Mike Ruddock Appointed Ireland Under-20 Coach

[Feicarsinn]

'Funny', like old cheese smells funny...

Don't tell me you've never had a good laugh at some bree.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

I don't agree that Allen Clarke did a good job. He may have won a 6 Nations crown but he did so by playing insipid 10 man rugby when it was clear that the strength of last year's team lay among the backs.

The u20s this season are once again strongest in the back line. Above all else I'd like the see the new coach put the ball in the hands of the skillful players and not "straight jacket" the team by making them play percentage rugby.

 

[munstermuffin]

I agree his style was a forwards game and we had quality backs but he got job done although I think we'd all agree it more about development than results. I hope that Ruddock does do well.
But snoop do you think we have a chance in 20s 6nations this year and Ruddocks style will be benefical. I know he has great experience but it different with a 20s team and a senior team

 

[Feicarsinn]

That's the thing about under 20 teams: They're not there to win ***les, they're there to bring players forward onto the senior team. Management should focus on improving skills, not trying to grind out close victories. Ruddock is a good coach, hopefully he'll help the young lads will rise through the ranks.

 

[munstermuffin]

Agreed 100% feic

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Munstermuffin, it's a talented bunch of players. Off the top of my head, Andrew Conway, Tiernan O'Halloran, Andrew Boyle, Brendan Macken, James McKinney, Gareth Quinn McDonagh, Jordi Murphy, Martin Moore, Niall Annett and David Doyle all featured on last season's team at various stages and all return this season. Others like Luke Marshall and Eoin McKeon have featured already/will feature for their provinces this season. I'm a big fan of the possible scrumhalf Peter Du Toit too. It's fair to say this will be an experienced team with the bulk of it's talented players in the back line. The pack is more of an unknown quantity.

I'm not familiar enough with the other squads in the 6 Nations to form an educated opinion on how Ireland will fare but this age group have beaten France (with a hugely weakened team), Wales, Scotland, Italy and Australia at u18 and u19 level. England's u18 team a couple of season's ago crushed everyone they faced so they'll probably be very strong this season.

 

[munstermuffin]

Have heard alot of good things about Du Toit but is he the prospect i've heard him to be. But I agree the lads are talented but it seems to be when we have such a talented bunch at our disposal we sometimes fail at the last hurdle although this year we have a favourable 6 Nations draw. (France and England at home)