RWC: Ireland - United States (11-09-2011, 18:00)

[apollo]

USA looke dpathetic to me -terrible decision making -first half they were still driving on all their possesions

and they chose to kick away every time
-second the golden rule "run on the ball at pace-never did i see this-they would drive thirty meters then
pass it back 20 meters to someone standing still -child's play
they were backe dup on their goal and the scrum half chooses to kick a ten meter -instead of passing to the punter
that was for sure that at least one of ireland's tries was scored- also totally no flow going i wasa totally disappointed
but hope for a better showing next match

 

[M Two One]

The United States defense was quite impressive at times, though Ireland could have done some serious damage had they been able to actually hold onto the ball. At first I figured it to just be slick due to the rain, but considering how many times the Irish mishandled I think they were just crap.

The Eagles were terrible on offense with slow and uninspiring play. There was nothing to their game plan and at times you wonder if they even had one. It seemed like they were just hoping that tight, hard hitting defense would give them a shot at counter attacking, but when you run the ball the way they did you aren't going to get anywhere.

Lineouts were also an issue, which was the only consistent part of their play prior to the cup.

Still, a 22 - 10 loss is a good result and they will have momentum heading into their next match after that interception by Emerick. They seemed quite happy at full time. Some of the Irish players looked pretty ****** about the end result, though I can't blame them for playing the way they did. If they play like that against Australia, the Aussies are bound to destroy them.

Also, omitting Mike Hercus from the squad is still in question as he is still active and was not carrying an injury prior to selections.

Why isn't Brian Urlacher playing for the USA?

Because he's an injury prone piece of garbage playing the wrong sport - this coming from a Chicagoan.

 

[erwanseb]

the only way the BP comes into effect is if ireland beat australia, and italy beat ireland, then missing out on the USA BP could be crucial for ireland

Draws do exist in rugby.

 

[Darwin]

Just watched a replay of the game - Ireland weren't overly impressive, though to be fair none of the top nations were in their opening matchhes. A combination of wet conditions, poor handling from Ireland, and commited USA team meant it was not really the best spectical. I'm sure Ireland will be happy with their set peices (especially the scrum which was incredibly dominant), but will want to show a huge amount of improvement in all other areas before they face the Wallabies this weekend.

The loose-trio wasn't overly effective for Ireland, though Ferris individually had a pretty good game. I wasn't impressed at all with Murray at halfback - he made a number of errors, took the ball himself far too often (with little impact), seemed slow to the breakdown, and his kicking was poor. Sexton didn't have a particularily strong game either, and Tom Bowe dropped a lot of ball (though did manage to hang on twice to score tries...). O'Driscoll looked dangerous, but didn't really get enough ball, and was particularily impressed by Earls.

 

[nickdnz]

The Eagles were terrible on offense with slow and uninspiring play. There was nothing to their game plan and at times you wonder if they even had one. It seemed like they were just hoping that tight, hard hitting defense would give them a shot at counter attacking, but when you run the ball the way they did you aren't going to get anywhere.

Also, omitting Mike Hercus from the squad is still in question as he is still active and was not carrying an injury prior to selections.

I agree with all of this. It was pretty frustrating to watch, as while the US had good defense, they didn't really even look to play expansive rugby, which is a shame considering their talent. Emerick looked good when ever he had the ball, hitting the line hard and Ngwenya did pretty well with what he got, despite being totally starved of ball. I think that if they tries to play a bit more expansively they potentially may have lost by a slightly larger margin, but they'd gain experience from it and may have upset Ireland. It seemed the equivalent of a boxer of of a boxer who'd be down on points and still consistantly throw jabs, they were just in damage control.

I also think Mike Hercus is probably a mistake. I think he would have involved the US backline a bit more and at least try to expand further out wide.

 

[lhprop1]

If the US had even the slightest bit of creativity and drive on offense as they did on defense, the match was theirs for the taking.

Not to make excuses, but I think it might have been wetter than it seemed on tv. Even on short runs, guys were sliding all around and the ball seemed especially greasy. Perhaps that's the main reason for the US keeping it tight and playing crash ball.

 

[M Two One]

What I did like that I didn't mention before is that the US didn't seem tired even towards the end of the match. The number of tackles they made in that first half alone not to have given up more points is respectable.

I agree with all of this. It was pretty frustrating to watch, as while the US had good defense, they didn't really even look to play expansive rugby, which is a shame considering their talent. Emerick looked good when ever he had the ball, hitting the line hard and Ngwenya did pretty well with what he got, despite being totally starved of ball. I think that if they tries to play a bit more expansively they potentially may have lost by a slightly larger margin, but they'd gain experience from it and may have upset Ireland. It seemed the equivalent of a boxer of of a boxer who'd be down on points and still consistantly throw jabs, they were just in damage control.

I also think Mike Hercus is probably a mistake. I think he would have involved the US backline a bit more and at least try to expand further out wide.

I was quite content through most of the first half up until that last minute try by the Irish. I figured that after a first half of damage control, and doing quite well at it to boot, that the US would loosen up and try to run at them. Instead, it was more of the same and the Irish found those gaps to take control and win. Who knows how it could have gone had the US played more expansive rugby.

What a shame it was not to involve their backs more. The US have a fairly strong number of wingers that should have been utilized. Ngwenya hardly given opportunities is what really annoyed me though. As you've mentioned, Emerick was good whenever he had the ball and they should really look into using him more dynamically. I also liked Moeakiola when he came on because he worked hard to get his tackles and made a lot of important ones in a short period of time to shut down further scoring opportunities.

Anyway, I don't see them playing the way they did when they face Russia, which should be one hell of a match for the neutrals. The US did not play some of their best players against the Irish, so we should definitely keep an eye out for Tai Enosa and Chris Wyles. I also believe they have a potential star in Colin Hawley. I'd like to see him out there against Italy or Australia.

 

[profitius]

Theres been a hysterical reaction to the match. Yes Ireland were poor but the first test comes this saturday. Neither France, SA, NZ or England were at their best either and all were playing in matches they were expected to win.

We need some ball carriers in the team. I'd have Healy, SOB and Donnacha Ryan in the team and leave it the way it is. If it rains then bring in Boss for Murray.

 

[monkeypigeon]

Ryan isn't really a great ball carrier. Maybe in the Magners leage but that's about it. When he gets back he may have a problem hetting into a team with Peter O'Mahony and Ian Nagle. He's that average.

he'll be a bench player for most of the rest of his carreer.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Theres been a hysterical reaction to the match. Yes Ireland were poor but the first test comes this saturday. Neither France, SA, NZ or England were at their best either and all were playing in matches they were expected to win. .

If it was a one off, I'd agree that the reaction is over the top however Ireland have been poor since the beginning of 2010. England at home in the 6 Nations last season is the only good performance I can think of. The defence is functioning, the pack is okay but the backs are atrocious yet nothing has been done to address this. How can backs who look so creative for their provinces consistently be devoid of ideas for the national team?

 

[munstermuffin]

Monkey - Ryan will be battling DOC for the 4 jersey and I'd rate him better than average lock.

 

[monkeypigeon]

If it was a one off, I'd agree that the reaction is over the top however Ireland have been poor since the beginning of 2010. England at home in the 6 Nations last season is the only good performance I can think of. The defence is functioning, the pack is okay but the backs are atrocious yet nothing has been done to address this. How can backs who look so creative for their provinces consistently be devoid of ideas for the national team?

The backs are amazing. They can pass it across the field + Variables.


Scrumhalf to outhalf. roll a 6 for a snipe into nearest forward, roll a 1 for pass to pod of forwards, 2 for box kick (the roll again - odd numbers are bad box kick, evens for reasonable decent box kick), 3-5 is a pass.

Outhalf roll a 1 or 2 for Kick. Otherwise pass

First centre rolls a 2 or 6 then he drops it. If catch successful, then roll again - Roll a 1 or 3 for crashball, roll 2 or 4 pass to outside centre, rule 5 for lots of side steps but tackled 5 metres before gainline, roll a 6 then roll again - second 6 for an intercept pass.

Outside centre. Roll 1 for kick, roll 2 for attempted break, roll 3-5 pass to wing, roll 6 then roll again (on rolling again, odds throw the ball directly into touch or hospital pass - Roll evens, ball gets to wing).

Wing. Roll 1-5 to catch then run meet opposition, roll 6 to knock on. Roll again if 1-5.
Upon second roll, roll 1-2, get tackled into touch. Upon rolling a 3-4 use some move to get past player, roll 5 for kick (roll die again, ascending scale of 1-6 to judge quality), 6 is roll again (roll again 1-2, go to ground, 3-4 intercept pass, 5-6 roll again [upon third roll 1-4 remain the same, but 5 - 6 becomes - HOLY ****, I ACTUALLY HAVE SUPPORT - offload/pass]).

If you do the maths, there is loads of variation on how that may go...



Which gives us a 9.333333.... chance of getting the ball to the wing. Which is about right. And about a 2 percent chance of making a break likely to score. 1 in 50 phases sounds about right for our team ta the moment.

 

[alexrugby]

if this play (shown against USA) is the mainstay of Irish team then your guys will never reach even quarter finals

 

[TRF_Cymro]

USA showed some promise but sadly lack quality in certain positions.

Clever and Emerick were the best for the USA because they have played rugby at a higher level than most in the squad consistently and it showed.

I agree with others that not taking / playing Hercus was a mistake. He is a good player which the USA needed.

 

[profitius]

If it was a one off, I'd agree that the reaction is over the top however Ireland have been poor since the beginning of 2010. England at home in the 6 Nations last season is the only good performance I can think of. The defence is functioning, the pack is okay but the backs are atrocious yet nothing has been done to address this. How can backs who look so creative for their provinces consistently be devoid of ideas for the national team?

They've been playing it from side to side all the time. Other teams see how they're playing and spread their defense across the pitch which leaves no space for the backs. In all the games so far they've ignored the opposition which means they've not been too concerned about results.

Against Australia they'll look to make the hard yards first, using the forwards and then put it wide. They like to play a high tempo game like Australia so win or lose it I think we might see a big improvement in performance. The set pieces and defense seem to be going well and they'll have a full team together and some moves up their sleeves for the Australian game. I'm optimistic about it.

 

[profitius]

Ryan isn't really a great ball carrier. Maybe in the Magners leage but that's about it. When he gets back he may have a problem hetting into a team with Peter O'Mahony and Ian Nagle. He's that average.

he'll be a bench player for most of the rest of his carreer.

He made a difference coming in to the backrow at the end of the season.

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

My Team for Aus:

1.Cian Healy
2.Rory Best
3.Mike Ross
4.Donkey O'Callaghan
5.Paul O'Connell
6.Stephan Ferris
7.Shane Jennings
8.Sean O'Brien
9.Eoin Reddan
10.Ronan O'Gara
11.Andrew Trimble
12.Johnny Sexton
13.Brian O'Driscoll
14.Tommy Bowe
15.Rob Kearney (depending on fitness)


Predicted Team and Declan Kiddenme's thought process:

1. Tony Buckley (Munster hasn't played enough for Sale to be contaminated)
2. Jerry Flannery (Munster)
3. Mike Ross (Sure he's from Cork)
4. Donkey O'Callaghan
5. Paul O'Connell
6. Donkey Ryan (Munster)
7. David Wallace (Even if he's on crutches he's better than anything from Leinster)
8. Jim Williams (Sure he played for Munster and is just sitting across the way from me there)
9. Tomas O'Leary (This guy just completes the team)
10. Ronan O'Gara
11. Keith Earls (Sure he's the best player ever like)
12. Johnny Sexton (Sure his dad is from Kerry)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (umm... Sure his name is O'Driscoll he's from west Cork like)
14. Ian Dowling (Sure we'll get him out of retirement for this)
15. Christian Cullen (Sure who cares if he was an All Black, he played for Munster)

 

[dangandan]

It seems since the uprise in popularity of rugby in Ireland it has resulted in the players believing they are real celebrities. Perhaps companies should cut back on sponsorships and we will see an increase on performances on the field. There are players like Gordon D'Arcy, Donncha O'Callaghan and Brian O'Driscoll who are living off previous laurels and have shown nothing for recent performances. If they were to show these performances playing for other top tier nations they would find themselves only playing for clubs or retired. Like the economy in Ireland, it seems we coast on our past successes. Some people have said that we are holding back a game plan but really when is it going to materialise?

 

[dangandan]

Theres been a hysterical reaction to the match. Yes Ireland were poor but the first test comes this saturday. Neither France, SA, NZ or England were at their best either and all were playing in matches they were expected to win.

We need some ball carriers in the team. I'd have Healy, SOB and Donnacha Ryan in the team and leave it the way it is. If it rains then bring in Boss for Murray.

I'm sorry, but we have gone down hill since the last 4 warm up matches, and there were signs prior to this in the Six Nations. You've got to appreciate the amount of money paid by serious Irish supporters for each game no matter who we go against. Our players are turning out mediocre performances. There is no excuse for that. I do think we have the potential of being serious contenders but it seems we are lacking the tactics.

 

[munstermuffin]

Think is that O'Callaghan, D'Arcy and O'Driscoll to a certain extent are only surviving based on their performances in past not on form.
We haven't blooded new guys into the squad in them positions and well now we are caught in a puzzle.

Hagan, O'Malley, Spence, Felix Jones, Murray, Domnic Ryan and few others should've been thrown in training squads 2 years ago and look back then they'd have little chance of gametime but they'd be given a chance and would benefit from experience.