The IRISH RUGBY thread

[Walter Cronc]

Looking like Van der Flier and McCloskey are set to start on Saturday. That's lifted the spirits!

Launchbury is a huge loss for England. Yes their confidence is high and they rarely lose at home but as ROG says its the same horse essentially, just with a different jockey.

[seafoid]

I think we are in for an ugly mauling at the weekend. This England team are on the up and will likely grind us down. It wont be entertaining in any respect.

Confidence up after Italy and Scotland. England are poor too.

[Walter Cronc]

Team named for Saturday

Ireland: Rob Kearney, Andrew Trimble, Robbie Henshaw, Stuart McCloskey, Keith Earls, Johnny Sexton, Conor Murray; Jack McGrath, Rory Best, Mike Ross, Devin Toner, Donnacha Ryan, CJ Stander, Josh van der Flier, Jamie Heaslip.

Replacements: Richardt Strauss, Cian Healy, Nathan White, Ultan Dillane,  Rhys Ruddock, Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, Simon Zebo.

[Dinny Breen]

Interesting team. Looking forward to seeing how the two boys get on and Dillane who should get his fist cap. Dillane could be the new poster boy of Connacht rugby, serious talent.

[Walter Cronc]

Dinny would I be right in saying that McCloskey, VdF and Dillane never started at Ireland U20 grade 2-3 years ago?

[seafoid]

Sexton to last how many minutes?
I saw an interview with Gatland where he said subs should be injury only

[Dinny Breen]

Dinny would I be right in saying that McCloskey, VdF and Dillane never started at Ireland U20 grade 2-3 years ago?

Fairly sure McCloskey didn't play 20s, classic late developer, he came to Ulster via the AIL. VDF was a mainstay though and Dillane was in the 20s extended squad, might have benched 1 or 2 games. Amazed that he had to go to Connacht, we don't produce many of his athletic ability is Ireland probably helped by the fact his Mum is from the Ivory Coast.

[Walter Cronc]

Dinny would I be right in saying that McCloskey, VdF and Dillane never started at Ireland U20 grade 2-3 years ago?

Fairly sure McCloskey didn't play 20s, classic late developer, he came to Ulster via the AIL. VDF was a mainstay though and Dillane was in the 20s extended squad, might have benched 1 or 2 games. Amazed that he had to go to Connacht, we don't produce many of his athletic ability is Ireland probably helped by the fact his Mum is from the Ivory Coast.

Dillane and Henderson could be quite the presence in a few years. Hendo providing the power and Dillane the athleticism.

[Dinny Breen]

Dinny would I be right in saying that McCloskey, VdF and Dillane never started at Ireland U20 grade 2-3 years ago?

Fairly sure McCloskey didn't play 20s, classic late developer, he came to Ulster via the AIL. VDF was a mainstay though and Dillane was in the 20s extended squad, might have benched 1 or 2 games. Amazed that he had to go to Connacht, we don't produce many of his athletic ability is Ireland probably helped by the fact his Mum is from the Ivory Coast.

Dillane and Henderson could be quite the presence in a few years. Hendo providing the power and Dillane the athleticism.

James Ryan from this years 20s as well, all very young though for International Rugby, 2nd rows generally peak late 20s early 30s. It's when they get their Daddy strength so to speak.

[Walter Cronc]

Yeah Ryan looks a beast of a lad. We really need Henderson to stay injury free over the next few years. You'd want 4 quality players in this position moving forward.

Be interesting to see Itoje gets on this Saturday. Looks a future England captain in the making.

[trileacman]

Any Irishmen play for Ireland anymore?

[Hound]

Any Irishmen play for Ireland anymore?

14 of the 15 starters!

Must be the highest proportion of lads who grew up in the country of any international rugby team

[muppet]

Owen Farrell playing very well for Ireland. 

[Crete Boom]

Owen Farrell playing very well for Ireland. 

Well both sets of his grandparents are Irish born and bred so he qualifies in my book anyway !!

[Tony Baloney]

Getting away with it so far.