Ireland vs Australia

[shtove]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nickdnz @ Nov 8 2009, 02:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shtove @ Nov 8 2009, 02:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jer1cho @ Nov 8 2009, 12:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shtove @ Nov 8 2009, 02:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

SA are blowhards who will fall apart when hit by a team that has confidence in its set piece play and genuine talent across the backline.

We would have seen it if France hadn't spoiled the AB party in 2007, and we nearly saw it on the Lions tour.

Ireland could do it. We have a good recent record against the Saffers. And it is Croker. And Kidney is a genius compared to PDV. But my money stays in my pocket.[/b]

Like the Lions? Good luck with that. Over-confident bunch you lot are.
[/b][/quote]
Still think Lions should have won 3-0. Bad selections.
[/b][/quote]
LOL, I think the Lions should have won the last three series, except they didn't, due to being out classed.

Are people serious about SA being easier then Aus? Aus have been shite all year, and SA have been on their best form. On the game Ireland vs Australia, I believe for Ireland to win, they need to attack the mid field constantly. Match ups will be interesting.
[/b][/quote]
Lions weren't outclassed. They got stuck with bad selections and were superior to SA when the right players were on the field.

I reckon Aus are more talented than SA man for man, but SA have the better system. Trick is to impose an even better sytem - shouldn't be too difficult, and would be great for the game. ABs are doing it now, so more power to them.

Good point about attacking the midfield, and I reckon Ireland have the players there. But they have to stop the beast boring in at scrum and spoil Matfield in the lineout. Potential is there, let's see how it goes.

 

[Nickdnz]

O'Connell vs Matfield? That will be interesting. O'Connell seemed to come off second best during the Lions series.

 

[Jockstap]

I think people are getting waaayyyyyy too ahead of themselves. The only game Ireland will win will be Fiji, we'll come close against Aus and get mullered by SA. Fact.

 

[KZNSharksFan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (snoopy snoopy dog dog @ Nov 8 2009, 06:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

A lot depends on how Ireland's outhalf plays. If an on-form O'Gara or Sexton shows up, Ireland will win by 10. If O'Gara shows his current Munster form or Sexton is nervous on his debut, Australia could sneak it. My guess is we'll see 60 minutes of O'Gara, 20 minutes of Sexton and Ireland struggling to a narrow 3 point win. This is the game I'm most worried about since I think Ireland will handle Fiji and South Africa with little difficulty.[/b]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[KZNSharksFan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (snoopy snoopy dog dog @ Nov 8 2009, 08:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sir. Speedy @ Nov 7 2009, 06:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Nov 7 2009, 06:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ireland will handle South Africa with little dificulty? Do you know something that I don't? Fill me in.[/b]

My thoughts.
[/b][/quote]
Simple. South Africa aren't that good.
[/b][/quote]
:lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[KZNSharksFan]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shtove @ Nov 8 2009, 02:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Still think Lions should have won 3-0. Bad selections.[/b]

:lol: :lol: :lol:
Christ almighty

But seriously, why are SA not that good? I'm keen to know

 

[QLD]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jockstrap @ Nov 8 2009, 06:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I think people are getting waaayyyyyy too ahead of themselves. The only game Ireland will win will be Fiji, we'll come close against Aus and get mullered by SA. Fact.[/b]

Ireland aren't easybeats. I think they are a huge chance of beating Aus and SA.

 

[Bullitt]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dale @ Nov 8 2009, 09:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jockstrap @ Nov 8 2009, 06:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think people are getting waaayyyyyy too ahead of themselves. The only game Ireland will win will be Fiji, we'll come close against Aus and get mullered by SA. Fact.[/b]

Ireland aren't easybeats. I think they are a huge chance of beating Aus and SA.
[/b][/quote]


Considering how **** most of their players have been of late, don't be so sure. If they win either, it'll be down to O'Driscoll literally carrying them or Kidney actually having the ******** to not select Munster half-backs - Which of course goes against everything he stands for.

 

[Steve-o]

I thought you were talking about the B&I Lions until you mentioned Friday. But yeah the Boks can still get the grandslam... The grandslam of losing that is! LOLZ

 

[durbutter]

TOL hasn't been playing that poorly. He'd start on form.

 

[feicarsinn]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Teh Mite @ Nov 8 2009, 10:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Dale @ Nov 8 2009, 09:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jockstrap @ Nov 8 2009, 06:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think people are getting waaayyyyyy too ahead of themselves. The only game Ireland will win will be Fiji, we'll come close against Aus and get mullered by SA. Fact.[/b]

Ireland aren't easybeats. I think they are a huge chance of beating Aus and SA.
[/b][/quote]


Considering how **** most of their players have been of late, don't be so sure. If they win either, it'll be down to O'Driscoll literally carrying them or Kidney actually having the ******** to not select Munster half-backs - Which of course goes against everything he stands for.
[/b][/quote]
Dunno bout that now. Kidney is quite cut-throat in his selections honestly. Look at when he called O'Leary up for the Heineken cup semi final a few years back over Stringer. Huge call and it really paid off.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nickdnz @ Nov 8 2009, 02:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shtove @ Nov 8 2009, 02:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Jer1cho @ Nov 8 2009, 12:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (shtove @ Nov 8 2009, 02:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

SA are blowhards who will fall apart when hit by a team that has confidence in its set piece play and genuine talent across the backline.

We would have seen it if France hadn't spoiled the AB party in 2007, and we nearly saw it on the Lions tour.

Ireland could do it. We have a good recent record against the Saffers. And it is Croker. And Kidney is a genius compared to PDV. But my money stays in my pocket.[/b]

Like the Lions? Good luck with that. Over-confident bunch you lot are.
[/b][/quote]
Still think Lions should have won 3-0. Bad selections.
[/b][/quote]
LOL, I think the Lions should have won the last three series, except they didn't, due to being out classed.

Are people serious about SA being easier then Aus? Aus have been shite all year, and SA have been on their best form. On the game Ireland vs Australia, I believe for Ireland to win, they need to attack the mid field constantly. Match ups will be interesting.
[/b][/quote]
Australia have quite a bit of recent match practice together as a unit. Ireland don't. That's why I think they'll be more difficult to beat. I fully agree that South Africa are a better team than Australia.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (KZNSharksFan @ Nov 8 2009, 09:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (snoopy snoopy dog dog @ Nov 8 2009, 08:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Sir. Speedy @ Nov 7 2009, 06:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Monkeypigeon @ Nov 7 2009, 06:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ireland will handle South Africa with little dificulty? Do you know something that I don't? Fill me in.[/b]

My thoughts.
[/b][/quote]
Simple. South Africa aren't that good.
[/b][/quote]
:lol: :lol: :lol:
[/b][/quote]
We'll see in 3 weeks time. South Africa are very poorly coached, are playing away from home late in their season, have donkies in the centre and a prima donna fullback. The halfbacks are the only players I'd be worried about. My prediction is about 23-13 and a third win on the spin for Ireland against South Africa.

 

[MunsterMan]

Rocky v Ferris is going to be f***ing awesome. Rocky will definitely be playing with a target on his back, any chance one of our boys get to smash him will be taken without a second thought. What a player.

Ireland should definitely beat Australia, they have more up front and in the backline than England, and will punish Australia if they play poorly again.

Ireland should also beat South Africa. We have the best forward coach in the world, who knows the SA forwards well. We have Kearney at fullback as well as Bowe and Fitz (plenty of FB experience) to stop the kicking game, and if we pick Sexton at 10 or by some miracle ROG finds some form and confidence we should win.

The only thing I would really worry about going up against SA is the lineout, but I'm sure Smal will have a few tricks up our sleeves. SA will be favourites no doubt, but If you guys think a narrow Irish win is unrealistic your kidding yourselves.

Originally posted by Jake White
Last week Jake White pointed to the Ireland test as the trickiest on the World Cup holders' dance card this month. Why? Because of Smal. "He knows the Boks' forwards' strengths and weaknesses, and he will do everything in his power to exploit the latter," he said.

"It's a shame he was allowed to leave South African rugby because I rate him the best forwards' coach in the world, but our loss has been Ireland's gain."

You can call me arrogant or whatever for thinking Ireland is in with a good chance against the all mighty world champions, but laughing at anyone who suggests Ireland could win comes across far more arrogant to me.

 

[Nickdnz]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MunsterMan @ Nov 9 2009, 02:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Rocky v Ferris is going to be f***ing awesome. Rocky will definitely be playing with a target on his back, any chance one of our boys get to smash him will be taken without a second thought. What a player.

Ireland should definitely beat Australia, they have more up front and in the backline than England, and will punish Australia if they play poorly again.

Ireland should also beat South Africa. We have the best forward coach in the world, who knows the SA forwards well. We have Kearney at fullback as well as Bowe and Fitz (plenty of FB experience) to stop the kicking game, and if we pick Sexton at 10 or by some miracle ROG finds some form and confidence we should win.

The only thing I would really worry about going up against SA is the lineout, but I'm sure Smal will have a few tricks up our sleeves. SA will be favourites no doubt, but If you guys think a narrow Irish win is unrealistic your kidding yourselves.

Originally posted by Jake White
Last week Jake White pointed to the Ireland test as the trickiest on the World Cup holders' dance card this month. Why? Because of Smal. "He knows the Boks' forwards' strengths and weaknesses, and he will do everything in his power to exploit the latter," he said.

"It's a shame he was allowed to leave South African rugby because I rate him the best forwards' coach in the world, but our loss has been Ireland's gain."

You can call me arrogant or whatever for thinking Ireland is in with a good chance against the all mighty world champions, but laughing at anyone who suggests Ireland could win comes across far more arrogant to me.
[/b]

It dosn't come accross as impossible, but I do think it is unlikley. SA seem to have found a loop hole in the game which means they can essentially play the most boring rugby in the world and win. It is like they don't take chances.

 

[An Tarbh]

well Ireland are pretty much in the same boat, we didn't win the 6 Nations by playing the most attractive or expansive form of rugby, if anything we were the most conservative team in the Championship, which is certainly a change from the previous seasons. It was only on the Lions tour that we saw the likes of Kearney and Bowe really cut loose.

 

[feicarsinn]

But Bowe's try against Wales was sexy.

 

[MunsterMan]

The France game was the exception of course, some lovely tries in that match.

 

[monkeypigeon]

This is one of the funniest threads around at the moment. Irish fans really have taken on the unrelentling cockiness of Southern Hemisphere rugby fans!

Which would upset me but it seems another word for 'winning mentality'

On the Australia match. Think we should win Sexton starts. O'Leary has had 2 crap matches but besides that he's on better from than Reddan (imo) and it'd be nice to see him in action while he's not babysitting ROG. But if ROG starts then none of the kicks will go over and Giteau and Genia will have plenty of space to run at and Rocky will smash him. Got plenty of practice at that last year.

And I have a gutwrenching feeling that ROG will start. I hope to Bod that all the journalists are wrong and Brent Pope is right.


Em, dunno how people are jumping to this 'South Africa aren't that good' concept. They have a betetr front row than us (though I'm really interested in how Healy will do against Smit) and they have a brilliant second row and they're now even stronger thanks to the injury of Spies. Spies would have been easier to handle that Kan if you ask me.

Best halfback pairing going if you ask me. Perhaps Steyn will kick a couple of funky kicks and Fitz, SuperRob and Bowe can show that we know how to counter-attack too.

Their only weaknesses are at Fullback where they'll miss Franny and centre where Wallace - O'Driscoll (or Fitzgerald -Bod if we get lucky) could do alot of damage of Bowe keeps on popping up in with his pretty little lines.

But to be honest I think we can beat the Aussies (if Sexton starts), Butthe Saffers are different. If Ferris and Healy play well we can take the 'em but I don't see it happening.


Edit: In relation to the above. I've heard alot of talk that Kidney was playing the conservative rugby to get back confidence and gave a reasonable first season. So hopefully this year he'll "Cry 'Havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war"...so to speak.

 

[gingergenius]

Well from an English point of view, I'd love Australia to win this one. Makes us look not quite so bad.

However, for Ireland this is a must win. They established themselves as a force by winning the Grand Slam. They need to back this up with dominant performances in the AIs. Australia are the weakest side in the Tri-Nations, and Ireland's best chance this Autumn of taking a SH scalp.

Imagine how depressing it would be to lose to Aus and have an inevitable defeat to SA/ NZ coming up. That's the boat England are in.

On the other hand, if Ireland beat the Aussies, then it shows they've arrived and they can go into the SA game with a lot of confidence.

I predict an Irish victory... 18-15 or a similar scoreline.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I was watching RTE last night and the following is George Hook's preferred backline for the game versus Australia:

15. Kearney
14. Earls
13. Wallace
12. O'Driscoll
11. Fitzgerald
10. O'Gara
9. Reddan

Why on earth has he got the centres in the wrong positions? Why isn't Tommy Bowe there? His reason for selecting O'Gara was baffling - even though Sexton is playing far better rugby, O'Gara's a confidence player and dropping him could ruin that confidence!