Scotland v Ireland

[TRF_Olyy]

Parks and Southwell aren't massive losses though, in the grand scheme of things
Neither's Euan Murray, on current form

 

[Feicarsinn]

Lads I think Sexton is a better player than ROG but ROG is experienced. He made the difference in the last 2 games when he came on. You can argue that he didn't do anything amazing but its the little things he does well like making the right decision. The drop goal in front of the posts wasn't as straight forward as its made out to be. He'd a split second to catch it, take aim and score. I've seen them missed believe it or not!

********. We conceded more with him on the pitch against Italy and he nearly cost us a try in the corner. Got lucky. I don't buy that at all. The drop goal was very straight forward. It was literally the most straight forward drop goal you could ask for. Neil Francis could've made it.

 

[King_D'Arcy]

My Granny could've made that drop goal. and she has no legs!

 

[Logorrhea]

Matt Dunning could have made that drop goal.

It appears that Kidney picked O'Gara to reward form (according to his press conference). Good to see he is being consistent and managing players according to how they have played. We all remember how he rewarded O'Brien, Cullen, Reddan (and Boss), Jennings and immediately addressed the form issues with Darcy, O'Callaghan, O'Connell (who had barely played a game all year).

O'Garas selection in itself is not a problem (though the shite about him playing better is complete bullshit). I think it makes sense to rotate if you have a squad. What I find baffling is why he only rotates Munster players in. Why not give Cullen, Cronin or Paddy Wallace a shout? If we are rewarding form how could he have selected O'Callaghan, O'Leary and Darcy.

I no longer believe a word this guys says.

 

[munstermuffin]

O'Brien is in. And Cullen I can agree on and maybe Jennings although he's never impressed in green but Reddan hasn't been great Boss and Stringer are 2 9s at top in my opinion.
I think ROG deserves a go and let's just see how he goes. I agree Cullen deserves a go too but DOC has been 1 of our better forwards so far so can't understand him being ridiculed.

 

[Logorrhea]

O'Brien is in................. DOC has been 1 of our better forwards

Agree on both but ..........

1. O'Brien sat out the entire AI series except a meaningless game against Samoa. He was without doubt the form backrow forward in Europe. If Kidney likes to select form, why wasnt he rewarded? Same arguement applies to Mike Ross who had to sit with the A squad while Hayes and Buckle retreated at the rate of knots.

2. Doc has indeed been playing well. He was playing absolute shite though before he came into the Irish squad. Cullen was playing well. Cullen was previously overlooked in favour of MOD and now was overlooked in favour of an off-form DOC but Kidney has the nerve to talk about selecting on form?

My point is that Kidney talks about combinations, but only applies it to his favourites. He talks about form, but he only applies it when it benefits his favourites. He is a liar.

 

[Dougydeluxe]

The only thing I worry about Scotland is the fact that we really don't have a great replacement if one of our centers gets injured. I really hope that Ansbro continues to get game time at Northampton, it will give us more options for the RWC. If I have it my way Scotland will become the sleeper team of the tournament and surprise a few teams.

Also I think ROG has been playing alright. But I do think that they should be making more drastic changes in the Ireland squad. They are not playing great so it could have been a chance to try some stuff out before the England game, because that game is always heated no matter how bad one team may be.

 

[durbutter]

I think we can all agree that the problem here is that he is refusing to use the squad, or even drop players who are playing below their best. The team picked has no glaring errors.

 

[munstermuffin]

True but I'm on about NOW not the AIs etc. DOC deserves his spot. Stringer deserves his spot. Seanie O'Brien I'd like to think has nailed down his spot. And sexton/ROG battle is alot better than having 1 10.
Cullen didn't play the AI's due to injury too.

 

[Logorrhea]

I think we can all agree that the problem here is that he is refusing to use the squad, or even drop players who are playing below their best.

How can you say that, then follow it up with ...... "The team picked has no glaring errors"

True but I'm on about NOW not the AIs etc.

So examples of favouritism (3 months ago), and inconsistent selection from EOS V2 are just scrubbed from the record? Bullshit. Hes a lying sack of sh*t.

Cullen didn't play the AI's due to injury too.

I thought you were on about NOW and not the AIs. Either way, its another brilliant example. Cullen wasnt selected because of injury (though he was playing for Leinster) but Earls, who had actually played less rugby due to injury, was included.

During this six nations, Cullen has been overlooked for POC, though POC hasnt played a meaningful game all year.

More bullshit favouritism from Eddie O'Kidney.

 

[coonor]

His selection is poor. Allow I think both fly halves should get game time, I think it is unfair to replace Sexton who has been playing fine. D'Arcy not being dropped could send a negative vibe around the squad as he has been poor. I think Sexton was finding his feet quite well at this level and he provides a very positive threat. He hasn't been helped by the slow pass and poor box kicks to TOL but he has kicked his goals, made good tackles and create alot out wide. Its not Sextons fault if D'Arcy keeps dropping the ball. I am not to fussed about the front five as I thought they fronted up well against France but they need to stop giving away penalties.

Here are my alterations to the team:
Mcfadden in for D'Arcy at 12- I think we should take a bit of gamble and see what happens. He has been playing very well and he would pose a big threat in the centre with his strong running.

Sexton in for ROG- Sexton is playing well and he should not be dropped while others keep their place

Possibly Cronin in for Best

This will be a really tough game as Scotland have a very good side out.

 

[munstermuffin]

Log you said previously Cullen was overlooked for MOD (Which was in AIs). And Earls was playing rugby though and had a ****le in ankle. Leo had a serious shoulder operation that had to be rehabed carefully and Leinster I'm sure didn't want him risked needlessly either. So that point isn't right what your saying.
I'm not saying anything about past only it done and pointless thinking about it too much.

Anyway Coonor I agree with you but am looking forward to Sunday because Sexton will have studied and benefited from watching from stand and then with Stringers pass and his analysis of first 50/60 mins he could really do damage and be the game winner.
I agree also about McFadden been given a go at 12 bit presume Wallace wouldve been next in line and Kidney propably said the risk is to big

 

[Logorrhea]

I have no idea what your point is.

As I was saying, Kidneys bullshit excuses for bringing in more of his favourites are getting old. i dont believe a word of what he says

1. Cullen Injured but Earls ........ eh............... wasnt?
2. O'Gara a form selection but O'Leary, Darcy, O'Callaghan, MOD (ffs MOD), POC selected ahead of players in better form.
3. He likes combinations (DOC and POC) but wont play Reddan with Sexton (funny how O'Gara will get the better service of the two of em).

Everytime he has a decision to make, it goes in favour of his favourites and then he makes up some bullshit excuse as to why it was a valid call.

Hes a liar. That is my point. I dont object to his selections (he can play a Munster 15 for all I care now), I object to the shite he spoons out with his warped selections.

 

[munstermuffin]

1. Earls was out for 2 weeks, Cullen for 5months. Yes it doesn't make sense when compared with POC but we comparing with Earls. Also a back isn't as physically required as a forward.

2. O'Gara is in form but Sexton is too so I can see where DK is coming from but it not as if ROG isn't in form and I think Sexton will get the better service off Stringer.
May I add also that Earls actually proved his fitness in lead up to AIs.

DK didn't select MOD over Cullen when Cullen was available lately. I think Leinster people would even agree Cullen POC and DOC are much more advanced than rest of locks so can't argue then 3 been in 22 regardless of order.

ROG is also starting his first meaningful game in a long time so hardly favouritism there and may I just say there's more than DK who picks team

 

[Logorrhea]

What ....... Is ........ Your ........ Point?

Do you have one of your own, or are you just dissagreeing with a fraction of what Ive said?

 

[munstermuffin]

My point is basically you aren't talking with the fact and not really making sense.

 

[Feicarsinn]

My point is basically you aren't talking with the fact and not really making sense.

The irony of that post is delicious.


Anyway, major questions have to be asked of Mr. Kidney at this stage. As an Irish rugby fan, it's very frustrating to see the on form players overlooked for his favourites. How has Leo Cullen not had a start this championship despite being the form lock in the country? Why were Rory Best and Paul O'Connell rushed back from injury while there were perfectly good players their to take their places?(That has clearly backfired, the two lads have been no where near their best) Why has Tom O'Leary been picked this championship? Why has Fergus McFadden been dropped from the 22 while Gordon D'arcy starts? Why was Paddy Wallace picked on the bench for the Italy game leaving us no cover for a back three containing a winger making his debut and an inexperienced full back returning from injury? What has Ronan O'Gara done to get himself selected over Johnny Sexton? Why is Denis Leamy preferred on the bench to the much more capable Shane Jennings, the only genuine seven we have? Why?????

 

[munstermuffin]

Feic I can agree with majority of that and I agree Cullen shouldve had a start. I'd also agree that Leamy shouldve been replaced on bench by Jennings after Italy game. Stringer should be 9 with Sexton 10 picking on form. ROG is in fine form but Sexton isn't out of form and we were grand way it was I can accept that. I presume McFadden starting at 12 was seen as a risk but agree it wrong he out of 22.
Also agree that Cronin should be in hooking

 

[durbutter]

The irony of that post is delicious.


Anyway, major questions have to be asked of Mr. Kidney at this stage. As an Irish rugby fan, it's very frustrating to see the on form players overlooked for his favourites. How has Leo Cullen not had a start this championship despite being the form lock in the country? Why were Rory Best and Paul O'Connell rushed back from injury while there were perfectly good players their to take their places?(That has clearly backfired, the two lads have been no where near their best) Why has Tom O'Leary been picked this championship? Why has Fergus McFadden been dropped from the 22 while Gordon D'arcy starts? Why was Paddy Wallace picked on the bench for the Italy game leaving us no cover for a back three containing a winger making his debut and an inexperienced full back returning from injury? What has Ronan O'Gara done to get himself selected over Johnny Sexton? Why is Denis Leamy preferred on the bench to the much more capable Shane Jennings, the only genuine seven we have? Why?????

Central contracts Feic

POC, Best and TOL have 'em. D'Arcy and Wallace have 'em.

The incumbents don't. Thats why we're persisting with players out of form, and have stupid lack of outside backs on the bench.

 

[King_D'Arcy]

Kidney has become such a pain in the ass. Being conservative is fine when you're winning but when your team is playing shite you have to take risks. Play McFadden at 12 for example. Why continue with a system that's clearly not working? Kidney could lose his job after the world cup if things don't pick up, and they won't pick up til he starts making some changes