Ireland v Samoa

[King_D'Arcy]

Well that is something even Munster do in training

But I think that is what Sexton still is learning is that he has to be thinking all the time and ROG showed experience yesterday. But I feel in the last 2/3 years ROG has developed this ruthless streak in Munster that between himself and Paulie that instead of turning down an easy 3 points at important time of games they go for broke and try for the 7. The most recent example was against Toulon after going 7points down early.

Yeah I agree. I feel no pride about that try and it was no reflection of the game but it was certainly good thinking. ROG was one of the few players who slightly impressed me yesterday. No that he played aprticularly well but he looked far more like the captain than BOD did. He was seriously up for it. His kicking out of hand wasn't great but he was looking for oppurtunities and he was giving it his all.

 

[munstermuffin]

Best thing that happened ROG was Sexton challenging for 10 shirt as now we know there is a battle and ROG can't be certain of nething like he was before

 

[King_D'Arcy]

Funny how 2 or 3 years ago ROG was infamously the most careless, unpatriotic of Irish rugby internationals and now he's so passionate. I didnt see it but apparently in an interview after the match against SA he was almost in tears begging the fans to come to the matches.

 

[lynam1104]

Yea i heard about that too before he always seem to come off as arrogant now he is much more humble. Also is he taller then before looked like it yesterday.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

What should Ireland do next week? My team would be:

15. Kearney
14. Bowe
13. O'Driscoll
12. D'arcy
11. Fitzgerald
10. Sexton
9. Stringer
1. Healy
2. Cronin
3. Court/Ross
4. Cullen
5. Toner
6. Ferris
7. Wallace
8. Heaslip
Subs: Varley, Court/Ross, O'Callaghan, O'Brien, Boss, O'Gara, Earls

Court has shown enough in his two appearances to date to merit inclusion. I feel Ross is a better tighthead but he won't be thrown in cold having missed the late two games due to poor selection by the coach. Why then select the equally "cold" Cullen? Because the tight 5 has been so poor and lacked leadership. O'Callaghan needs a major kick up the arse. Toner will supply lineout ball, Cullen brings a bit of dog and O'Callaghan comes on after 50 or so when Cullen inevitably tires.

In the backs, I believe O'Gara is in slightly better form than Sexton but he's played and lost against NZ on multiple occasions. It's time to trust Sexton with O'Gara steering the team home for the last 20 minutes. D'arcy's defense sees him picked ahead of Wallace.

Whoever Kidney picks, Ireland are staring at a 20+ point hammering.

 

[munstermuffin]

Snoop I agree with you on 10 call because look we know ROG can do a job but fact is Sexton needs to get used to this scenario and deal with it. I'd rather he learn in these games than in World Cup.
Also Munster were training today and we will be informed tonight on Keith Earls availability so its probable he either wont be in 22 or just warming bench. Personally, I think Kearney (Is he fit?) should be dropped and Earls on wing with Fitz at 15.
I really don't know what the Irish management are thinking but since we won the Grandslam we have fallen in to a false sense of security regarding our team and there is too much loyalty to some players who simply aren't at same level. ROG issue was right call in getting Sexton in but now Kidney has to snap out of it and make another few tough calls.

On Munster vs Aus - We could have a nice backline.

9. D. Williams (T.O'Leary looking sharp in training but won't be risked)
10. P. Warwick
11. D. Hurley
12. S. Tuitupou
13. K. Earls
14. D. Howlett
15. J. Murphy

With Deasy and Barry Murphy it will possibly have more fire power than Irish Team

 

[coonor]

I think Ireland need to really try and get the basics right. New Zealand obviously have victory in their hands and I wouldn't back Ireland to beat the all blacks but nothing is imposible in sport. Basically i'll be looking for an improved perfomance.

My Ireland Targets and how to acheive them

1) A stable set piece- the scrum must be able to win its own ball so Hayes has to go. I want court at tighthead and Healy at loose with Ross on the bench. I think Cullen deserves a place because a player like him is really needed and I think Toner should be in the squad because he adds alot to the lineout. If D. ryan is in the squad he must perform well in the lineout.

2) More phsicallity- I want to see huge hits and the Kiwis going backwards. Ireland need to match New Zealands and show there presence.

3) Better ball protection- Ireland need more possession and we need quicker ball. Court has been rucking well but the pack must be organised so Irelands backs have more space and quicker ball.

4) organisation in the backs- The backs are not playing as tactically as they can and there is no controll. With a good platform Ireland need to create space get the ball to our danger men. Bowe is not getting enough ball.

5) Leadership- We are missing O'Connell in the pack so a senior forward must step. BOD is not leading by example and I think he needs to step and show just how much playing to Ireland means to him.

 

[Sam Owen]

Sam - Just a quick question, what is Samoa's preperation plan for the World Cup from here in because I think they surely strong enough to be a threat if they get more game time together.
The IRB should surely look at getting these nations more involved (all the time) and make rugby even more competitive.

Im not sure about next year as to whether or not we get adequate test matches before the RWC to prepare us for the RWC. Not being able to play together more often is one of our concerns. Sometimes Im not even sure of who is playing for us.

This years games are definately building towards next years RWC. So games against any of the NH teams is truely valuable for us, so although no-one likes to lose, we are still getting good quality sparring so to speak in the NH.

Yes we would love for the IRB to hook us up with more games against the worlds top 10, that'll be fantastic.