Italy vs Ireland - 16/03/2013

[munstermuffin]

Interesting to see Italy have been the most positive and attacking team per stats in tournament. Must admit they are team I enjoyed the most.

 

[djwizard84]

I'm going to be in the stadium and i just wish that they play with the motivation to not get the Wooden Spoon. It would be like last years game against Scotland.
I'm 50/50 on the final score.

 

[Big Ewis]

To be fair, that margin flattered Wales. The first try was an absolute fluke, and 9 points came from the scrum which was unexpected the level of dominance there was. Still Italy were dissappointing in that match, they normally always show up in Rome and get thumped away, roles reversed somewhat last couple of matches, but I don't expect them to be as bad as they were against Wales. Should be very close, Ireland have several injuries, I think Italy may well take this or at least come close.

Oh absolutely. Not to take anything away from Wales but it's just the truth. But for the scrum it's all on Italy, Wales just beat them there fair and square. It's just such a shame they've had these two games in between the first match against France and then Twick...disappointing, I dunno how the hell they managed those performances...I mean, right after beating France with that sort of momentum surely Scotland of all teams was achievable...
But that last match in Twickenham will have immortalized them forever as a threat to any nation I think, at least in the 6N from now on, and backed up by the other impressive feats these past few months. They really need some success in the next June tests and past that though to cement that they really are capable of a high level "naturally", even if lower performances will follow as well.
But with their level of play this tournament in those two games they have really shown finally it can't be flukes as they were totally in control and making passes wide the entire matches with no handling errors for long, long and repeated phases. They just have it in them to really, really be a strong team on attack, and that's not nearly their only quality. So they finally have a no. of things to fall back onto rather than just a damn scrum, which as we've seen (VS FRA, WAL, ENG) isn't even guaranteed an 80min dominance.

I'm saying all this here, because this match may be a fascinating episode in Italy's solidifying of their int'l reputation. We'll all look back at 2013 and say "man, they were fantastic in the November tests leading to the 6N, and then they managed to beat France (convincingly), scared the **** out of England in London, and beat Ireland for the first time in the tournament".
When they really pull their shhit together in the next few years, they can srs contend for this thing. The Scotland and Wales games were within their ability tbh, they just totally sucked. They actually could have gone, say, 3 victories this year alone and a big fright in Twick.

 

[dualtamac]

What time's the team being announced? Probably going to be at work so might miss it.

 

[munstermuffin]

Same time as always 1:30 at press conference.

 

[jkUNCAcap]

15. Rob Kearney
14. Craig Gilroy
13. Brian O'Driscoll
12. Luke Marshall
11. Keith Earls
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Mike McCarthy
5. Donnacha Ryan
6. Peter O'Mahony
7. Sean O'Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip (c)

Replacements: S Cronin, D Kilcoyne, S Archer, I Henderson, D Toner, P Jackson, P Marshall, L Fitzgerald

(http://www.therugbyblog.co.uk/six-n...twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter)

 

[munstermuffin]

Wonder exactly how fit two centres are

 

[lynam1104]

15. Rob Kearney
14. Craig Gilroy
13. Brian O'Driscoll
12. Luke Marshall
11. Keith Earls
10. Johnny Sexton
9. Conor Murray

1. Cian Healy
2. Rory Best
3. Mike Ross
4. Mike McCarthy
5. Donnacha Ryan
6. Peter O'Mahony
7. Sean O'Brien
8. Jamie Heaslip (c)

Replacements: S Cronin, D Kilcoyne, S Archer, I Henderson, D Toner, P Jackson, P Marshall, L Fitzgerald

(http://www.therugbyblog.co.uk/six-n...twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter)

Looks like a strong team, surprised both BOD and Marshal pulled through. Really want to se what this back line can do on a dry (presumable) day in Rome. Doubt they will go all out as this is a must win game and considering how the last time in Rome went its going to be a tough physical day which will most likely provide mor injuries.

Edit: and it seems its ment to have been raining all week fantastic.

 

[jkUNCAcap]

Wonder exactly how fit two centres are

They've been cleared to play, so I can only hope that means they can play full speed and play a good game of rugby, especially since the three back replacements we have are a fly half, an uncapped scrummie, and a wing/full back.

 

[Amiga500]

They've been cleared to play, so I can only hope that means they can play full speed and play a good game of rugby, especially since the three back replacements we have are a fly half, an uncapped scrummie, and a wing/full back.

Fitzgerald can play 12... while according to some Keith Earls can play 13...

 

[munstermuffin]

Well I think all backs can fill in if needed. But well DOC I think deserved better respect as in fair enough if Henderson was put ahead but I sorry Toner is awful decision. But still I hope out 2 centres are up to full speed because whatever Italy turns up 1 thing they always bring is physicality.

 

[jkUNCAcap]

According to the Official IRFU Twitter account, Sexton has been ruled out with a torn tendon in his foot. Paddy Jackson will start in his place, and Ian Madigan will be on the bench.

Italy's Castrogiovanni is also out due to his thigh injury. (http://www.rbs6nations.com/en/22666.php)

 

[lynam1104]

Just saw that, so bloody frustrating can't imagine being Sexton atm must be bitterly disappointed. How long wold a tendon injury put him out for anyone know?

 

[profitius]

Sexton is expected to be out for a month at least. Look on the bright side, its great for Jackson and Madigan.

Well I think all backs can fill in if needed. But well DOC I think deserved better respect as in fair enough if Henderson was put ahead but I sorry Toner is awful decision. But still I hope out 2 centres are up to full speed because whatever Italy turns up 1 thing they always bring is physicality.

Toner has to be there because DOC can't run a lineout and Ryan is battling with his fitness throughout the tournament. Apart from that I don't think DOC is a great loss.

 

[munstermuffin]

Well I know DOC isn't ideal for lineout but apart from jumping in lineout Toner offers nothing and I'd like to think we had O'Mahony, O'Brien, Heaslip and Henderson if Ryan goes off as jumpers. But regards Sexton while it awful to see him out injured as he by far our best 10 I think it great to give PJ and Madigan this game as they will benefit big time from it. Still have a bad feeling but don't know is it that welfare of Munstet lads is at risk or we will loose

 

[big ginger 8]

Well I know DOC isn't ideal for lineout but apart from jumping in lineout Toner offers nothing and I'd like to think we had O'Mahony, O'Brien, Heaslip and Henderson if Ryan goes off as jumpers. But regards Sexton while it awful to see him out injured as he by far our best 10 I think it great to give PJ and Madigan this game as they will benefit big time from it. Still have a bad feeling but don't know is it that welfare of Munstet lads is at risk or we will loose

None of those are middle jumpers you saw what happened when McCarthy went to the middle vs France. Also none of them are lineout callers even if Toner is just a lineout man you've seen how important it is and what happens when it falls apart.

 

[Draggs]

Eoin McLove at standoff again.
What is the general feeling of him?

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Eoin McLove at standoff again.
What is the general feeling of him?

I think it'll work well, we'll keep the scoreboard ticking for 65 minutes and then bring on Madigan and Marshall to rape the Italian defence..... Well that's what a good coach would do.

 

[big ginger 8]

I think it'll work well, we'll keep the scoreboard ticking for 65 minutes and then bring on Madigan and Marshall to rape the Italian defence..... Well that's what a good coach would do.

Sure why would you use subs.

 

[munstermuffin]

None of those are middle jumpers you saw what happened when McCarthy went to the middle vs France. Also none of them are lineout callers even if Toner is just a lineout man you've seen how important it is and what happens when it falls apart.

I know but I just simply think even Toner there isn't good enough and I accept he is the better option as at 6'10 you'd want to be but he just a poor player. Why not use 1 of Ulster lads which are better players.

As for Draggs my man that is 1 of best posts I've ever seen ha ha