Ireland v South Africa

[Jer1cho]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (snoopy snoopy dog dog @ Nov 27 2009, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jer1cho @ Nov 27 2009, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I still think that Sexton is going to choke though...[/b]

Not disagreeing (we'll see tomorrow) but just wondering why do you think that? He's stepped up to every challenge in his career thus far. If he had a history of suffering from nerves, I'd buy into your theory but he's shown that pressure doesn't phase him.
[/b][/quote]

I have watched him for a while now, and i have seen how good this guy is. He is the kind of 10 every team wants. One thing i have noticed though, is that he doesn't handle going backwards very well. We chose a pretty strong pack, and i think that Ireland are going to get bullied. Sexton is going to struggle if he doesn't get decent ball. All he needs is one **** kick, or one small fumble, and his confidence is going to get shattered. I don't think he realizes how big a test this is going to be for him. He will probably only realize it once he is puking in the dressing room before running out onto the pitch.

He is going to be targeted i think. I would target him anyway...

 

[Bullitt]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MunsterMan @ Nov 27 2009, 12:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Sexton won't choke, he came into the biggest club rugby game in Irish history after half an hour and played a blinder, literally first thing he had to before even warming up was kick a difficult penalty, and he did with no fuss whatsoever.[/b]

It all depends on how you view things I guess...

 

[Sir Speedy]

Uh, no, in terms of crowd size I'm pretty sure the semi was the biggest club game of all time.

 

[shazbooger]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teh Mite @ Nov 27 2009, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

It all depends on how you view things I guess...[/b]

Records show it was the biggest in history. As it was a local derby, well that just adds to the pressure. I've been to ..... jesus its probably well over 50 or so games now and this one surpassed the original Ireland vs England game for atmosphere. it was some occasion and he cruised it.

As for the the use of the word choke. In rugby terms, the word choke has always come with pre-match expectations. In other words you must be expected to succeed on the back of a history of success and fail blindingly before you choke. While I understand mite desire to have an Irish out-half to abuse, is it really possible for a guy on his second cap to choke?

Either way your opinion, while well written and logical to an extent, is not based on any rugby I've seen in the last 12 months.

First of all your working off an assumption that this Bok pack will bully the Irish. Aside from a solid but unspectacular scrum and a rolling maul or two (they are the danger) I dont think there will be much in it.

Secondly, IF we were to be bullied, ANY outhalf hates going backward. Its not a Sexton trait.

Thirdly, Confidence is a part of his game, but his confidence has never been fragile. He is not an O'Gara or Henson. I've seen him make plenty of mistakes on the pitch, it doesnt affect him.

Finally. On the physical side of things, he's 6 ft 2 and 14.5 stone. He's no monster but hes more then happy to mix it up. One of the reasons I'm delighted he was selected is that we now have an outhalf who can tackle. Its the first time in 6 years. I'd be more concerned about Wallace outside of him then I would with Sexton.

 

[Jockstap]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Logorrhea @ Nov 28 2009, 02:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teh Mite @ Nov 27 2009, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It all depends on how you view things I guess...[/b]

Records show it was the biggest in history. As it was a local derby, well that just adds to the pressure. I've been to ..... jesus its probably well over 50 or so games now and this one surpassed the original Ireland vs England game for atmosphere. it was some occasion and he cruised it.

As for the the use of the word choke. In rugby terms, the word choke has always come with pre-match expectations. In other words you must be expected to succeed on the back of a history of success and fail blindingly before you choke. While I understand mite desire to have an Irish out-half to abuse, is it really possible for a guy on his second cap to choke?

Either way your opinion, while well written and logical to an extent, is not based on any rugby I've seen in the last 12 months.

First of all your working off an assumption that this Bok pack will bully the Irish. Aside from a solid but unspectacular scrum and a rolling maul or two (they are the danger) I dont think there will be much in it.

Secondly, IF we were to be bullied, ANY outhalf hates going backward. Its not a Sexton trait.

Thirdly, Confidence is a part of his game, but his confidence has never been fragile. He is not an O'Gara or Henson. I've seen him make plenty of mistakes on the pitch, it doesnt affect him.

Finally. On the physical side of things, he's 6 ft 2 and 14.5 stone. He's no monster but hes more then happy to mix it up.One of the reasons I'm delighted he was selected is that we now have an outhalf who can tackle. Its the first time in 6 years. I'd be more concerned about Wallace outside of him then I would with Sexton.
[/b][/quote]


This is the main reason for me as well, I wonder how the Irish team can use it to their advantage. Ideas?

 

[Bullitt]

Ah, I see, so attendance is the only factor... Gotcha.

 

[Sir Speedy]

This argument is pointless. Anyone who proceeds will have banana cake launched at them.

 

[shazbooger]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teh Mite @ Nov 27 2009, 02:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Ah, I see, so attendance is the only factor... Gotcha.[/b]

Semi final of the European Cup (the premium club comp), a Local derby between two of the biggest sides in Europe, with the biggest attendance in the history of the club game.

Sorry that it happened to involve two Irish sides but you just have to get over that. What more do you want? How do you set your records?

 

[Sir Speedy]

@Logorrhea:

 

[shazbooger]

Bahhh I only saw your warning AFTER I posted.

(kinda)

and he started it!

 

[cyRil]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Logorrhea @ Nov 27 2009, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teh Mite @ Nov 27 2009, 02:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ah, I see, so attendance is the only factor... Gotcha.[/b]

Semi final of the European Cup (the premium club comp), a Local derby between two of the biggest sides in Europe, with the biggest attendance in the history of the club game.

Sorry that it happened to involve two Irish sides but you just have to get over that. What more do you want? How do you set your records?
[/b][/quote]
APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE!!!

 

[Bullitt]

 

[cyRil]

BOOOOOOOOO!!!!

 

[shazbooger]

Thats not fishing. Jesus you have to say somthing people dont expect of you for it to be fishing.

And, if this was a panto, I'd totally be getting the chick. Cyril you better look good in a skirt.

 

[monkeypigeon]

Jeeeez, Who was the saffer a page and half ago who didn't couldn't work out 'the we can be better saffers than you' spoof, had a hissy and proved us right? He's my new best friend.

Ireland to win by 7000 points.

If our scrum buckles and we don't compete at the breakdown resulting in a loss then it was all down to the ref/bad sportsmanship/f-ed up weather...even if it seemed like it was all our own fault.

 

[shazbooger]

And altitude! Dont forget altitude.

Croke Park ................ well where I'm going to be sitting in Croke Park is pretty high up. That has to have an impact.

 

[Jockstap]

Jean de Villiers talks about his friendship with Ronan O’Gara, his unexpected call up and why the tour has been a success.

De Villiers knew the deal when he signed for Munster. The northern sojourn represented an opportunity to test his skills in an unfamiliar environment, but it also meant his Springbok career was put on hold. The Bok centre accepted the terms, as he felt it a necessary sacrifice if he was to become a better player.

On Wednesday, De Villiers received a phone call that told him that for just one weekend, he could have his cake and eat it. He will continue to play for Munster in the coming months, but because of the injury to Adi Jacobs, he will play for the Springboks against Ireland on Saturday.

‘I was in the gym on Wednesday morning and my coach told me he received a call from Andy Marinos. The call said they might use me against Ireland, and later in the day I got another call to tell me I was in.

‘I always knew what I was getting into when I moved here and I know nothing’s changed. I have no regrets of moving here and want to make a success of my time with Munster. I’m glad to get an opportunity, but I know it’s just for one game,’ he told keo.co.za.

‘I was actually surprised when Peter de Villiers sent the other guys [the dirt-trackers] home, because that really opened it up for me.’

De Villiers will play from the bench this Saturday as will his Munster team-mate O’Gara for the Irish. The two were opponents in the 2009 British & Irish Lions series, but have since become good friends at Munster. He frowned when asked about the alleged animosity between the Bok and Lions players.

‘I know how disappointed ROG was to be dropped for Jonny Sexton,’ said De Villiers. ‘I’ll probably send him a few more texts before the Test just to rib him. It’s going to be a great day for me, because I get to play for my country and I get to play against some of my mates. I’m sure we’ll have a few beers afterward.

‘I think all the talk of bad blood was unnecessary. I don’t think there was any bad blood and I don’t know where it comes from. I have a lot of friends in Ireland and I’m really looking forward to this game.’

De Villiers also rubbished talk of providing his team-mates with Irish secrets.

‘I suppose I could offer secrets to both sides,’ he joked. ‘Seriously, I don’t know how I would be able to aid the Boks in that respect, we all know the Irish psyche and the way they like to play. We all saw most of them when they toured with the Lions earlier this year.’

The Bok centre is also looking forward to playing against another Munster player in Keith Earls, who will start on the wing in place of the injured Luke Fitzgerald.

‘Keith has all the skills and attributes and has really settled well on the wing. I’m sure he’ll make the most of his opportunity this weekend.

‘I haven’t seen much of Sexton, and it’s a big call to start him ahead of ROG. We’ll see how it works out for them on Saturday, but you have to say Ireland are in a good position if the have ROG on the bench.’

Aside from losing to France, South Africa also failed in the midweek matches against Leicester and Saracens. De Villiers said that these games need to be viewed in context and that a lot of good has come from touring with an extended group.

‘It was disappointing to hear about those losses and I received a lot of chirps when I went to Munster training. But you have to look at what we gained. Some players have put their hands up in those games which is a big positive. Sometimes you have to look past results in games like that. Unfortunately we are a results-driven country, but it’s important to remember there were some good performances.’

De Villiers will reassess his future with Munster in February as he has a clause in his contract that allows him to opt out after one season. With the World Cup just around the corner, a return to South Africa seems likely.

 

[Ozzay]

I have watched him for a while now, and i have seen how good this guy is. He is the kind of 10 every team wants. One thing i have noticed though, is that he doesn't handle going backwards very well. We chose a pretty strong pack, and i think that Ireland are going to get bullied. Sexton is going to struggle if he doesn't get decent ball. All he needs is one **** kick, or one small fumble, and his confidence is going to get shattered. I don't think he realizes how big a test this is going to be for him. He will probably only realize it once he is puking in the dressing room before running out onto the pitch.

He is going to be targeted i think. I would target him anyway...
[/quote]

Completely Agree!

 

[stormer2010]

I see you gentlemen have got your straws ready.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jer1cho @ Nov 27 2009, 12:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (snoopy snoopy dog dog @ Nov 27 2009, 02:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jer1cho @ Nov 27 2009, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I still think that Sexton is going to choke though...[/b]

Not disagreeing (we'll see tomorrow) but just wondering why do you think that? He's stepped up to every challenge in his career thus far. If he had a history of suffering from nerves, I'd buy into your theory but he's shown that pressure doesn't phase him.
[/b][/quote]

I have watched him for a while now, and i have seen how good this guy is. He is the kind of 10 every team wants. One thing i have noticed though, is that he doesn't handle going backwards very well. We chose a pretty strong pack, and i think that Ireland are going to get bullied. Sexton is going to struggle if he doesn't get decent ball. All he needs is one **** kick, or one small fumble, and his confidence is going to get shattered. I don't think he realizes how big a test this is going to be for him. He will probably only realize it once he is puking in the dressing room before running out onto the pitch.

He is going to be targeted i think. I would target him anyway...
[/b][/quote]
This time last year I would have agreed with you however this season, that hasn't been the case. The only times I can remember him playing behind a beaten pack this year were against London Irish and Edinburgh. Against Irish he was Leinster's best player and against Edinburgh he came off the bench and changed the game in Leinster's favour.

As for him being targeted, I fully agree. It's only logical that SA are going to test out a rookie flyhalf by sending forwards charging down his channel. However I think South Africa would have targeted Ronan O'Gara just as much. The difference is Sexton is a good tackler rather than just a speed bump like the Munster player. O'Gara needs David Wallace to do his tackling for him. Playing Sexton frees Wallace up to do work at the breakdown more than previously.