I don't think I've chimed in on this yet.....

Ireland were abysmal, Italy worse. It's the worst I've seen Rob Kearney play in a long time. The pack didn't impose themselves at the breakdown. O'Leary was ponderous as a result of this but it doesn't excuse his increasingly poor box kicking. Kevin McLaughlin is having a good season with Leinster but I don't see him imposing his game on the opposition - he's a follower rather than a leader. Ferris is badly needed next week. Other than that, I wouldn't change the team but would bring Sexton and O'Callaghan onto the bench for Wallace (who looked good yesterday) and Ryan.

 

[QLD]

Watching some of this game was cringeworthy. Watching Italy is cringeworthy. Have they improved in the 10 years since they were admitted to the 6N? I doubt it.

 

[bristol-iain]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dale @ Feb 7 2010, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Watching some of this game was cringeworthy. Watching Italy is cringeworthy. Have they improved in the 10 years since they were admitted to the 6N? I doubt it.[/b]

They did for a few years in the middle of the noughties but seem to have gone down again.

 

[munstermuffin]

Well roll on Les Bleus

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dale @ Feb 7 2010, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Watching some of this game was cringeworthy. Watching Italy is cringeworthy. Have they improved in the 10 years since they were admitted to the 6N? I doubt it.[/b]

Under Pierre Berbizier they were making strides but Nick Mallett has been an abject failure as coach.

 

[King_D'Arcy]

I'm actually frantically worrying about Kearney now. Someone mentioned earlier in this topic about how he's been playing badly for leinster for the last 3 months. that's complete horse sh*t of course but he certainly hasn't been setting the world alight for them... and rememebr against scarlets when he kept dropping the ball? What's going on Rob? That try he gave away yesterday reminded me of something Gerodan Murphy might've done for Ireland... We don't want another Geordan Murphy on our hands

 

[gingergenius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (King D'arcy @ Feb 7 2010, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I'm actually frantically worrying about Kearney now. Someone mentioned earlier in this topic about how he's been playing badly for leinster for the last 3 months. that's complete horse sh*t of course but he certainly hasn't been setting the world alight for them... and rememebr against scarlets when he kept dropping the ball? What's going on Rob? That try he gave away yesterday reminded me of something Gerodan Murphy might've done for Ireland... We don't want another Geordan Murphy on our hands[/b]

Ireland, can you please stop fretting!! The fact is that when Ireland bothered, they looked in patches a very good side, in spite of missing DOC, Ferris, Sexton and Fitzgerald. Italy ruined the game and put the Irish into cruise mode. Not that that really matters, because against France, you'll be properly pumped again.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (King D'arcy @ Feb 7 2010, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I'm actually frantically worrying about Kearney now. Someone mentioned earlier in this topic about how he's been playing badly for leinster for the last 3 months. that's complete horse sh*t of course but he certainly hasn't been setting the world alight for them... and rememebr against scarlets when he kept dropping the ball? What's going on Rob? That try he gave away yesterday reminded me of something Gerodan Murphy might've done for Ireland... We don't want another Geordan Murphy on our hands[/b]

That was me D'Arcy and it is a big worry as I think he is a vital part as while we have options at FB none are safe as Kearney but my worry is after a superb Lions tour is coming rapidly down a slope and going off form.
But looking at the try i think Trimble shares blame for try equally as he didn't claim ball either.

 

[King_D'Arcy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Feb 7 2010, 02:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (King D'arcy @ Feb 7 2010, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm actually frantically worrying about Kearney now. Someone mentioned earlier in this topic about how he's been playing badly for leinster for the last 3 months. that's complete horse sh*t of course but he certainly hasn't been setting the world alight for them... and rememebr against scarlets when he kept dropping the ball? What's going on Rob? That try he gave away yesterday reminded me of something Gerodan Murphy might've done for Ireland... We don't want another Geordan Murphy on our hands[/b]

That was me D'Arcy and it is a big worry as I think he is a vital part as while we have options at FB none are safe as Kearney but my worry is after a superb Lions tour is coming rapidly down a slope and going off form.
But looking at the try i think Trimble shares blame for try equally as he didn't claim ball either.
[/b][/quote]

Really terrible communication between Kearney and Trimble in all yesterday IMO. Communication is much better between Fitzgerald and Kearney. I think we underestimate Luke. He hasn't been that flashy so far for Ireland but he's seriously solid and a winger with a real rugby brain and a good eye for gaps in oppostion defence and space opening up. His defence is second to no other wing in Europe IMO. I think a game like that yesterday would've really suited Luke. When the rest of the team seemed to get dragged down by italy's style of play I think Luke would've been still jinking around constantly looking for oppurtunities.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (King D'arcy @ Feb 7 2010, 02:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Feb 7 2010, 02:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (King D'arcy @ Feb 7 2010, 01:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm actually frantically worrying about Kearney now. Someone mentioned earlier in this topic about how he's been playing badly for leinster for the last 3 months. that's complete horse sh*t of course but he certainly hasn't been setting the world alight for them... and rememebr against scarlets when he kept dropping the ball? What's going on Rob? That try he gave away yesterday reminded me of something Gerodan Murphy might've done for Ireland... We don't want another Geordan Murphy on our hands[/b]

That was me D'Arcy and it is a big worry as I think he is a vital part as while we have options at FB none are safe as Kearney but my worry is after a superb Lions tour is coming rapidly down a slope and going off form.
But looking at the try i think Trimble shares blame for try equally as he didn't claim ball either.
[/b][/quote]

Really terrible communication between Kearney and Trimble in all yesterday IMO. Communication is much better between Fitzgerald and Kearney. I think we underestimate Luke. He hasn't been that flashy so far for Ireland but he's seriously solid and a winger with a real rugby brain and a good eye for gaps in oppostion defence and space opening up. His defence is second to no other wing in Europe IMO. I think a game like that yesterday would've really suited Luke. When the rest of the team seemed to get dragged down by italy's style of play I think Luke would've been still jinking around constantly looking for oppurtunities.
[/b][/quote]
Agreed 100% Luke Fitzgearld is a gifted player and great defensively.
But I think Earls should be let loose against French instead of Trimble who has been given so many chances and failed to deliver IMO.
As for Luke Fitzgearld I really hope when D'Arcy and Wallace are gone he is our next 12 as he has all the attributes and has potential to be a world class 12

 

[An Tarbh]

Kidney has always viewed one of his wingers as an extra full back which for me made the selection of Trimble over Earls that bit more confusing, he's no extra fullback that's for sure. Hopefully he'll set that right when he names the team for Paris.

 

[munstermuffin]

Lads have watched the game again on tv and well this what i think:
- Earls has to start next day
- Cullen and DOC both have big parts to play depending on game plan
- Ferris is needed as McLauglin is just not quite ready yet (although playing well yesterday)
- Kearney badly needs to rediscover his form